Dal Lake, Mountain lake in Srinagar, India
Dal Lake is a freshwater lake in Srinagar, India, covering 18 square kilometres at an average elevation of 1,583 metres. Causeways divide it into four basins: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nigeen. Wooden shikaras with canopies and orange-and-yellow hulls carry people across the water.
The lake was called Mahasarit in Sanskrit sources and later became a summer retreat for Mughal rulers. In the 17th century, several gardens were built along the shore, turning the lake into a royal leisure landscape.
Families live year-round on traditional cedar houseboats decorated with carved wooden panels and colorful awnings. Beyond the houseboats, vegetable plots float on woven reed beds that have supported generations of lake farmers.
Roads circle the shoreline and provide access to different areas, while small boats serve as water taxis between sections. Early morning works well for boat rides, as the water stays calmer and the light brings out the surrounding peaks.
Some families have built floating gardens for centuries by weaving lake weeds and soil into rafts. These islands, called Rad, drift across the surface with the wind and can be anchored in place with stakes.
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