Dal is a lake in Srinagar (Dal Lake is a misnomer as Dal in Kashmiri means lake), the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
The shoreline of the lake is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful Shikaras. During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.
The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi) and is part of a natural wetland that covers 21.1 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), 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 as 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. The houseboats are closely associated with Dal Lake which provides accommodation to tourists in Srinagar.
NAGIN LAKE ( THE LAKE OF JEWELS)
The Houseboats used to shift to Nageen Lake from April to October from river Jehlum, and Chinar Bagh, as the British were enjoying that lake during the summer months while enjoying the swimming motorboat rides, water skiing, surf riding and sailing from the swimming boats which used to be anchored in the centre of the lake. Now we have houseboats in this lake also which cater to the needs of our valued guests staying in these houseboats.
RIVER JHELUM
Houseboats from 1893 A.D. started from River Jehlum in the shape of a Doonga Boat which was used for all purposes like a houseboat with the facilities of that time. slowly it was turned into a Doonga Houseboat and finally to a Houseboat of present times with all amenities in it. Today we have houseboats also in River Jehlum that cater to the needs of our valued guests staying in them.
CHINAR BAGH
Chinar bagh was a recreational place for Britishers as it has good grounds where they used to enjoy parties and then stay in the houseboat which is anchored around these lands and serves the clients of that category.
