Dal Lake
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Overview
Dal Lake in Srinagar, at about 1,583 m, is known for its houseboats and floating gardens.
It lies in Srinagar at the foot of the Zabarwan hills and is famous for houseboats and shikaras.
Floating gardens called rad and the Mughal gardens of Nishat and Shalimar line its shores.
Silt, sewage and encroachment have shrunk the lake, and cleaning it is a long-running conservation effort.
It has four basins: Hazratbal, Bod Dal, Gagribal and Nigeen.
The lake is fed by streams and springs.
It is the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir after Wular.
Lotus stems (nadru) are harvested here.
Geography and key facts
- Srinagar
- Houseboats, floating gardens
- Houseboats, shikaras
- Nishat and Shalimar gardens
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on lakes.
Note for UPSC
Srinagar, J&K; known for houseboats and floating gardens.
Expect questions on the type of lake (lagoon, freshwater, saline), its state and any Ramsar status.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Dal Lake yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Lake / lagoon
- State / UT
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Coordinates
- 34.120°N, 74.870°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Forests, Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs (map lesson)