Taking in the Surreal Beauty of Dal Jheel in Kashmir

Located in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, Dal Jheel is one of the most famous attractions in Srinagar and also the second largest lake in Kashmir. For people who have not been to Dal Lake and are considering to book a Kashmir tour package, know this - it is as heavenly as it is claimed to be.

Dal Lake is the jewel of Kashmir, a place of serene beauty that has captivated travellers for centuries. It is, in fact, the most prominent visual identity of Kashmir. In Dal Jheel, as the sun begins to peek over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, you are bound to find yourself on a houseboat with delicacies all around. At that moment, you can also enjoy the view of snowcapped mountains from the edge of the lake. All of this gives Dal Lake a unique romantic character which makes it an ideal place for couples opting for a Kashmir honeymoon package. Considerably the amount of time needed to explore Dal Lake assures you the experience of a lifetime.

Eager to know more about Dal Lake and the ideal itinerary for the same? We have got you covered.

All about Dal Lake’s Curated Itinerary

Day 1

Begin your journey by arriving in Srinagar, a well-connected city with the rest of the country. Its visual appeal is best enjoyed when you travel by road, as the landscape changes from urban cityscape to lush green valleys. Upon reaching the lake, the first glimpse of shimmering waters is sure to take your breath away. Use this time to absorb the beauty of Dal Lake.

Day 2

Your trip here is incomplete without a ride on a ‘Shikara’, a traditional wooden boat. Glide over the tranquil waters on a houseboat. The rhythm of all the elements of nature makes for a very meditative ambience here at Dal Lake. It is like a mirror, reflecting the majestic snowcapped mountains and the azure sky. During the ride, you can explore the Mughal Gardens of Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.

Day 3

Start your day at Dal Jheel in Kashmir by exploring the vibrant floating market where local vendors on shikaras sell everything from fresh flowers and vegetables to intricate handicrafts. The lake is also home to stunning floating gardens known as ‘Rad’. These gardens are a marvel of aquatic horticulture, with a variety of vegetables and flowers growing on the floating landmasses.

Day 4

Show gratitude to all your well-wishers through prayers when you visit the Shankaracharya Temple which is located atop a hill that offers a panoramic view of Dal Lake. Later, you can also discover the spiritual aura at Hazratbal Shrine, a sacred site for Muslims.

Day 5

For those who are fond of adventures and sports, they have options to indulge in extreme sports and water sports. Be it skiing, paragliding or kayaking; you will enjoy everything that you do in the calm surroundings here.

Day 6

Indulge in a shikara ride one last time to witness the sunrise over Dal Lake which creates a magical ambience. Taking a boat ride to a nearby island called Char Chinar, in the Daljheel of Kashmir, is highly recommended.

Day 7

Your journey comes to an end. The memories of serene boat rides, sightseeing majestic landscapes and the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality will forever linger in your hearts. Wander through the market to get a souvenir as a token of remembrance before leaving.

Reasons to Choose Kashmir for Vacation

1. Beautiful Valleys: Valleys like Markha, Shyok, Nubra, Betaab, Dha Hanu and many others together make Kashmir a heaven on Earth. With Kashmir family tour package, you can spend quality time with your loved ones.
2. Serene Lakes: The crystal clear Lakes like Dal & Nigeen with snowcapped mountains in the background are sights to behold.
3. Houseboats: One of the unique features of Dal Lake is its houseboats. These floating homes are beautifully decorated with intricately carved wooden interiors and luxurious amenities. Staying on a boat in Dal Lake gently rocks you to sleep which is an experience like no other.
4. Flavourful Cuisines: Kashmiri food is full of flavours and intense colours. A wide range of dishes can be found in Kashmir, including popular ones like Yakhni, Kahwa, Rogan Josh and Ghostaba.
5. Hub for Culture & Adventure: Besides beautiful landscapes, all other attributes of Kashmir add to its rich tourism. Dal Jheel in Kashmir is the pride of the state’s tourism. Other facets that reflect the richness of Kashmiri culture include Kashmiri handlooms, Pashmina and Ferins that are often sold here.
6. Flora & Fauna: Kashmir is also home to some of the most exotic & rarest species that can be found in national parks and sanctuaries. Offbeat travelers while they are around Dal Lake in Kashmir can witness endangered species in the national parks. Like Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park, Salim Ali National Park and Kazing National Park.

Points to Remember While Travelling Kashmir

1. Always carry warm clothes
2. Make sure to have basic medicines and first aid.
3. Hire guides who have licenses.
4. During peak season, book your flights in advance.

Best Time to Visit Dal Lake in Jammu Kashmir

Kashmir is one of the most prominent destinations for vacation in India. The best time to visit Kashmir is between March and October because it covers the three seasons - spring, summer and autumn. Assuring your visit around this time will be a memorable one. Kashmir experiences spring from the month of March till early May. The time span of summer in Kashmir is usually from the month of May to August. During this season, the weather is very favourable as the chilly breeze from the mountains and the warmth of the sun is in perfect equilibrium. The autumn months from October to November get very cold, almost like winter. But, Kashmir in autumn is absolutely breathtaking. Visiting Kashmir between November and February is the best time to indulge in some winter sports.

Dal Lake is not just a water body; it’s a way of life, a symbol of Kashmir’s heritage, and a testament to nature’s splendour. It is a paradise that captures your heart and beckons you to lose yourself in its timeless beauty. The enchanting beauty and experience of Dal Lake in Kashmir is one for the ages.