Dal Lake

The Dal Lake is the most prominent visual identity of Kashmir. Srinagar is built around this lake and almost every place in the city is described relative to the lake. This second largest lake in Kashmir is spread over 18 square kilometers and has a shoreline of 15.5 kilometers. Natural wetlands and floating gardens make up the periphery of the lake. These floating gardens or ‘Rad’, as they are known locally are where tulips bloom in July and August. Natural wetlands are divided by four causeways: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bog Dal and Nageen. Because of its size, the Nageen is considered a separate lake in itself. The famous Char Chinar and Sona Lank are islands in the centre of the Lokut Dal and Bog Dal respectively. No visit to Srinagar is complete without a Shikara (wooden boat) ride on the Dal. Twilight and sunset hours are best for the ride. The lake looks resplendent with myriad hues of the glowing orange sky and lights from the city reflecting off the glistening calm of the lake. The ride tops the list of things to do for honeymooners visiting the capital city of Kashmir. While riding the shikara, a number of boats will float past you trying to sell Kashmiri handicrafts, saffron, to fruits, flowers and vegetables.Dal Lake has a long association with Bollywood. The iconic song Yeh chaand sa roshan chehra from the movie ‘Kashmir ki Kali’ was shot here and other movies like Junglee, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Lamhaa, Mission Kashmir, Kabhi Kabhi also feature Dal prominently.