Dal Lake and Nagin Lake Kashmir

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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.