Dal Lake
:- the
Lake of Flowers
Nature has bestowed the valley of Kashmir with beautiful and alluring scenic views. The natural water bodies are the main attraction to the visitors. There are so many rivers and lakes that rise from this valley.
Dal Lake
is one of the lakes in Kashmir that is famous all over the world and visitors from everywhere in the world come here and enjoy their best time here.
Dal Lake is the second largest lake in the valley. It is also known as the Lake of Flowers and the Jewel in the crown of Kashmir. The beautiful view of the lake can be seen from the banks and the Mughal Gardens as well.
The main attraction of the lake is the beautiful house-boats and the colorful Shikaras. The mountains of Zabarwan surround the lake on three sides. The lakes include wetlands and the floating gardens, called “Radal” in Kashmiri, where the lotus flowers bloom every year during July and August. The wetlands are divided into four parts:-
1. Gagribal
2. Lokut-Dal
3. Bodd-Dal
4. Nigeen
Although the Nigeen lake to be independent. The Lokut-Dal and the Bodd-Dal have island parts known as Rop-Lank and Sona Lank respectively.
Rop Lank is also known as Char-Chinar. It is an island in Dal Lake, with the presence of four big Chinar trees at four corners.
The lake also has a floating vegetable and flower market that you get to see early in the morning. Lotus stem is harvested from Dal Lake which adds more taste and elegance to the cuisine of Kashmir.
The best time to visit Dal Lake is from March-October, as it is a summer resort. During summer people love to do
Shikaara ride
, swimming, fishing, boating and, snow-skiing is also done during winter when the lake gets frozen due to the harsh cold.
Visitors also love to spend their time in the beautiful
house boats
, for they are well-maintained inside. House-boat stay is perfect for the honeymoon couples, the solo-travelers and, all the visitors who love to experience the elegancy.
If you are planning your trip to Kashmir, a visit to Dal Lake should be at the top of your priority list. The package provided by Duke Kashmir Travels will provide you the cab service, that will drop you at Dal Lake and the Shikara ride will be complementary and a one-night stay can also be provided as per your requirement.
How to reach:-
The distance between the Srinagar International Airport and Dal Lake is 17 km and it will take you almost 30 minutes by cab.
If you are traveling from Jammu, the distance covered will be 270 km and this road trip will take you 8 hours.