INDIA KASHMIR - LAKE OF KASHMIR

2. LAKES OF KASHMIR

DAL LAKE : Dal Lake of Srinagar is the jewel in the crown of Kashmir . Majestic mountains surround its three sides. It houses the world famous Shikaras and Houseboats, which offer an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Dal Lake changes its moods and scenery throughout the day and after every few kilometers. It is lined with the world famous Boulevard road. One of the most beautiful lakes of India and the second largest in the J& K state, the shores of Dal Lake are clustered with sloping roofed houses, while other parts appear lush and green like well tended gardens. The campus of University of Kashmir is also located along the shores of the lake.

NAGIN LAKE : Leading from the Dal is the smaller Nagin Lake. Trees of willow and poplar whose reflection is mirrored in the lake, edge the waters. One can take a bath on bathing boats here as well as on Dal Lake and can enjoy exciting water ski, surf riding and can take ferry in motor launches . There are Shikaras to be hired for an unbelievably romantic experience. The lake lies to the east of the city at the foot of the Zabarwan Mountain. To its south is the Shankaracharya hill ( Takht –i – Sulaiman) and to the west , is Hari Parbat.

MANASBAL LAKE: It is located about 30km north of Srinagar . Manasbal Lake is considered as the “ supreme gem of all Kashmir lakes with lotus ( Nelumbonucofera) nowhere more abundant or beautiful than on the margins of this lake during July and August.Manasbal Lake is the deepest lake of Kashmir valley and perhaps the only one that develops stable summer satisfaction. 

MUGHAL GARDENS

With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint box bright flower beds and the panorama of the Dal in front of them  the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi , Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors’ concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions.

NISHAT BAGH

Situated on the banks of the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop, ( 11km from Tourist Reception Centre) , this “ garden of bliss” commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far away to the west of the valley. Nishat was deisgned in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan.

SHALIMAR BAGH:

Built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan ,Shalimar , is a beautiful garden with sweeping vistas over gardens and lakes and shallow terraces . The garden is 539 m by 182 m and has 4 terraces, rising one above the other. A canal lined with polished stones and supplied with water from Harwan runs through the middle of the garden . The fourth terrace , by far the best , was once reserved for royal ladies.

CHASHMA SHAHI:

Chahma Shahi is tastefully laid garden in terraces, which commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below and surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing and digestive. The original garden was laid out by Shah Jahan in 1632 AD.

PARI MAHAL

Once the royal observatory , Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a 5 minute drive from Cheshmashahi. A Buddhist monastery at one time , it was converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan’s  eldest son. Situated on the spur of a mountain overlooking the Dal , the ancient monument , with a well laid spacious garden in front, is connected to Cheshmashahi by road. It is illuminated at night.

HARWAN

On the hillside, south of the village of Harwan , remarkable remains of ancient ornamented tile pavements of the Buddhist period have come to light. The tiles depict the dresses of the people, such as loose trousers, Turkoman caps or close fitting turbans and large ear rings which reveal Central Asian influence. Besides being and ASI monument site, it also has a beautifully laid out garden in its vicinity.