Dal lake of Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in India. Dal is a Himalayan urban lake which is mainly used for tourism. It has been and continues to be a part of the poetry by some renowned poets. The second largest lake of Jammu and Kashmir state, Dal Lake is encircled by magnificent mountains on three sides. Adorning the banks of the Dal Lake is a number of blooming gardens and orchards. Five basins and a number of channels well linked with each other are some of the features of the lake.

Dal Lake is approximately 6 km by 3 km in size and changes its moods and scenery after every few kilometers. In 1200 AD, the lake covered an area of 75 sq km. By the 1980s, only 25 sq. km survived, and today this lake stretches over barely 12 sq. km. All this has drastically reduced the size of the lake.

The embankments of Dal Lake also house a number of Mughal monuments and the campus of the University of Kashmir. Further beautifying the scenery of the lake are two hillocks that house the famous shrine of Shankaracharya and Hari Parbat temples. The other unique features of the Dal Lake are the famous Shikaras and Houseboats. Numerous houseboats line the lake, providing their guests with serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. The Shikaras provide ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the houseboats.

During winter season there is snowfall in Srinagar and the whole of Dal Lake is covered with snow. But during summer months one can enjoy a Shikara ride. Shikara is the local boat of Srinagar. The lake has floating gardens in it which are known as Rad in local Kashmiri language. These floating gardens make for a beautiful scenary especially in the months of July and August with lively blooming lotus all around. an interesting fact about Dal Lake is that people even have their homes on it. They live on the local houseboats, Shikara and cultivate floating gardens in the lake.

How to Reach Dal Lake :-

Dal Lake a prime attraction of Srinagar is located close to airport, railway staion and can be easily reached.

Most of the roads connecting Srinagar to other parts of the country are closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. National Highway, 1-A, is the only road which is accessible to Srinagar all round the year including winter months. The road connects Jammu to Srinagar with the total distance being about 300 km. Buses and rental cars are available from Jammu to Srinagar.