Dal Lake
ڈل جھیل
The soul of Srinagar, where houseboats, shikara boats and a floating market make up Kashmir's most iconic scene.
Dal Lake covers about 18 square km, and its shores are lined with carved wooden houseboats. Spending a night on one is a signature experience of visiting Kashmir. A shikara (small boat) tour around the lake takes about 1-2 hours and passes lake islets, floating vegetable gardens and lotus areas. The floating vegetable market, which runs from 5 to 7 a.m., needs to be arranged with your boatman in advance. Shikara fares are negotiated by the hour, so agree on the duration and route before you board. Along Boulevard Road on the lake's east shore are the Mughal gardens.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Nishat Bagh
- Char Chinar
- Shalimar Bagh
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
- Hazratbal Shrine
- Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden
- Chashme Shahi
- Nigeen Lake