Dal Lake

Dal Lake Latest News

Parts of the Dal Lake in Srinagar froze recently as the city recorded its coldest night of the winter, with temperatures plunging well below the freezing point across the Kashmir Valley.

About Dal Lake

• It is a mid-altitude urban freshwater 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 covers an area of about 18 to 22 sq.km.
• It is one of the world’s largest natural lakes and also known as the Lake of Flowers.
• The lake gets its water mainly from the Telbal stream. This stream flows from the Jhelum River. 
• During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11°C (12°F), freezing the lake.
• 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.
• The floating gardens, locally known as “Rad,” are a spectacular highlight of the lake.
  • These are patches of land that float on the water. Farmers grow vegetables and flowers on them.
• Dal Lake is also popular for the floating market, where vendors have their own Shikaras/wooden boats and approach tourists.
• The shoreline of the lake is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels. 
• Mughal Gardens:
  • Nishat Bagh: This is known as the “Garden of Joy.” It is a terraced garden with fountains.
  • Shalimar Bagh: This garden is called the “Abode of Love.” It was built by Emperor Jahangir.
  • Chashma Shahi: This garden is famous for its natural spring.

Source: TELE

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