Location :Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Things to Do : Shikara Rides, Water Surfing & Skiing, Angling & Fishing
STD Code : (91) - 194
Other Attractions : Jammu, Hazratbal Mosque, Shankaracharya Temple


Dal Lake - A Shimmering Pearl
The snow covered Himalayan peaks in the backdrop reflecting in its silent waters and ornately decorated shikaras (houseboats) ferrying passengers joyfully from end to end in a journey to remember, Dal Lake situated in Srinagar in the north Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir offers visitors with beautiful picture perfect vistas. Clusters of green vegetation gently floating on the surface and wrappings of pink and white lotus flowers make up the environs while beautiful white breasted kingfishers and other birds fleet on the edges. The silence is often broken by the prayer calls from the lakeside Hazratbal Mosque echoing across the verdant Kashmir valley.

The state of Jammu & Kashmir can be categorised into three regions, the low lying plains of Jammu, the mid risings, valleys and lakes of Kashmir and the high altitude areas and gigantic mountains of Ladakh. The entire Kashmir valley is blessed with abundant natural beauty, exotic flora and fauna and shimmering water bodies, the most famous of which is the Dal Lake, the second largest lake in the state. The lake provides umpteen opportunities for adventure and leisure tourists such as pleasant shikara boat rides, kayaking and canoeing, water surfing and skiing, angling and trekking up to the hilltop Shankaracharya temple.

Do Not Miss Out On
Shikara Boat Rides
If you are planning a trip to the Dal Lake, do not miss out on an unforgettable shikara boat ride. Choose the luxury of a tastefully decorated houseboat or a relaxing open roofed stretch boat. The boats can be booked from the tourist offices located on the lake shores and can even be used for night stay. Salesmen also have their own boats selling articles as eatables and other Kashmiri specialties.

Adventure Sports
The lake also offers endless opportunities of pleasure for adventure buffs such as kayaking and canoeing, water surfing and skiing, angling and fishing (though prior permission is required for the same), a thrilling trek upto the Shankarcharya temple through city forest area. The more passive could opt for a laze atop the decks of houseboats or cycle on Boulevard and witness the lake in its full grandeur.

Attractions Around Dal Lake
Jammu
The southernmost city of the state, Jammu is a major tourist attraction with sites as Ranbireshwar Temple, Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort & Gardens, Peer Baba, Mahamaya Temple, Lakshmi Narayan temple, Amar Mahal Palace, Sudh Mahadev temple, Gauri Kund, Mansar Lake, Purmandal. The city also acts as a base camp for travelling to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi and to high altitude areas in the Kashmir valley.

Hazratbal Shrine
One of the holiest Islamic sites in the country, the Hazratbal mosque preserves a strand of hair believed to be that of Prophet Mohammed. Standing on the northwestern banks of the Dal Lake, the backdrop of snow covered Himalayan peaks add to the charm and pull of the place.

Shankaracharya Temple
The ancient Shiva temple lends the place its share of religious prominence. The pinnacle of the temple rises up to a height of more than a thousand feet in the air commanding a panoramic view of the surroundings. The temple besides being of religious importance is also a great archaeological specimen.

Gulmarg
48 km from Srinagar lies another tourist heaven, Gulmarg. The drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg with tall deodars lining the roads presents a unique experience. Gulamrg is also known for the highest golf course in the world.

Stay At
Staying options around the Dal Lake are available to suit the budget and needs of every traveller. The Boulevard road is lined with hotels, lodges and restaurants that suit every budget. You could also stay at one of the Shikara houseboats which is altogether a unique experience. More information on tarrifs and hotel booking can be obtained from the Tourist reception centre at Srinagar.

Getting There and Moving Around
By Air : The airport at Srinagar is located just 14 km from the city. Indian Airlines operates regular flights to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu. Jet Airways also has daily connections between Srinagar - Delhi and Srinagar - Jammu. Flight booking offices for Indian Airlines and Jet Airways are located at the Tourist Reception Centre. All foreign nationals are required to register themselves at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office located at the Airport counter.

By Rail : The nearest railhead is located at Jammu. Regular trains connect Jammu with Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Ahmedabad and other major Indian cities. When travelling by train ensure bookings well in advance and choose air conditioned class, especially during the summer season.

By Road : travelling by road to Srinagar is an altogether different experience with incredible natural beauty and picturesque views to feast your senses all the way. Check the weather conditions in advance when travelling by your own vehicle as heavy snow often blocks the highways. Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation operates regular buses connecting Srinagar with Delhi, Jammu and other important neighbouring cities.

Local Transport : Once in Srinagar, you could choose from among many of the available means of local transport as J&KSRTC luxury buses, tourist taxis, minibus, auto rickshaws etc.

Distances from Major Cities

• Delhi : 876 Km
• Jammu : 293 Km
• Pathankot : 400 Km
• Shimla : 751 Km