ദാല്‍ തടാകം

Dal Lake, the lake in Srinagar is a favorite destination for the film world. We have seen the beauty plenty of times in the silverscreen. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”

The shore line of the lake, is about 15.5 kilometres and is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and also from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. Shikaras can be hired from boat stations all along the lakeshore

During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.

Floating garden is an added attraction. The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an independent lake). Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank ( Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively.