Dal Lake is one of the most prominent lakes of India.Dotted with numerous beautiful sights, the city looks amazing in a canopy of landscaped flowering gardens, crystal clear lakes, magnificent structures, and bustling markets. Amidst the heavenly view of a serene sheet of water, stands Srinagar’s jewel, Dal Lake. This hillside lake is synonymous with the carved colorful wooden houseboats drifting casually through the placid waters and the misty peaks of the neighboring Pir Panjal Mountains. The beauty of this pristine lake, spanning over 22 square kilometers, grows bountiful around every corner. Engulfed in this beautiful world, lies one of the most exhilarating things to do in Srinagar, taking a ride on the ‘Shikara’ or the small wooden carved boat, usually seen at Dal Lake and Nagin Lake.
Shikaras are long boats that crowd the Srinagar lakes and are extensively used to getting back and forth from the houseboats, for daily travel or for boating tours. They are well maintained and equipped with safety parameters like life jackets and lifebuoys, and it is worth taking a ride around the lake in these Gondola-type lightweight rowing boats.
In addition to this, the souvenir vendors and the popular Nehru Park Floating Post Office can be witnessed all throughout the day. Those who are early-riser can even paddle out to see the mesmerizing view of the floating vegetable and flower markets. In a nutshell, the spellbinding beauty of Dal Lake is worth praising. The beauty of the lake has something to offer in every season, a visit to Dal Lake can be planned all throughout the year