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Dal Lake: A Floating home of 50 thousand people, needs no roads or vehicles
We know Kashmir as the heaven on earth and Srinagar as the heart of Kashmir. In that case, Dal Lake is the heartbeat of Kashmir.
Dal Lake, a famous tourist attraction in Kashmir has attracted attention and has been in the news recently. The reason is the G20 Summit and the discovery of the rare alligator garfish in it. But do you know all the interesting facts about Dal Lake? If not, then let's know about this lake which is situated in Srinagar and is considered the heart of Kashmir. A lake in which more than 50 thousand lives are inhabited with all their amenities.
What is the Origin of Dal Lake?
According to two conflicting theories regarding the origin of Dal Lake either it is a post-glacial lake that has undergone a lot of changes in size over the years or the Lake was formed due to flood spillage from the Jhelum River.
Dal Lake is divided into four basins, Bod Dal, Nagin, Gagribal, and Lokut Dal. Dal Lake, with a maximum depth of 20 feet, is part of a natural wetland that covers an area of about 22 sq km. It also includes floating gardens which are called 'Rad' in the local language. The floating garden is famous for the blooming lotus flowers that grow in it. Tourists interested to see these mesmerizing variegated views can visit Dal Lake in the months of July and August, adding to the beauty of the lake.
Dal Lake is famous for:
A beautiful pearl in the jewel of Kashmir, Dal Lake, is famous all over the world for the presence of beautiful Shikaras and boat houses. But, do you know that this lake is not only home to marine life but also to people? The floating houses of the people living in this lake attract visitors from all over the world. And not only the house, but the whole world of these people revolves around it. Children's schools, post office, and their market which is known as Meena Bazaar, also float on the lake.
How do people fulfill their needs?
People to fulfill their specific needs go to the city rowing their Shikaras. And sometimes the merchants from the city also come to them to sell their goods. If you see the locals of this place who live a simple life you will find that they live in a strange peace in the haven on earth.
What do the residents do for a living?
Can you imagine that the people on Dal Lake are farmers and also do farming? Now you will think how? So, let me tell you that people here grow different types of vegetables on the floating farm on Dal Lake and sell them in the floating Sabji Mandi. Along with taking tourists around in Shikara, farming is also a source of their income.
How peaceful is life on the lake?
Many people living in the crowded and noisy environment of big cities wish for such a life and perhaps this is the reason why tourists coming from the country and abroad stay at Dal Lake's boat house even for a short moment but they are drawn here to enjoy life. Made of wood and intricately carved, House Bots Dal are of various sizes, some even having three bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. A stay in these houseboats offers a unique experience.
Where are the Shikaras made?
Visitors often wander around the outskirts of Dal Lake and miss these vegetable markets and the real essence of the lake. Only the people who want to witness life on the lake more closely, come to this part. People here have their own Shikaras to go from one place to another like you have your vehicle. This ride of theirs is also manufactured by themselves in the workshops, which also float on the Dal Lake. Shikaras, known as the Gondola of Kashmir, is a cultural symbol of the lakes.
Isn't it amazing that all the tourists who come here to see the mesmerizing view from the rising sun to the settling evening while sitting on the Shikaras, can also watch these Shikaras being made?
Climate Effect on Dal Lake:
Dal Lake often freezes in heavy winters when the temperature goes down below 5 degrees. During the heavy winter in 1986, the Dal Lake was completely frozen and people were not able to float their Shikaras on the lakes for months, but this is not the case now. Climate change has hit this beautiful lake as well. The finding of the alligator gar fish can also be due to climate change.
Dal Lake as usual witnesses an increased number of people celebrating the summer holidays every year. It is one of the best places in India not only for couples and honeymooners but also for traveling with family and kids. The place is a complete package for nature lovers. Tourists can stay in the boat house, sit on a Shikhara and enjoy the famous tea called Kashmiri Kahwa (Kehwa Chai).
