Dal Lake
Dal is a lake in Srinagar (Dal Lake is a misnomer as Dal in Kashmiri means lake), the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
The shore line of the lake, is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), 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 from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.
The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi) and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), including its floating gardens. The floating gardens, known as “Raad” 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 (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively.The houseboats are closely associated with Dal Lake which provide accommodation to tourists in Srinagar.
Meena Bazaar is a floating market within the back waters of the famous Dal Lake. You can reach here via ferry or the popular shikara rides. The market is like a regular one, except that it's floating. You can find Kashmiri shawls and dry fruits that are exquisite. A ferry ride around sunset is a beautiful sight.
Char Chinar, Srinagar
Char Chinar is an island in the Dal Lake of Srinagar, surrounded by the Chinar trees on all four sides of it. Also known as Char Chinari (char chinari means four sides) and Rupa Lank, it was constructed by Murad Baksh, the brother of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Char Chinar is best explored during a shikara ride in the Dal Lake.
The Dal Lake houses 3 islands, 2 of which are surrounded by the chinar trees. Apart from the Char Chinar, one island is located on the Bod Dal and is known as Roph Lank or Silver Island. The other island is located on the Lokut Dal and is called Sone Lank or Gold Island. The Char Chinar trees are characteristic of Kashmir and are long-living trees with stunning beauty
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15 окт 2024
