Kashmir

This trip was with family in January 2016. Made all the bookings arrangement ourselves. It was winter and we rush was less. So we could enjoy to the max. 

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. 

  Dal Lake House Boats 

The first houseboats appeared during the days of British colonial rule when the beauty of this part of the country lured many of the British but the Maharaja of Kashmir strictly controlled the building of houses. The British overcame such restrictions by simply taking to the water. Each of the early houseboats were built in a particularly British style leading to them being described as “each a little piece of England”. 

Today’s houseboats continue to offer accommodation and style seemingly from an earlier age. Many visitors choose to stay at one of these unique floating homes but there are also good quality hotels and restaurants on the lake-front. Spending time on the water is a priority for most people and one of the favourite modes of transport is the shikara boat which has been described as the gondola of Kashmir. The owners of houseboats invariably provide shikavas for the use of their guests and others are available for hire at reasonable, although usually negotiable, rates. 

  What to See at Dal Lake 

There are many interesting places to visit such as the ancient temple of Shankaracharya or the masses of lotus flowers which bloom in July and August. The lake also has many floating gardens often moored in close proximity to the houseboats. These gardens are created from sections of matted vegetation which are simply cut free and manoeuvred into position. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, water loving crops such as melons, cucumbers and tomatoes seem to grow particularly well in these conditions. 

The Shankaracharya Temple is also known as the Jyeshteshwara Temple. It is situated on top of the Shankaracharya Hill on the Zabarwan Range in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is at a height of 1,000 feet above the valley floor and overlooks the city of Srinagar. There is always a great deal of activity on the lake and it even hosts a floating market where vendors sell their produce, directly from their boats. In some areas, swimming is popular as is canoeing and other forms of boating. During the winter months, there may even be the opportunity for skiing. 

  When to Visit Dal Lake 

The most popular time to visit Dal Lake is between June and August when the weather is probably at its most pleasant. Average summer temperatures range from 12 to 30 degrees Celsius making this a pleasant escape from the scorching summer temperatures found in much of India. Most people seem to agree with the old Maharaja on his choice of summer retreat. 

 Winter however has its own attractions and this is when the spectacular scenery can be experienced at its magnificent best. Winter temperatures average around 1 to 11 degrees Celsius but during a harsh winter, temperatures can drop as low as minus 11 degrees and at such temperatures, the surface of the lake can freeze. Needless to say, venturing onto the frozen surface can be extremely dangerous and should not be attempted without taking specialist advice from local experts.

 

  Gulmarg 

Gulmarg known as Gulmarag in Kashmiri, is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination. Nestled in the Pir Panjal Range in a cup-shaped valley, Gulmarg has been specially touched by nature’s splendid hand, and is a place which the gods would also love to visit. This magnificent tourist destination in the valley of Kashmir is great for both a family, honeymoon and snow adventure sports lovers. 

 Everyone wants to keep their inner child alive; visiting the Gulmarg gondola is the best way to do it. Regardless of their age, everyone who takes the gondola ride in Gulmarg turns into a child while playing in the snow, riding a horse at the top of the mountain or skiing. 

To see Gulmarg and Khilanmarg at their best and to take in the natural splendour of the Himalayas, there is nothing better than enjoying a ride in the second highest cable car network in the world – the Gulmarg gondola! 

 During the winter season, it becomes a ski hub. This is possible because of the Gulmarg gondola, the second highest cable car network in the world. You can travel an aerial distance of 5 kms within half an hour via the gondola. The entire route is divided into three phases and it is not necessary to travel to the top. You can stop at the first phase if you want or go to the top, taking all the 3 gondola rides and climbing for half an hour. The views from all the phases are beautiful - you can see the Nanda Devi peak and even the LOC.

When returning back to base, we can opt for Sledges. Its also fun ride on the snow. We can stop in between, click the beauty of Gulmarg. The local people are very friendly and helpful.