Dal Lake Kashmir a fresh water lake in J&K by Ahanger HOBO.

A fresh water lake situated in Srinagar, Summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. With a shoreline of 15 km, Dal lake has a total area of 18-22 sq km, surface elevation of 1583 m, length7.5km, width 3.5 km, depth 4.5ft to20ft. Seperated into large three portions by familiar landmarks, the lake has been a boon for the development of tourism from the valley and the state.

At Dalgate, a gate lets out the lake water to prevent it from floods. Dal has three islands; Ropa Lank ‘silver isle’ popular as Char-Chinar was built by Prince Murad (Hassan Shah), son of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641 AD, in Lokut Dal (small dal). Char chinar island in the middle of the second portion of the lake has been a favorite place of emperors and empresses and later it attracted the famous foreign writers/visitors like Bernier, Forster, Moorcroft, Vigne and many other travelers. Sona Lank ‘golden isle’ at the south end in third portion of the lake was raised by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidinin 1421 AD for shelter of the boat men in Bod Dal (Big Dal) he built a three storeyed house on the island which was destroyed by earthquake .Jehangir also built a cottage there, which also got vanished. It was rebuilt by Afghan governor Amir Khan Jawansher (1770-76). Nehru Park is an island just few yards away from the road side near Shankar Acharya hill. Word Dal in Kashmir means a lake, in Tibetan Dal means still.

According toa Hindu belief the area is said to have been an extensive plain called Vitala-marg which was converted into a lake by an ancient raja. Over the years the size of the lake has shrunk to a large extent due environmental changes and population growth, the protection measure to save the lake from further hazards has been the prime concern of the authorities and the people connected with the tourism industry in particular. Water skiing is a favorite sport among tourists during summer. Motor launches with ski boards are available on hire. Shikaras is the favourite ride of the visitors. During the winter season, migratory birds float in the lake making it amagnificent scene.

The lake offers splendid colours and moods with every change in the weather that mesmerizes the visitors and offers the ultimate shot toa photographer. Shikara is a luxury boat used as means of transportation from the bank of the lake to houseboats and for sightseeing in the lake. While on shikara ride, one gets immersed in the panoramic view of the Zabarwan range and the vastness of the lake symphonized with waves formed by the shikarawala’s rowing. The waterborne life of the people inside the lake is a different experience from the rest. Visit to floating gardens (raadh) is yet another wonderful experience. Vegetables are grown on these floating gardens carried in number of small boats and supplied to the city early morning.

A cluster of lotus flowers amidst the lake is a heavenly sight. One keeps watching the light pink and white lotus petals adorned by the water droplets, atop a large round heart shaped thick green leaf, popular as Pamposh, the flower forms into seeds cushioned inside a green bell shaped pouch called “Pambachh “,buy a bunch of tasty nuts from a seller for Rs.20 to 30. Houseboats, existing since the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar,

Location Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Coordinates 34.12°N 74.87°E
Lake type Warm monomictic
Primary inflows: Inflow Channel Telbal Nallah from Marsar lake −291.9 million cubic metres
Primary outflows: Regulated, two channels (Dal Gate and Nalla Amir) – 275.6 million cubic metres
Catchment area 316 km2 (122 sq mi)
Basin countries India
Max. length 7.44 km (4.62 mi)
Max. width 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
Surface area 18–22 km2 (6.9–8.5 sq mi)
Average depth 1.42 m (4.7 ft)
Max. depth 6 m (20 ft)
Water volume 983×106 m3 (34.7×109 cu ft)
Residence time 22.16 days
Shore length1 15.5 km (9.6 mi)
Surface elevation 1,583 m (5,194 ft)
Frozen During severe winter
Islands Char Chinar and Son Lank
Settlements Hazratbal, Srinagar

Ahanger HOBO is a travel company located and based in Kashmir, India. We have thousands of happy clients and it is growing at a great pace every year. We offer Hotel, Taxi & Adventure, here is the list of adventure activities: Trekking | Hiking | Cliffhanging | Mountain Biking | Paragliding | Surfing | Caving | Zip Line | Camping | Hot Air Ballooning.
for a free consultation on your Kashmir Trip please call on +91 7006474372 | 9541117773 | 9541115558
Email: bookahobo@gmail.com | ahangerhobo@gmail.com