EntityQ325391· pop 44· linked from 338 articles

Dal Lake

lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Key facts

Location: Srinagar , Jammu and Kashmir , India
Lake type: Warm monomictic
Primary inflows: Inflow Channel Telbal Nallah from Marsar lake −291.9 million cubic metres
Primary outflows: Regulated, two channels (Dal Gate and Nalla Amir) – 275.6 million cubic metres
Catchment area: 316 km (122 mi )
Basin countries: India
Max length: 7.44 km (4.62 mi)
Max width: 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
Surface area: 18–22 km (6.9–8.5 mi )
Average depth: 1.42 m (4.7 ft)
Max depth: 6 m (20 ft)
Water volume: 983 × 10 ^ m (34.7 × 10 ^ cu ft)
Residence time: 22.16 days
Shore length: 15.5 km (9.6 mi)
Surface elevation: 1,583 m (5,194 ft)
Frozen: During severe winter
Islands: Char Chinar and Son Lank
Settlements: Hazratbal , Srinagar

via Wikipedia infobox

Article

Dal ( Urdu pronunciation: [ɖəl] ; Kashmiri pronunciation: [ɖal]) is a freshwater lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir in Indian-administered Kashmir. It is an urban lake, the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir, and the most visited place in Srinagar by tourists and locals. It is integral to tourism and recreation in the Kashmir Valley and is variously known as the "Lake of Flowers", "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, 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 can sometimes reach as low as −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.