Dal Lake

Dal Lake is situated in the hub of the modern city ofSrinagar, the summer capital of the State. The urban lake which is the second largest in the state is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is nick named asSrinagars Jewel.

The shoreline of the lake 15.5 km approx is encompassed by boulevard lined with hotels, parks, restaurants and shops selling cashmere (pashmina) shawls, capes, beautiful paper mache products, carpets and chain stitch rugs. many of these shops and restraunts are

open till mid night during the tourist season.

Scenic view of the lake can be witnessed from the shorelineMughalGardensbuilt during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, from the houseboats and from the colourful shikaaras cruising along the lake. A recent addition to the beauty of the boulevard is the Royal Springs golf course. Daily needs and small nick nacks can be bought from the floating markets which are the shikaaras selling selling their merchandise from house boat to house boat.

In the center of the lake is an island named chaar chinaar which has been named after the four chinar trees on it. This property belongs to the royal family ofJammu and kashmir. Nehru park, which is a floating park on the lake is about 55 yards from the boulevard. It gives a splendid view of the lake, boulevard and the mountains around. There are small shops and stalls iin the park selling hot aswell as cold beverages and light snacks.

During the winter season, soometimes the temperature falls as low as -11 degrees celsius, freezing the lake.Often people can be found ice skating on the lake at that time. Ideal time to visit the lake is during the month of April September.