Dal Lake

Dal Lake is the beating heart of Srinagar, stretching across roughly 18 sq km against the backdrop of the Zabarwan Hills. Colourful Shikaras glide between ornately carved wooden houseboats, floating vegetable markets and Mughal-era gardens that line the shore. Visitors come for sunrise boat rides, stays aboard heritage houseboats, and evenings lit by reflections across the water. The lake divides into four basins and supports a unique ecosystem of floating gardens where lotus blooms in summer.