Geographical
Description of Dal Lake :It is the most popular lake in Srinagar. Srinagar is also known as the city of Dal Lake. The lake is divided into the major three parts known as Gagri bal, Lokut Dal and Bod Dal. Lokut Dal and Bod Dal have an island in the center known as the Sona lank (silver island) and Rupa lank (gold island). Both Sona and Rupa are also known as the Char Chinar because both of them have four chinar trees on them. The maximum dept of the Dal lake is around 1.37 meter. The lake supports the great Eco system and is the boon to the Tourism industry in Kashmir. Dal lake is the second largest lake in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Flora and Funa of the Lake :
Dal lake contains the rich flora and fauna. The lake is dotted with many Mughal Gardens and orchards. Thousands of Lotus flowers, water lillies and water chestnut are added to this beautiful lake. The lake is surrounded by the majestic mountains and with the groves of chinar, poplar and willow. The local inhabitants even grow vegetables in its water during the summer months. Dal lake is also the birds paradise. So on the tour to the Dal lake donot forget to carry the binoculars along with yourself. White breasted Kingfishers, little grebe, Common pariah and the Grey Heron are the common birds that can be be spotted here. Apart from these frogs, bees, grasshoppers, lizards and mice are the part of the Dal lake.
Shiva Mandir :
The small but beautiful Shiva temple was constructed by the Raja Gopadatya in the year 371 BC. The Temple has the oldest shrine of Lord Shiva in Kashmir. Tourists on the tour the Dal Lake can pay homage in this unique Shiva temple. Other temples in the area include Shankracharya and Hari Parbat Temple. Apart from the temples tourists can also visit the University of Kashmir located along the shores of the lake.
Fishing in the Dal Lake
Dal lake is the home to plenty of fishes. So the tourists can also try out fishing/angling in its water. Fishing is the main source of occupation for number of inhabitants around the Dal lake. Fishery is the second largest industry of the region centered on the lake side.
House boats on the Dal Lake :
Tourists on the tour to the Dal lake can hire the beautiful houseboats to reside in the lake at an affordable rate. The boats are mainly served by Shikaras. There are around hundred of boats you can find here. You may spot the sales man selling nuts, fruits, cold drinks, flowerrs, shawls, books, shawls and carpets to the tourists. Apart from the Shikara riding tourists can also try out number of water sports in its water. Some of the them includes water skiing, warer scooter, canoeing, kayaking, and water surfing. Another major activity which the tourists can try out is, they can trek upto the Shankracharya through the city forest area.
