Dal Lake Travel - The Pearl of Kashmir
Quick Facts Dal Lake
Shore Line: 1.5 Km
Total Area: 18-22sq.km
Surface Elevation: 1583 Km
Length: 7.5 Km
Width: 3.5 Km
Depth: 4.5ft to 20ft
Division: Ropa Lank-Silver Isle, Sana Lank-Golden Isle, NehruPark-an island a few kilometers away from the Shankaracharya Hill
Best food to eat: Makai(Corn)
Famous Dal Ride: Shikaras
Around Dal Lake: Nigeen Lake
Dal Lake Kashmir Travel - Geography and Legends
Spread over the shore line of 1.5Km, Dal Lake has a total area of 18-22 sq.Km, surface elevation of 1583 meter, length 7.5km, width 3.5Km and has the depth of 4.5ft to 20ft. Separated into large three portions by familiar landmarks, the lake has proved to be a great source for accelerating development momentum of the domestic tourism from the valley and state.
The Dalgate is grand gate which lets out the lake water and 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 palace of emperors and empresses and later it attracted the famous foreign writers/visitors like Bernier, Forster, Moocroft, Vigne and many other travelers. Sana Lank ‘golden isle’ at the South end in third partition of the lake was raised by Sultan Zian-Ul -Abidin in 1421 AD for the shelter of the boatman in Bod Dal. He built up three stored house on the island which later got destroyed by the earth quake. It was rebuilt by by Afghan governor Amir khan Jawansher(1770-76). Nehru Park is an island just few kilometers away from the road side near Shankar Acharya hill.
The name Dal in real sense means the ‘big lake’, in Tibetan Dal means ecstatic or still. The legend has that the plain called Vitalamarg which was converted into a lake by an ancient king. Over the years the size of the lake has shrinked due the increased commercialization.
Besides this, Water skiing is a favorite sport among tourists during summer. Motor launches with ski boards are available on hire. Shikaras is the favorite sport among tourists. During the winter season, bird watchers can take ultimate picture shot of the different species of bird.
Shikara-History and Current Scenario
Shikaara is a luxury boat used as a means of transportation from the bank of the lake to house boats and for sightseeing in the lake. While on Shikhara ride, one gets an opportunity to rleish the commanding view of the Zabarawan range and the waves formed with the waves formed by the shikarawala’s rowing. A visit to the floating gardens carried in number of small boats and supplied to the early in the morning. The bell shaped leaves formed into a small shell can be eaten in the form of tasty nuts for Rs 5 to 10.
Trail of Houseboats
Existing since the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, houseboat was modernized by the Europeans, who modified the structure of the boat, according to the environment adaptability. According to the earlier Islamic law in Kashmir, the foreigners were not allowed to stay in residential houses , Sarais or hotel, this stringent law led to the creation of the luxury house boat by the Europeans.
In toady’s scenario, the per cost for the construction of house boat is Rs 3 crore. The interiors of the house boat can be compared with the luxury hotel. The house boat are generally seen in activity at the Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. There are 2 to 6 double bed rooms embossed with the all the modern facilities. Designed with Walnut and Deodar wood work, the base is made of a special wood that makes it float for decades. The wood work is done by master crafts man from Srinagar city(down town). The front deck of the boat is most fascinating place to watch the water life in the lake. On the top of the boat a balcony is used for sun bathing and to relish a cup of Kehwa while watching the magnificence of the surroundings.
Wood City on The Bank of Dal Lake
Shimmering road along the banks of Dal lake separated by a cozy parapet, houses almost every tourist facility from Internet cafes to vegetarian dhabas. It is a favorite route of joggers and cyclists. The area starts from the Dalgate and ends at the Nishat garden. The presence of the handicrafts shops, ice cream carts, tourist map sellers, a barbecue makers seekh Tuj and a ‘makiawechwal’ or a ‘buttawalla’ selling corn roasted on a fire place, specially at a ‘makai point’ near Cheshmeshahi are just few common scenes that one observes while moving on through the long road called boulevard.
Attractions Around Dal Lake
Nigeen Lake
9Km from Dal is the another lake with calm waters. Nigeen lake is one of the most visited places in the region. The travelers here can find the most expensive luxury house boat ride at this lake. The Shikara ride on this lake can be a memorable experience. The recently renovated Nigeen club on the lake is probably one of the finest attractions to spend evening at. The backyard of the garden is over looked by the tranquil lake, houseboats and the fort on Kohimaran is preferred place of every visitor to the club.
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