Shikara rides on Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a celebrated freshwater lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, often called the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir.” Framed by the Zabarwan Range, it is central to the city’s cultural life, tourism, and economy, famed for its houseboats, shikara rides, and floating gardens.

Key facts

• Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

• Area: ~18–22 sq km

• Altitude: 1,583 m (5,194 ft)

• Shoreline length: ~15.5 km

• Notable features: Houseboats, floating markets, Mughal gardens, Char Chinar Island

Geography and natural features

Dal Lake lies at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains, its waters fed by streams like Telbal Nallah and drained into the Jhelum River through canals. It is divided into four basins—Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin Lake—each with distinct characteristics. The lake supports floating gardens known as Raad, where vegetables and lotuses grow on mats of aquatic vegetation, sustaining thousands of local farmers.