Located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar is the biggest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The area is high up in the northernmost part of India* and is characterized by its beautiful shimmery lakes, mountain backdrops, and **waterfront boats and gardens. The area is one of the oldest around with archaeological evidence suggesting people living here since the neolithic age. Dal Lake is arguably the centrepiece of the city with the lake being an important fixture for the people of Jammu and Kashmir for ages. In fact, the reason why Srinagar is the “summer capital” is because the Maharajas often changed capital cities depending on where they were staying for the season. As such, not only did Srinagar and Dal Lake become important places for royalty but it became important for tourism as well. If you’re in the area, here is a guide to Dal Lake, Srinagar
Things to do
Stay in a houseboat
As the “summer capital”, Dal Lake is a popular vacation destination for people in the summer months. The tradition of vacationing here by the lake was started by the Maharajas and continued to be a popular area for vacation during the British colonial era. The story goes that the British wanted to build summer houses in the area for vacationing in the mountains, but the Maharajas of Kashmir controlled the building of houses here, so the British overcame the restrictions by building palatial houseboats right on the water instead. Dal Lake is synonymous with houseboats with many still being floating hotels or restaurants. Many are still built in a British style and offer guests an interesting and unique place to stay, reminiscent of an earlier age in Indian history.
See the floating gardens
Dal Lake has been a popular resort area for ages and the natural surroundings of the lake are some of the best views in India. Two very popular “floating gardens” are the Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh. The gardens are located on the northeast shoreline and the eastern shoreline respectively and we’re both opened and built in the 1600s. Shalimar Bagh was built with the Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife and now the Persian-style garden sits on the banks of the lake, and is a public park, considered to be the “crown of Srinagar”. Nishat Bagh, by contrast, was opened a little later in 1633 and is the largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley. The garden has 12 terraces with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop.
Go boating or canoeing
As the area is a very popular tourist and vacation destination, spending time on the lake is an essential part of spending time in Srinagar. Non-motorized boating is a popular activity among visitors who wish to see the sights and maybe even get a little exercise. Canoeing and fishing remain popular but for a truly authentic experience consider renting a shikara - a Mughal-style small ferry boat to taxi you around.
Things to buy
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Every morning on the lake, vendors come out at the break of dawn and row their boats full of produce out onto the water to be sold on what is essentially a floating market. The sight itself is quite a spectacle but beware that the market closes at 7 am so if you’re looking to see it or do a little shopping, make sure to set your alarm clock. Many water-loving crops are sold here like tomatoes, melon, and cucumber among many others. Always freshly picked and delicious.
Flowers
If you’re not into eating that early in the morning, then why not pick up some fresh flowers instead. The market also has many flower vendors selling flowers from their gardens a well as a selection of local flora found in the area.
Travel tips
When to visit
While there isn’t necessarily a perfect time to go as even in the winter months there are plenty of activities to do, most people take the old Maharajas advice and visit during the summer months. Between June and August are the ideal times as the weather is still very temperate making it a good summer escape from the intense heat found elsewhere in India during summers.
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How to get there
By car
Srinagar is well connected to the rest of the country despite its relative remoteness. The NH1A highway connects the Kashmir valley to the rest of India.
By train
The nearest train station to Dal Lake is in the city of Srinagar and is about 18 km (11 mi) from the lake. Srinagar station is where you’ll be getting off and from there a taxi might be your best option.
Shikara
The local water taxis are there to take you and from many sights and locations around the lake and have negotiable prices.
Where to stay
If you’re staying on Dal Lake, make sure to stay in a traditional houseboat. The Swan Group of Houseboats offers traditional British-style houseboats in a modern and comfortable setting right on the water. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk service as well as restaurant service, free WiFi and cozy rooms with carpeting, en suite bathroom, mini-bar, personal safe and TV access.
Dal Lake information
Dal Lake
Address: Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Department of Tourism: Visit Jammu and Kashmir
News and Updates for Dal Lake: A date with Dal Lake
History
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