Dal Lake and Srinagar: On the Water in Kashmir

Dal Lake is the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir, covering approximately 26 square kilometres in the heart of Srinagar city. It is bordered by the Zabarwan Range to the northeast and connected to Nagin Lake to the northwest.

**Houseboats on Dal Lake**

Houseboats on Dal Lake have been a fixture of Kashmir tourism for over a century. The tradition began during British colonial rule — non-residents were not permitted to own land in Kashmir and built houseboats as a workaround. Today, the houseboats range from simple to elaborate, with sitting rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. The Shikara — a flat-bottomed wooden boat — is used to travel between the houseboat and the shore, and between different parts of the lake.