Dal Lake

Dal Lake Latest News

A tourist shikara overturned in Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake recently as strong winds lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, sending four people, including a tourist family and a boatman, into the water. 

About Dal Lake

• It is a mid-altitude urban lake located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains.
• It is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.
• It is also known as the Lake of Flowers.
• The shoreline of the lake, which is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels. 
• It has an average depth of almost 5 ft and a maximum depth of 20 ft. 
• It is one of the world’s largest natural lakes. 
• The lake covers an area of 18 sq.km. and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 sq.km., including its floating gardens.
• The floating gardens, known as “Raad” in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August.
• The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered an independent lake).
• Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank, respectively.
• Dal Lake is also popular for the floating market where vendors have their own Shikaras/wooden boats and approach tourists.

Source: IE