Dal Lake

Dal Lake is one of the main attractions of Srinagar and it is a maze of intricate waterways.

It has 5 basins and a number of channels that are well linked with each other.  The Dal Lake contains vegetable gardens, lotus plantations, shops and narrow lanes of water, bordered with the  trees. The lake is divided into Gagribal, Bod Dal and Lokut Dal by a series of causeways.

Within the Dal Lake there are two islands which are famous picnic spots for locals and tourists as well. Silver Island (Sona Lank) and Gold Island (Rupa Lank). There is a third island, Nehru Park, at the end of the main stretch of the lake side Boulevard. The sparkling waters of Dal Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains on its 3 sides, undoubtedly mark it as one of the most beautiful lakes of India. It is also the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir with numerous gardens and orchards all along its shores. There are Shikaras that look like small ornate versions of the gondolas of Venice that offers ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the houseboats.