Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in September – Breathtaking Beauty in Kashmir!

In the local language of Kashmir, Dal means lake and hence comes the name of the very famous Dal Lake. Located in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, the city is known for a lot of other attractions but nothing beats Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake.

Suggested Read: Reasons to visit Kashmir in September

( View of Dal lake and boat house before sunset in the heart of Srinagar during winter , Srinagar , Kashmir , India )

These are urban lakes and form an important part of the tourism of the valley. They are known as the Jewel in the crown of Kashmir. In addition to being a benefit to the tourism of the state, the lakes are also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

The shoreline of Dal Lake is about 16 kilometres and is surrounded by Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. From Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, one can overlook the glittering Dal Lake. These gardens were built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and he wanted to view Dal Lake. At the lake, you will find houseboats parked all around and the colourful Shikaras cruising through and fro. The month of September brings in Autumn and the climate is ideal to spend a few hours amidst the tranquil, crystal-clear water of the lake.

During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C and ends up freezing the lake. But in the month of September, you can rest assured about that. In fact, you will find a blanket of Lotus flowers at the lake during this period of time.

Dal Lake’s 16 square kilometres also includes its floating gardens known as “Raad”. The lake is also part of a natural wetland divided by causeways into different basins – Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin. However, Nigeen Lake, also known as Nagin Lake and is considered an independent lake. Lokut and Bod each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank and Sona Lank.

Nigeen Lake is an extension of Dal Lake and nature lovers enjoy it here. It is covered with an array of willow and poplar trees and the vibe it offers is of utmost peace and calm. Takes you away from the daily hustle and bustle of your life. Even Nigeen Lake has a houseboat accommodation facility. So, if you do love the lake a lot you can also stay back there to enjoy its beauty at night, right from the window of your houseboat.

Suggested Read: Srinagar Travel guide for September

The Temperature of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake During September

The weather in Srinagar in September is ideal to visit the lake. Also, because it is not the peak season there is very less crowd. The temperature during the day is approximately between 15°C to 19°C. And by the night, drops to 12°C or less, making it colder. September allows you to indulge in a sightseeing tour of the lake and enjoy the Shikara ride and houseboat stay.

Also Read: Kashmir Weather in September

How To Reach Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake

The nearest railway station that connects Srinagar with the rest of the country is located in Jammu, 300kms away. So, if you are taking a train journey, post that you will have to take a road trip to the summer capital, where the lakes are located. From the station, you can either take a cab ride to the city of Srinagar or travel via bus or self-drive.

Famous Houseboats in Dal Lake — ( Architecture of the Houseboats located in Srinagar, India. Home stays in famous Houseboats in Dal Lake, Kashmir, India. Romantic destination for married couples. )

The city of Srinagar has a well-connected airport, which is the most convenient. The lakes are located in Srinagar, 22minutes from the airport. The airport connects major cities of the country like Delhi and Mumbai, and also the internal cities of Leh and Jammu. If you are not self-driving from the airport then you can also hire a taxi from outside the airport. The ride should take around 650-800 INR.

Taking a road trip is also an ideal option from Delhi and Chandigarh. If you are planning to self-drive to Kashmir, then make sure you put up in Srinagar. The lakes are located there and hence it would easier to visit them from Srinagar. They are at a distance of 5 Kms from Lalchowk in Srinagar. You can drive to the capital city from wherever you are based. September welcomes Autumn and also makes the road trip travel ready for you with orange hues surrounding you.

Suggested Read: How to Reach Srinagar

Food And Drink Facility at The Lakes

There are a number of restaurants and cafes near Dal and Nigeen Lake. You can either choose to visit them and have a hearty meal of your choice, overlooking the lakes or go for the other options mentioned below.

Dal Lake Pari Mahal — ( Unidentified people relax in the grounds of the Pari Mahal, a Mughal terraced garden palace on the banks of Dal Lake. )

If you are looking for some snacks and tea, let us guide you. Take a tranquil walk on Boulevard Road, you will find local tea shops around there. Try their tea or opt for Kahwah, we are sure you will love it.

Also, if you are up for something unique and adventurous then you can enjoy the floating market at Dal and Nigeen Lake, while on your Shikara ride. As you ride on Shikara, there are a number of small shops you can find to buy handlooms, clothes, groceries or Kashmiri products. These vendors go from one corner to another of the lakes and provide daily essentials to the people living inside houseboats. Vendors on Shikara also approach tourists carrying saffron, flowers, vegetables and sweets to sell.

Important Information and Tips

Dal Lake is a single body of water interconnected and divided by numerous causeways, buildings on stilts, floating gardens and houseboats.

The lake is actually formed from five lake basins – Nehru Park, Nishat, Hazratbal, Nigeen and Brari. It is a shallow lake with a depth of 6m.

Make sure you do not litter in and around the lake. Kashmir is considered the paradise on earth and littering on paradise is something you don’t want to do, right?

Also, if you are not a professional swimmer, it is considered dangerous to take a dive in the lakes even though they are not so deep. So, please refrain from doing so.

Another important piece of information that you must keep in mind – Shikara’s are usually low-angled boats. So, if you are enjoying the ride with kids, please refrain from bending, they might slip and fall in the lake.

Avoid smoking and alcohol at the lake and disrupting the calm.

Nearby Attraction of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake

Boulevard Road – A panoramic view of the lake will make you fall in love with it even more. So, take a stroll down Boulevard Road and enjoy that much-loved view. Make sure you take a stroll in the evening because there are street lights on the road that make it feel like a place just out of a painting. The Dal and Nigeen Lake stretch all along this beautiful road. Here you will find locals sitting, chatting, and taking sips of tea and their local snacks. Also, there are multiple shops just around the road where you can buy handicrafts from Kashmir, clothes, local dry fruits, and the most famous Kashmiri saffron.

Char Chinar Bagh – This place is a compound consisting of three islands on Dal Lake. This place gets its name from the Chinar trees, flanged to the four corners of the island. Stories say that the brother of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Murad Baksh constructed this island. One island situated at Bod Dal is called Rupa Lank. The second one is Son Lanka and it overlooks the Hazratbal Shrine. Chinar trees make up an integral part of Kashmir and are considered sacred, also used for medicinal purposes and furniture.

Mughal Gardens- Dal and Nigeen Lake are engulfed by Mughal Gardens – Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashmashahi. These gardens offer a blissful view of the magnificent lakes.

Important Information You Must Know Before You Visit the Lakes

Swimming is a go-to activity in the month of September. Also, the waters of Dal Lake are amazingly clear, so it becomes even more fun.

Also, if you are taking a Shikara ride, make a note of the timings and the fare mentioned below.

Shikara Ride Timings: 7 am to 9 pm

Fare: INR 550 per person (1 hour), INR 800 (2 hours), and INR 1050 (3 hours)

Apart from the Shikara Ride, there are other activities you can experience at the lakes as well.

Another wonderful addition could be to witness the sunset. Take a Shikara ride during this time and just anchor your Shikara and watch the beautiful sunset, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The sun slowly diving into the back of the snow-capped mountains will definitely leave you mesmerized. Make sure to click some amazing pictures to share with your friends.