ANCHAR LAKE

About Anchar Lake

• Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, Sunrise and Sunset hours
• Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours 
• Tickets-Free entry
• Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station, 8 km away
• Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport, 20 km away 
• Nearest Bus Stop: Lal Chowk, 10 km away

Explore the beautiful Anchar Lake, located in the northern part of Srinagar city if you are wishing for a serene escape from city life. This freshwater lake is connected to the Dal Lake through a channel and is cited as a popular tourist attraction in Srinagar for nature lovers. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, the lake is a photographer’s paradise. The calm waters of the lake also attract many migratory birds like pochards, mallards and snipes offering an incentive for birding enthusiasts to also visit here. 

The lake invites you for an unforgettable getaway with Kashmir tour packages with a relaxing Shikara boat ride in its pristine surroundings. In addition to its picturesque beauty, the lake is known for its floating gardens. These floating gardens are an important part of Kashmiri culture where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables while you are sailing on your boat in the lake.

Anchar Lake Highlights

• Enjoy a relaxing boat ride at the Anchar Lake, a beautiful freshwater lake in Srinagar city of Jammu and Kashmir. 
• Get a chance to catch sight of migratory birds like pochards, mallards and snipes taking flight in the scenic surroundings. 
• Appreciate the local culture when you pass through the vibrant floating gardens during early mornings and evenings at the Anchar Lake. 
• Relax with a soothing break in the lush green surroundings for a day outing in Srinagar at this lake. 

How To Reach Anchar Lake

By Road: 

Private car/Auto-rickshaw: Anchar Lake is 10 km from Srinagar’s city centre and is accessible via a private taxi or an auto rickshaw. It takes about 30 minutes to cover the distance via Dr Ali Jan Road in Srinagar. 

Best Time To Visit Anchar Lake

Peak Season (March to August)

• Weather insights: The weather is pleasant with clear blue skies with temperatures varying between 30°C to 10°C. 
• Things to do: Boating 

Moderate Season (September to November) 

• Weather insights: cooler temperatures ranging between 12 and 15 degrees 
• Things to do: Picnic, and photography at one of the popular places to visit in Srinagar. 

Low Season (December to February)

• Weather insights: Witness a winter wonderland with temperatures ranging between 4-15 degrees Celsius. 
• Things to do: Photography, birdwatching.

Anchar Lake Other Essential Information

Why Visit Anchar Lake? 

• The lake has been considered very important for a long time in Srinagar as it is a source of water for irrigation. 
• It is connected to the Dal Lake through the Amir Khan Nallah, a small channel of water. 
• Anchar Lake is home to the Hanji Community, a traditional Kashmiri community of indigenous fishermen and boatmen. 
• The lake has shrunken to a size of 6.8 sq km from its original size of 19.4 sq km due to pollution and encroachment. 

Know Before You Go  

• This lake is best visited with warm layers, especially during winter in Srinagar.
• Avoid littering at the lake and make sure to take back your garbage after visiting Anchar Lake. 
• Be respectful of the local traditions and politely take permission from people before clicking their pictures at Anchar Lake. 
• Support local conservation efforts to ensure the ecological balance is not disturbed at Anchar Lake. 
• Avoid venturing alone to distant uninhabited areas around the lake as it can be unsafe.
• Connect with the locals to know more about the traditions and history of Anchar Lake.