|
Dal Lake
Dal - A Lake Made Of Lakes
Dal Lake is, initially, one of the most
confusing parts of Srinagar for it's not really one lake at all, but three.
Further more much of it is hardly what one would expect a lake to be like - it's
a maze of intricate waterways and channels, floating islands of vegetation,
houseboats that look so firmly moored they could almost be islands and hotels on
islands which look like they could simply float away.
Dal Lake lies immediately to the east and north
of Srinagar and stretches over 5-km. The lake is divided into Gagribal, Lokut
Dal and Bod Dal by a series of causeways.
Nagin Lake
Nagin
Lake, which is usually thought of as a separate lake, is also divided from Dal
Lake only by a causeway. The causeways are mostly suitable for walkers and
bicycles only so they make a very pleasant way of seeing the lake without having
to worry about traffic or Shikaras.
The main causeway across the lake carries the water pipeline for
Srinagar's main water supply. Dal gate, at the city end of Dal Lake, controls
the flow of the lake into the Jhelum river canal. It's the steady flow of water
through the lake, combined with its relatively cold temperature, which keeps it
so clear looking.
Houseboats
The largest group of
houseboats lies along the western edge of the lake near the lakeside boulevard,
towards Dal gate. They are lined in looping rows and around small islands.
Several hotels can also be found on flat islands in the lake. Beyond the
houseboats to the northwest are the floating gardens.
Attractions Around Dal Lake
There are three
islands in the lake; three real islands anyway, there are other sorts of islands
joined by causeways. Around the lake are many of Srinagar's most interesting
sights, in particular the pleasant Mughal gardens. It's also flanked by hills,
particularly along its east bank. The Shankaracharya hill provides a very fine
view over the lake.
Have A Swim!
The waters of Dal Lake are
amazingly clear. Nevertheless one is advised not to go swimming in the lake
although the swimming houseboats, equipped with diving boards and chutes, are
moored in a deeper part of the lake, 'upstream' from the concentration of
houseboats. Swimming here can be quite refreshing, especially on a hot
afternoon. One will undoubtedly be joined by a number of Indians, including
Hindu women who swim in their saris.
Floating Gardens
The lake
is probably at its most beautiful when the lotus flowers bloom in July and
August. The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, are one of the
stranger aspects of Dal Lake. They're composed of matted vegetation and earth,
which are cut away from the lake bottom and towed to a convenient location where
they are moored. Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Melons all grow amazingly well in these
gardens, if one look underneath one can see that they do literally float on the
lake. One can also approach the floating gardens by road; the boulevard runs
along the eastern edge of the lake, providing fine views all the way.
|
