Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in June – Breathtaking Experience

Nigeen Lake, also known as Nagin Lake is known for its tranquillity. The lake is located adjacent to the Hari Parbat hillock and lies to the west of Dal Lake. The lake is an extension of Dal Lake connected to it via a narrow strait. It is also connected to the Khushal Sar and Gil Sar lakes via the Nallah Amir Khan channel. It is surrounded by a plethora of willow and poplar trees. That’s the reason it is also referred “Nigeen”, which means “the jewel in the ring”.

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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. )

To the northeast of Nigeen Lake is Hazratbal, which is a famous shrine and pilgrim spot for Muslims. The lake is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar, and its pristine waters are what charms tourists. Houseboat stays and Shikara rides are the most loved activity at the lake. It is also ideal for swimming as it is deeper and less crowded than Dal Lake.

Dal Lake is not really one lake but a maze of waterways and channels, floating islands of vegetation, and houseboats that sometimes look like islands and hotels on islands. But the lake however is beautiful. It is the Jewel of Srinagar spread over 16 to 20 km and the second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir. It is like the elder sibling of Nigeen Lake and looks more crowded as compared to that lake. So, if there is more crowd here tourists can visit the Nigeen Lake as well. The lake is the most blissful and scenic lake in Srinagar. The crystal-clear lake reflects the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains while the colourful shikaras float around. Dal Lake is also very famous for its unique floating market. In the local language, it is known as Raad. The nearby Mughal Gardens – Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh are also some of the locations that must be visited when on a Kashmir tour in June. These gardens were built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and still house Mughal architecture.

The Temperature of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake During June

Srinagar’s weather in June is hot and dry. It is hot throughout the month and on average, it is approximately 27°C. The minimum temperature, however, is 20°C.

It is still considered summer in the valley till at least the first week of June. This month is ideal for sightseeing and hence Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake must be visited because it is neither hot nor chilly. You can enjoy Shikara rides and even houseboat stays during this month.

Suggested Read: Srinagar Travel Guide for June

How To Reach Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake

Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake are located in Srinagar. However, Srinagar does not house a railway station. So, if you are taking a train journey then the closest railway station is the Jammu Tawi Railway station located 300kms from Srinagar in Jammu. From the station, you can hitch a cab ride or even take a bus to the summer capital of Kashmir, Srinagar.

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 planning to take a flight to Kashmir. Then it might work in your favour. The lakes are located in Srinagar and only Srinagar in Kashmir houses an airport. It is the closest to the lakes and will take you merely 22minutes to reach there from the airport. From the airport, you can self-drive to the lake or you can hire a taxi, which should charge around 650-800 INR.

If you are planning to self-drive to Kashmir, then make sure you stay in Srinagar. The lakes are located in Srinagar and hence it is the most convenient to visit them if you stay in Srinagar. You can drive to the summer capital of Kashmir from your base location. June is suitable for a road trip and if you are bored you can always look at the snow-capped mountains along the road that are like a shadow.

Suggested Read: How to Reach Srinagar

Food And Drink Facility at The Lakes

There are three options that you can explore around Dal Lake if you feel hungry.

Firstly, there are a number of restaurants and cafes near Dal and Nigeen Lake. Look for the one you feel is suitable and fits your range and while overlooking the lakes you can quench your hunger.

To add to that, you can also treat yourself to come ice-cream or chocolates while taking the Shikara ride. Yes! We are not even kidding. All credit to the floating market at Dal and Nigeen Lake though. As you ride on the 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.

Lastly, if you are taking a walk at Boulevard Road, overlooking the lake, you will find local tea shops around selling some amazing tea, Kahwah and snacks. You can sip on some hot tea in the nice and warm June weather and enjoy the blissful and peaceful view of the glittering lakes.

Also Read: Places to visit in Kashmir

Important Information and Tips

Dal Lake has interconnected lakes and channels, buildings on stilts, floating gardens and houseboats. And the lake is formed from five lake basins – Nehru Park, Nishat, Hazratbal, Nigeen and Brari. Even though the lake has a shallow depth of approximately 6m you must be careful before taking a swim. Take a dip only if you are an experienced or professional swimmer.

Also, please at all costs avoid littering at the lake. The lakes are known for their pristine beauty and littering would damage that and contaminate the lake.

An important piece of information that you must take utmost care of – if you are taking a Shikara ride with kids, hold them tight. Shikara’s are usually low-angled boats and kids while playing with the water and trying to dip their hand in the lake might trip and fall. So, if you are enjoying the ride with kids, please refrain the kids from bending to play with the water or maybe hold them tight.

Avoid smoking and alcohol at the lake.

Also Read: Things to do in Kashmir

Nearby Attraction of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake

Dal Lake is the second-largest lake in the valley and not just the lake but there are other attractions around the lake that must be paid a visit. Below are three must-visit places near the lakes.

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

Nishat Bagh – Just like Dal Lake is the second-largest lake, overlooking it is the Nishat Bagh, which is the second biggest Mughal Garden. The garden’s Mughal architecture will charm you in no time. If you are a history lover, it might also take you back in time. The garden justifies what Mughal Gardens were like in those times. Its beautiful terrace garden built on the eastern side of Dal Lake is a reflection of what heaven on earth would be like. The garden is so beautiful that you will not want to leave the place. To add to that are the Persian lilacs and pansies with their water cascading terraces.

Hazrat Bal – A pilgrimage spot for Muslims, Hazrat Bal is popularly known as Dargah Sharif or Madinat-Us-Sani. Its name is a combination of the Persian word, Hazrat means respected and the Kashmiri word Bal, which means place. The shrine was established by Inayat Begum and it is widely that the hair of the Islamic prophet Muhammad is at this shrine. Tourists can also visit Hazrat Bal Shrine on the northern banks of Dal Lake.

Boulevard Road – If you wish to have a panoramic view of Dal Lake, just take a stroll down Boulevard Road. The Dal and Nigeen Lake stretch all along this beautiful road. On this road, you will find locals, who gather here for sitting, chatting and taking sips of tea and snacks. If you wish to interact with them, you can, they are very friendly. Maybe, share a cup of tea with them as well. The view of the beautiful lake will be your perfect companion while you sip some hot tea, if not the locals. Also, there are multiple shops just around the road where you can buy handicrafts of Kashmir, clothes, local dry fruits and the most famous Kashmiri saffron.

Important Information You Must Know Before You Visit the Lakes

During the month of June, the lakes become an ideal time for swimming, fishing, Shikara rides, etc.

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.

If you wish to catch the sunset while in the middle of the lake. Book a Shikara ride accordingly. Take a ride during sunset and just anchor your Shikara and watch the beautiful sunset, amidst the magnetic mountains and tranquil lake.

In addition to this, fishing is also another activity you can experience at the lake. If you want to try your hand at it, just ask a local if they would let you. The locals are hospitable and would always be willing to let you try.