Dal Lake, Srinagar - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 3 km from Srinagar Bus Station, Dal Lake is an urban lake located in Srinagar. Also known as the 'Jewel of Srinagar', it is the largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir and among the top places to visit in Srinagar.

Enclosed by splendid Pir Panjal mountains and Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake covers over an area of 18 square kilometers. It is on an average 5 ft deep and goes to a maximum of 20 ft at some places. Dal Lake is part of a natural wetland that covers 21 square kilometers including floating gardens. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins- Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nigeen. Lokut Dal and Bod Dal each have an island in the center, known as Rup Lank or Char Chinar and Sona Lank respectively.

According to legend, there are two theories for the origin of the lake. One states that it is a post-glacial lake that has undergone a lot of changes in size over the years whereas the other theory states that, the Dal Lake was formed due to flood spillage from the Jhelum River. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations like fishing and water plant harvesting. Reckoned to be the pride of Kashmir tourism, Dal Lake is the most popular place to visit as part of Srinagar tour packages.

The 18 km long shoreline of the lake is encompassed by a line of Mughal era gardens, parks, and famous houseboats. Tourists visiting Dal Lake love to take a ride in the beautiful Shikaras, which are basically wooden boats decorated beautifully with canopies overhead. The houseboats on the lake are also the top attraction and the best accommodation option in Srinagar for tourists. It is ideal for family vacationers, honeymoon couples, and even solo travellers seeking peace.

Dal Lake is also one of the best locations in Kashmir for film shooting as it offers some incredible vistas of lofty rolling hills, the distant snow-capped mountains, shikaras cruising quietly, and the houseboat standing still with the perfect poise. Along with being a popular place for nature lovers, Dal Lake even invites the fishing enthusiast with its plethora of fish along with Carp. In addition to this, the floating vegetable and flower market is a major place to see.

A unique shopping experience in Dal Lake is that of the lake market, which includes many shops located right in the midst of the lake. Much like a roadside market would have, hawkers are present here as well. They have Shikaras of their own and have all sorts of goods for sale, which include Kashmir's specialties such as wooden artwork, handmade earrings, saffron, and even Kashmiri ponchos.

Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM

Cost of Shikara Ride: Rs. 550 for 1 hour, Rs. 800 for 2 hours, and Rs. 1050 for 3 hours.