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Dal Lake

Dal Lake, nestled in the Himalayas, has rightfully become an icon of the Kashmir tourism industry.

The ideal time to visit Dal Lake is from May to November when the weather is pleasantly mild.

Dal Lake, nestled in the Himalayas, has rightfully become an icon of the Kashmir tourism industry. This urban lake boasts five basins and a network of interconnected channels. Abundant fish populate its waters, making fishery the second largest industry in the region centered around the lake.


The serene, sparkling waters of Dal Lake are surrounded by snow-capped mountains on three sides, undoubtedly marking it as one of India's most beautiful lakes. Ranking as the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, Dal Lake is adorned with numerous gardens and orchards along its shores.


Houseboats are an indelible part of the Dal Lake scenery, offering romantic and peaceful rides to tourists. As these houseboats glide over the slightly rippling waters, they provide exotic views of the splendid lake landscape. Additionally, small ornate Shikaras, reminiscent of Venice's gondolas, ferry passengers to and from the banks of the lake.


The shores of Dal Lake house distinct Mughal monuments, including the campus of Kashmir University. Overlooking the lake, two hillocks are home to Shankar Acharya and Hari Parbat temples. The glorious Mughal gardens along the shores further enhance the lake's beauty.



Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal, also known as The Fairies' Abode, is a seven-terraced garden situated atop the Zabarwan mountain range, overlooking the city of Srinagar and the southwestern shores of Dal Lake. The architectural style reflects Islamic influences and the patronage of art during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Pari Mahal is conveniently accessible, just a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi in Srinagar.



Controversies surround the lake’s origin: some geologists believe it originated from a Pleistocene Oligotrophic Lake that once covered the entire Kashmir valley, while others consider it a flood plain lake. The floating gardens within Dal Lake are a unique beauty, and the lakefront hosts restaurants and hotels catering to the influx of tourists.



A scenic boulevard lines the 15.5-kilometer (9.6 mi) shoreline, adorned with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views from Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. During winter, the temperature occasionally drops to -11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.

Covering an area of 18 square kilometers (6.9 sq. mi), Dal Lake is part of a natural wetland spanning 21.1 square kilometers (8.1 sq. mi), including its floating gardens. As the Jewel in the crown of Kashmir or Srinagar’s Jewel, this urban lake plays a vital role in tourism and recreation. It also serves as an important source for commercial fishing and water plant harvesting.

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