About Dal Lake
Prime Day & Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours approximately
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station, 22 km away
Nearest Airport: Sheikh Ul Alam Airport, 24 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: TRC Bus Stop, 10 km away
Dal Lake is one of the most iconic and popular places to visit in Srinagar. Also known as the ‘Jewel of Kashmir’, it is famous for its dynamic beauty, houseboats, floating gardens and stunning Himalayan views.
Include Dal Lake in your Kashmir packages to enjoy a soothing shikara ride, glide past some floating gardens and admire the traditional wooden houseboats. You will also get to witness the floating market, in which vendors on different shikaras sell fresh produce, snacks, flowers and even handicrafts. You can interact with the locals, and enjoy shopping for some memorable souvenirs.
Since Dal Lake is surrounded by the famous Mughal Gardens, you can stop there to enjoy the lush greenery for leisurely strolls. Additionally, there are several places near Dal Lake like Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, and Pari Mahal that offer breathtaking views and cultural experiences. To enhance the overall experience of your visit, you can even spend a night at the traditional Dal Lake houseboats
Dal Lake Highlights
• Admire the scenic beauty of Dal Lake, ‘the crown jewel of Kashmir’, surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks.
• Glide across the lake in a traditional shikara boat, exploring the unique floating gardens, ‘Raad’, and the vibrant local life on the water.
• Shop from the iconic floating markets, selling fresh produce, handicrafts, spices and flowers.
• Spend the night in an intricately carved wooden houseboat and experience Kashmir’s warm hospitality.
• Visit the Mughal-era gardens surrounding the lake like Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh for rich cultural insights.
How To Reach Dal Lake
By Road: Dal Lake is located at a distance of around 14 km from the city centre of Srinagar. You can easily reach the attraction by car with a short 26-minute ride, via Boulevard Road.
Best Time To Visit Dal Lake
Peak Season (April to June)
- Weather Insights: Pleasant Weather, blooming flowers and a lively ambiance
- Things To Do: Shikara ride, water sports, sightseeing and stay in a houseboat
Moderate Season (July to September)
- Weather Insights: Occasional rains, lush greenery and fewer crowds
- Things To Do: Shikara ride, shikhara festival, houseboat stay
Low Season (October to March)
- Weather Insights: Frozen lake, chilly temperatures and snow-covered landscapes
- Things To Do: Birdwatching, walking over frozen lake and leisurely strolls
Dal Lake Other Essential Information
Why Visit Dal Lake?
- Dal is not a single lake, it comprises four smaller interconnected lakes- Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin.
- It is believed that Dal Lake once used to be a glacial lake, while others believe that it is a result of the flooding of the Jhelum River.
- Dal Lake’s famous houseboats originated during British rule, as foreigners were prohibited from owning land in Kashmir.
- The lake is home to around 50,000 people and everything here floats, including shops, schools and ATMs.
- The lake’s floating post office, the only one in the world, has operated from a houseboat since British colonial times.
- The lake partially freezes during harsh winters, sometimes thick enough for people to walk or play on its icy surface.
- The annual Dal Lake Regatta, organised during Kashmir’s tourism festivals, features thrilling boat races and cultural performances.
Know Before You Go to Dal Lake:
- Remember to carry warm clothes in all seasons as the temperature drops significantly at night.
- Book your houseboats in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and better options.
- Feel free to negotiate for the shikara rides to ensure a good deal and avoid paying extra.
- Maintain the serenity of the environment and avoid littering in the lake.
- Be prepared during monsoon season, as the shikara rides sometimes get restricted due to extreme rain.
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Take A Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
The Shikara Ride on Dal Lake is one of the most iconic activities to try in Kashmir. It is a unique way of exploring the lake’s scenic beauty as well as the local culture of Kashmir. During your soothing ride, you will glide through floating gardens, floating markets and the iconic Mughal Gardens. Additionally, you can enjoy photography, bird watching, chatting with the locals and sunset or sunrise watching.
Enjoy Water Sports
Apart from the traditional experiences, you can also include some fun and adventurous water activities in your Kashmir honeymoon packages. For a soothing experience, you can either enjoy a banana boat ride, go cycling on an aqua cycle or paddle through the calm water in a kayak. However, for some adventurous fun, you can try jet skiing, speedboat rides, or water surfing.
Indulge in Local Delicacies
The floating restaurants are a unique feature of Dal Lake which allows you to admire the beauty of the lake while relishing in Kashmiri cuisine. You can indulge in delicious local delicacies like kahwa, rogan josh, bakarkhani bread and Nadru Monje. Some of the best eateries that you can try include Shikara Cafe, Sukoon Houseboat and Pasadona Floating Houseboat.
Stay in a Houseboat
Staying in a traditional wooden houseboat on Dal Lake is one of the top things to do in Srinagar. These floating accommodations are known for their intricate wooden carvings, cosy ambience and stunning views. One of the best experiences of staying in a houseboat is to spend the night stargazing and then wake up to a mesmerising sunrise view.
Tourism Board Alliances
Dal Lake FAQs
Why is Dal Lake so famous?
Also known as the ‘crown jewel of Kashmir’, Dal Lake is famous for its pristine beauty, shikaras and traditional houseboats. It is also known for its floating gardens, locally known as ‘Raad’, which includes the vibrant lotus gardens. Additionally, the lake’s dynamic beauty which changes over different seasons, makes it Kashmir’s most iconic attraction.
Which side of Dal Lake is best?
The front side of Dal Lake through Boulevard Road is considered to be one of the best sides of the lake. It is the cleanest and most picturesque side, lined with Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. It is also one of the best sides to stay in a houseboat as you wake up to a mesmerising sight of the lake during sunrise.
How many people can sit in a shikara?
Regular shikara rides in Dal Lake can accommodate up to 4-6 people, including the rower. However, there are larger shikaras which can accommodate up to 8 passengers. All of these boats are comfortable and well-cushioned, offering a smooth and relaxing experience.
Which is the best month to visit Dal Lake?
April to June is considered to be one of the best months to visit Dal Lake in Srinagar. During these summer months, you can enjoy pleasant weather, a lively ambiance and admire freshly bloomed flowers. Additionally, you can indulge in various water sports like banana boating, speed boating and boat rides.
What is the timing of the Dal Lake light show?
The Dal Lake light and sound show starts around 7:00 in the evening. It is a daily show that takes place around three times in the evening. The 20-30 minutes of the show take you through Kashmir’s vibrant culture and history via colourful lights, dramatic effects and sounds.
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