DAL-LAKE of Kashmir

Dal-Lake or only Dal as called in Kashmir is the crown of Kashmir, the paradise on Earth. It’s located in the vicinity of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir State. The huge Himalayan urban lake with blue deep waters is astonishingly so big that human eye cannot cross its limits. With an area of about 18 Kilometers it has five basins and a number of channels that are well linked with each other. The sparkling quiet waters of Dal-Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains on three sides undoubtedly mark it as one of the most beautiful lakes of India. It is the second largest lake in Kashmir with numerous gardens and orchards along its shores. The world famous Mughal Gardens-- Nishat, Shalimar, Cheshma-Shahi and Pari-Mahal are on its Eastern bank while the sprawling campuses of the University of Kashmir and the Regional Engineering College along with the famous Hazratbal Shrine are on the West. Two hillocks overlooking the lake are one with the ancient Shankaracharya temple atop and the other Hari Parbat housing numerous sacred Hindu temples, a Gurdwara and a Muslim shrine. The glorious Mughal gardens on its shores add to the beauty of Dal. Out of about five hundred gardens laid down in 16th to 17th century, only a few still survive.
Houseboats, the gorgeous floating beauties form an indelible part of the Lake for their twin purpose, one that they serve as majestic floating lodges in the waters with better facilities than the best hotels for the tourists and two that they can move to any location in the Lake as desired. Most houseboats are the representatives of brilliant Kashmir art and architecture, so beautifully built and decorated with Kashmir art that cannot be described in words.
Then there are the Shikaras, the small ornate versions of the gondolas of Venice that offer ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the houseboats besides always ready to take tourists to a romantic and peaceful ride and soothe their nerves over the slightly rippling waters. They also offer them the most exotic view of the splendid scenery of the lake.
Dal-Lake is the source of tons of vegetables and flowers grown along its banks in the famous floating gardens and the fresh product is always available for sale on the sailing boat shops on the waters of the lake along with the lotus stem (Nadru in Kashmiri) the most preferred Kashmir vegetable. Nadru found in Dal is considered of the best quality for its taste and size. The naturally grown large beautiful flower Lotus or Kamal is found in abundance in Dal. There are plenty of fish in Dal-Lake and fishery the second largest industry of the region is centered on this lake..... (to be continued)