Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in August – The Pride of Srinagar!

Dal Lake is Srinagar’s jewel. It is a vast sheet of water reflecting the carved wooden balconies of the houseboats and the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains. You will also find the shikaras (gondola-like taxi boats) here. They transport goods to market, children to school and travellers to delightful houseboats and also let you experience a ride on the lake.

If you are living at the lake out of a houseboat and happen to wake up early, you can paddle out to see the floating flower and vegetable market. It is a colourful spectacle to witness. There are also souvenir vendors that will catch your attention.

Just like Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake is also known as the Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir. Dal and Nigeen Lake are important landmarks of Srinagar and house a number of tourists each year.

They say there are two stories about the origin of Dal Lake. Some say that it is a post-glacial lake and has undergone a lot of changes in size over the years. And then one story says that Dal Lake was formed due to flood spillage from the Jhelum River. We don’t know which story stands true. But we know that these lakes are beautiful and cannot be missed on your trip to Kashmir.

Dal Lake has an approximate depth of 5 ft and a maximum depth of 20 ft. Covering an area of 18 to 20 sq. km. Dal Lake is part of a natural wetland, which includes floating gardens known as ‘Raad’ in the local language of Kashmir. The lake is also lined by gardens built in the Mughal era. They say that the Mughals were smitten by the beauty of Kashmir and contributed highly to its gardens to heighten their beauty.

An extension of Dal Lake is Nigeen Lake. Also, spelt as Nagin Lake it is known to be a popular tourist place as well. It is surrounded by willow and poplar trees that offer a tranquil and peaceful vibe. Nigeen Lake flows on the west of Dal Lake and is connected to Dal Lake via a strait. The lake, just like Dal Lake is considered a jewel of Srinagar, so don’t miss out on its charming beauty.

The Temperature of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake During August

August overlooks little to no rainfall in the valley even though the monsoons in Kashmir last from July to September. Hence, it is suitable to enjoy sightseeing and take a tour of the lakes. Even fun activities like the Shikara ride and swimming are open and allowed during this month. The temperature in the city ranges from 20°C to 29°C. At night, it might drop down to 15°C or less.

How To Reach Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake

There are multiple ways in which you can reach Dal and Nigeen Lake, in Srinagar. Let us take you through it quickly.

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

By Rail – When planning to visit Kashmir by train, you have to board a train to Jammu. Kashmir does not have an independent railway head and the closest to Srinagar, where the lakes are located is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station located at a distance of approximately 300kms. Several regular trains to Jammu are operated from major cities of India so getting a train is easy.

By Air – The fastest and most convenient way of travelling to Srinagar is by air. The city has an airport and hence it becomes easy to reach the lakes. From Srinagar’s Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport you will merely take 22minutes to reach Dal Lake. 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.

By Road – Travelling to Srinagar by public or private transport is convenient. National Highway 1 & 44 connects the valley to major cities of India. You can either self-drive, hire a private car or board a bus operated by JKSRTC, which also connects Jammu to other nearby cities like Srinagar, Patnitop, and Amritsar. On top of this imagine a serene drive to the capital of Kashmir. The beautiful roads and turns with the company of the snow-capped mountains will definitely mesmerize you.

Suggested Read: How to Reach Srinagar

Food And Drink Facility at The Lakes

We have compiled three amazing options for you to explore at, in and near Dal Lake.

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. )

Firstly, if you are taking a walk at Boulevard Road, you will find local tea vendors there. You can sip on some tea there and enjoy the snacks they sell. All this while overlooking the lake. Also, you must try the Kashmiri Kahwah too.

But if you are looking for other options there are a number of restaurants and cafes near the lakes. You can find an outlet according to your taste and range.

The third option is what might interest you the most. It surely is something you have not experienced before. You must have had tea from a local vendor and also been to a café or restaurant before, right? But have you ever had some dessert during a boat ride? If you are on your Shikara ride and feel hungry, Kashmiris have a solution for that as well. You can also treat yourself to come ice-cream or chocolates while taking the Shikara ride. The floating market at Dal and Nigeen Lake will help you with it. 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. Makes of a fun experience, right?

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Srinagar

Important Information and Tips

You can enjoy some swimming at the lake. But even though the depth of Dal Lake is 6m, you must be careful before taking a swim, if you are not a professional or experienced swimmer, please refrain from the activity.

Try to avoid any kind of littering in and around the lake. Please look for a dustbin nearby to throw your clutter. Kashmir is known as the paradise on earth and we surely don’t want to dirty our paradise.

If you are taking a Shikara ride with your kids, make sure you hold them tight. Shikara boats are low-angled and the kids might be engrossed in playing with the water, dipping their hand in the lake and not realise if they trip. 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.

Also, avoid smoking and alcohol at the lake.

Nearby Attraction of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake

There are a number of attractions around the lake that you must visit. So, if you are visiting Dal and Nigeen Lake, we have some suggestions for you.

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. )

Boulevard Road – Not all sightseeing places are to be enjoyed just by visiting them. No, we are not saying to not visit the lake. But we are suggesting that do not miss out on its panoramic view as well. Now that you have enjoyed the lake, had a Shikara ride, maybe a swim even you must look at the lake from the outside. Boulevard road offers a panoramic view of Dal Lake. Just take a stroll down Boulevard Ro, preferably in the evening. The road is lit up and it feels like you are in Venice. The Dal and Nigeen Lake stretch all along this beautiful road and look nothing but peaceful, beautiful and breathtaking.

Tulip Garden – Apart from the beauty of the lake there lies a breathtakingly beautiful 30 hectares huge Tulip Garden near Dal Lake, in Srinagar. It is also Asia’s biggest garden to date. It is located in the foothills of Zabarwan Range and the garden overlooks the glittering Dal Lake too. It was inaugurated in 2007 to boost tourism in the valley. The garden is in terrace fashion and consists of seven terraces. Tourists will find flowers like Hyacinth, Ranunculus, Daffodils, etc here in the garden.

Mughal Gardens- Dal and Nigeen Lake are engulfed by Mughal Gardens – Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashmashahi. These gardens were made by the Mughals and still overlook the Mughal architecture. So, be ready to be charmed by them. The best thing to do near the lakes is to visit these Mughal gardens.

Important Information You Must Know Before You Visit the Lakes

If you are planning to take a Shikara ride at the lake, 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.

Don’t forget to catch the sunset at the lakes. But catching the sunset from the outside is no fun. Take a ride during sunset and just anchor your Shikara and watch the beautiful sunset, amidst the magnetic mountains and tranquil lake.

To add to your fun – kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing are also great ways to experience the beauty of the lakes.

Even though fishing is an important source of occupation in the valley and around the lake. Tourists are not allowed to fish. But you will find a number of locals doing so, you can always ask them to let you try. They are quite hospitable and would not deny the request.