Dal Lake
Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir” or the “Srinagar Treasure” as it is often called. The lake is not only a tourist attraction, but also a source of income for fishermen and aquatic plant collectors.
The mirror-like surface of Dal Lake reflects the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains, while painted shikaras glide past. These gondola-like boats with hand-operated oar-heart-shaped oars are used to carry goods to market, children to school and visitors on various tours. Nehru Park is a good starting point for an early morning visit to the floating vegetable market or the canal leading to Nagin Lake.
Video: Dal Lake
Dhal Lake surroundings
Shankaracharya Hill
7.30-17.00
.Covered by dense forest, Shankaracharya Hill is crowned by a small Shiva temple built from blocks of ancient gray stone. Formerly known as Takht-i-Sulaiman (Takht-i-Sulaiman), the Throne of Solomon, it is now named after the sage who attained enlightenment here in 750 CE. Some claim that the previous temple was rebuilt by Jesus and St. Thomas. You can reach here by taking the county road. The distance is 5.5 km from Nehru Park (Rs. 150 autorickshaw with return transportation). Walking is not recommended given the bear population. The temple is a five-minute walk up the stairs from the police checkpoint, where you should leave your phone and camera before reaching the point where you get a panoramic view of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
.Gardens and Parks
Srinagar’s gardens date back to the Mughal era. Most of them have a similar layout of terraced lawns, with ponds and fountains and carefully manicured flowerbeds that alternate with mighty chinar (plane trees), pavilions and ornamental fortress facades. Pledged for Hyp Jahan by her husband Jehangir, Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar Bagh; adult/child Rs 10/5; 9.00-noon Apr-Oct, 10.00-noon Nov-March) is one of the most famous. However, Nishat Bagh (Nishat Bagh; adult/child l0/5 rupees; 9.00-noon Sat-Fri) is more impressive for its steep terraces and lake panorama.
.Pari Mahal (Pari Mahal; sunrise-dusk) is set among palace ruins high above the lake. The ensemble looks intriguing at night when illuminated, especially when viewed from afar. During the day, it’s better to take an autorickshaw to the lake than to the gardens. Bring a document: there is serious police control on your way here. On the way, you’ll pass the small Cheshmashahi Garder (Cheshmashahi Garder; adult/child Rs 10/5; 8.00-20.00) and the expansive, less formal Botanical Gardens(adult/child Rs 10/5; 8.00-noon Sat-Fri).
.Hazratbal
A few kilometers from the Old City on the sprawling grounds of the University of Srinagar sits the white-domed Hazratbal Mosque, the holiest building in Kashmir, built in the 20th century, which houses the greatest relic, the Moi-e-Muqqadas, supposedly a hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad. The Hazratbal Mosque was built when the Naqshband Sahib stopped accommodating pilgrims. In December 1963, a hair disappeared under unclear circumstances, nearly leading to civil war.
.Behind the mosque on the road to Dal Lake are well-protected prayer lawns. All around are markets selling lotus pods and huge fried puris (flat dough that puffs up when fried).
