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.

Dal Lake FAQs

Q1. Is Dal Lake the largest freshwater lake in India?

Ans. No, Dal Lake is not the largest freshwater lake in India.

Q2. Which lake is known as lake of Flowers?

Ans. Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir is often referred to as the "Lake of Flowers"

Q3. Which mountain range surrounds Dal Lake?

Ans. Pir Panjal Mountains

Source: IE