The Orange Hues of Autumn at Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in October!

Dal Lake is known to be “The Jewel of Srinagar” and spreads across an area of around 16 to 20 square kilometres. The lake is popular as one of the most spellbinding locations to visit in the summer capital of Kashmir, Srinagar. This hillside lake flaunts colourful Shikaras, traditional wooden houseboats, and floating markets.

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Dal Lake Srinagar In Winter — ( A view of Dal Lake in winter, and the beautiful mountain range in the background in the city of Srinagar, Kashmir, India. )

Tourists visit this lake from all over the world and love to take a ride in the beautiful Shikaras, which are basically wooden boats decorated beautifully with canopies overhead. Shikaras are a cultural symbol of the lake and are seen mostly in the lakes of Srinagar. They are also fondly called the Gondola of Kashmir. The Shikaras are a daily part of the lake and are also used for transporting people and goods. A Shikara ride on the lake is a must for tourists visiting Srinagar. Another fun fact about the name of the lake is – Dal in Kashmiri means lake and this makes the name of the very famous Dal Lake. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is known for a lot of other attractions but nothing beats Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. At the lake, one can also enjoy shopping for authentic Kashmiri items from the floating market or lake market. These markets are located amidst the lake and sell items like saffron and handicrafts. The houseboats on Dal Lake feature floral motifs and intricate carvings that will catch your attention.

Suggested Read: Reasons to visit Srinagar in October

It is said that around 20 films have been shot in and around the famous Dal Lake. It has been attracting filmmakers and tourists for years together. Films like Junglee, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Kashmir Ki Kali, Yahaan, Mission Kashmir, Dil Se, Kabhi Kabhi, Rockstar, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, etc were shot here and have scenes that feature Dal and Nigeen Lake.

Nigeen Lake on the other hand is an extension of Dal Lake and is as beautiful as Dal Lake. It is surrounded by a plethora of willow and poplar trees. These offer a peaceful setting, away from the commotion of busy city life. Even Nigeen Lake has a houseboat accommodation facility and Shikra rides.

The Temperature of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake During October

The weather of Srinagar and the valley in October overlooks autumn. The temperature in Srinagar ranges from 20°C to 9°C. Even though there is a chill in the climate because winter is approaching you will not feel very cold yet during the day. At night it might become colder and there is a dip in the temperature that can fall down to 0°C. Mornings can be foggy but the autumn sun is soothing and warm. However, the October afternoons can be scorching. So, try to visit the lake in the morning or in the evening to avoid the scorching autumn heat. Srinagar during this month is mostly dry, with a few showers sometimes. But rest assured. the weather is pleasant and great to enjoy the Dal and Nigeen Lake.

Suggested Read: Kashmir Weather in October

How To Reach Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake

There are three possible ways to travel to Kashmir and then to Srinagar, where the lakes are located. One option is by train. However, the nearest railway station in Kashmir is located 300kms away in Jammu. Most popular trains from major cities in India connect to the Jammu Tawi Railway Station. To reach Dal Lake in Srinagar from Jammu you will have to take a private bus or cab just outside the railway station.

Dal Lake Kashmir In Winter — ( Beautiful view of the colorful Shikara boats floating on Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir, India. )

Your next option and the best one is to travel by air. The state of Kashmir has three airports. But the Srinagar International Airport is connected to most Indian cities and also hosts international flights. And the best part is that Dal Lake from Srinagar airport is just 22 minutes away by road. 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.

Lastly, if you want to hit the road then October is suitable for a road trip as well. The suggested destination you can begin from is Delhi and Chandigarh. But if you are planning to self-drive to Kashmir, then make sure to put up in Srinagar to visit the Dal and Nigeen Lake. They are located in the main area of Srinagar and are at a distance of 5 Kms from Lalchowk Srinagar.

Suggested Read: How to Reach Srinagar

Food And Drink Facility at The Lakes

Around the lake, there are a plethora of restaurants and cafes. You can find the one suitable for you according to your range and cuisine.

Dal Lake In Winter — ( A view of Dal Lake in winter, and the beautiful mountain range in the background in the city of Srinagar, Kashmir, India. )

But if you are looking for just snacks and tea, let us help you with that. While taking a tranquil walk on Boulevard Road, you will find local tea shops around there. Even if you are not a tea lover, you must try the Kashmiri Kahwah, we are sure you will love it.

If these ideas don’t work for you then we have the perfect and most unique solution for you as well. 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

Did you know that 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.

Dal Lake is a shallow lake with a depth of 6m. Hence, swimming is also possible at the lake. But even if you plan to take a swim in the lake, make sure you are experienced enough, if not you must refrain from doing so.

Make sure you do not litter in the lake as well. The lake and Kashmir are beautiful and as tourists, we must protect their beauty.

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

Let us help you with a list of three of the most exciting places to visit near Dal and Nigeen Lake in the month of October.

Dal Lake House Boat In Winter — ( Lifestyle in Dal lake, People living in ‘House boat’ and using small boat ‘Shikara’ for transportation dal-lake-house-boat-in-winter )

Boulevard Road – Be it any season you cannot miss a tranquil walk on this road. If you are taking an evening walk here you will see the road is lit up with street lights, which just makes you feel like you are in Venice. The Dal and Nigeen Lake stretch all along this beautiful road and along the road, you will find locals selling, sitting, chatting, and taking sips of tea and snakes.

Nishat Bagh – It’s the season of some orange hues, which makes visiting a garden a big must. During October the garden becomes like a blanket of flowers and greenery blooming all around you. In addition to that, Nishat Bagh is considered to be the second biggest Mughal Garden and its stupendous architecture will surely attract your attention. Don’t miss out on its beautiful terrace garden built on the eastern side of Dal Lake. Even the blooming of the Persian lilacs during this month is an addition to the beauty of the garden.

Chashme Shahi – This place is known for its natural spring. Also, it forms a part of the Mughal Garden itself. The natural spring is the top attraction of the place discovered by the great female saint of Kashmir, Rupa Bhawani. And initially, the place was known as ‘Chashme Sahibi’. You can visit the place to drink the water from the spring as they say it holds medicinal properties.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Srinagar

Important Information You Must Know Before You Visit the Lakes

Swimming at Dal Lake is going to make you feel refreshed. So, if you are an experienced swimmer then you can take a dip in Dal Lake for a refreshing swim. The waters of Dal Lake are amazingly clear which makes it an ideal swimming spot. Get your swimming costume along if you want to take a dip.

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. Sunset is considered to be nature’s farewell kiss and it becomes special if it is captured at the beautiful Dal Lake. Try to book a Shikara ride just before sunset so that you can experience the golden sunset from the Shikara. Catch the sunset while you are taking a ride and just anchor your Shikara and as the sun goes down, the sky turns saffron and becomes a complete visual treat for you.