Dal Lake and Nagin Lake Kashmir
Five miles long and two and half miles wide, the Dal Lake happens to
be one of the most visited lakes in India. Travellers flock to the Kashmir
Valley to enjoy shikara (a look-alike of the Venetian gondola) ride and to
live in houseboats moored at near the Dal Gate. During summers, the Dal Lake
is laden with lotuses while winters cover it with impressive looking snow
and ice. Adjoining the Dal Lake lies the another famous lake in the Kashmir
Valley – the Nagin Lake. These water bodies are of great ecological and
socio-economic significance. These lakes with multi-faceted eco-system and
grandeur have been inviting the attention of both national and international
tourists.
What surrounds the Dal Lake?
Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful
lakes of India and the second largest in the J&K state. Its three sides
are surrounded by majestic mountains and a large number of gardens and
orchards have been laid along the shores. The campus of University of
Kashmir is also located along the shores of the lake. Dal Lake is unique in
having hundreds of houseboats, which afford an opportunity for tourists to
reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Areas of the Dal Lake are clustered with sloping roofed houses on islands,
while other parts appear lush and green like well-tended gardens. As the eye
travels onwards, houseboats, houses and vegetation cease abruptly, and two
enormous sheet-like expanses of water, the Bod Dal & Lokut Dal, come
into view.
Sailing on to the Nagin Lake
Leading from the Dal lake is the
smaller Nagin Lake. Here, the waters are edged by trees of willow and poplar
whose reflection is mirrored in the lake. The waters of the lakes are
pleasantly cool from mid-May to mid-September. Nagin Lake, which is farther
from town, have magnificent views of the mountains.
Salesmen paddle from boat to boat, selling everything you could want such
as cold drinks, fruit, nuts, fresh flowers, film, baked goods, papier-mache
boxes, woolen shawls, silk carpets, leather goods, money-changing services
and on and on. The gentle soothing motion of the boat, as it glides along
the water of these lakes, is unbelievably romantic.
Shikara Rides on Dal Lake
During your trip to the Kashmir Valley,
there lies an opportunity to enjoy a tranquil shikara ride along the
pristine waters of the Dal Lake. A shikara ride along the lake takes you to
visit sites like Nehru Park, Kanutur Khana, Charchinari, a number of
floating islands and typical vegatable farmer villages. The popular Mughal
gardens, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, and the much renowned Hazratbal
Shrine are directly accessible by a shikara. Shopping during your shikara
ride right there on the lake also turns out to be a wonderful real-life
experience.
Staying on Houseboats
A stay on a houseboat on the Dal Lake means
living on the water in a cedar-panelled elegant bedroom, with all the luxury
of a star-rated hotel. The Tourism Department has accordingly graded the
houseboats depending on the degree of luxury they provide. The houseboat
categories include Deluxe, A, B, C and D. A standard houseboat on Dal Lake
features a dining room, a lounge, a balcony and 3 or more bedrooms. The
rooms inside a luxury houseboat are furnished with fine furniture and good
carpets along with modern bathroom fittings. Some of these houseboats also
offer a free shikara service up to the closest ghat.
