Lakes of India — 6
Dal — The Lake That Has a Life of Its Own
In the heart of Srinagar lies Dal Lake, perhaps one of India's most familiar lakes. Yet there is much more to it than its famous shikaras and houseboats.
Dal is almost a world of its own.
People live on the lake in houseboats. Shikaras serve as boats, taxis and even floating shops. Early in the morning, the lake comes alive with the floating vegetable market, where farmers bring their produce by boat. We did spend one evening and night in the boat house during our trip to Srinagar in 2018_ 19. It's an amazing experience.
There are also floating gardens, where vegetables are cultivated on specially prepared masses of vegetation and soil.
And then there is the reflection.
The surrounding mountains, sky, trees and houseboats are mirrored in the still waters, making the lake appear to become part of the landscape itself.
In winter, the character of the lake changes again. Mist settles over the water, the mountains become hazy and the famous Kashmir atmosphere takes on an almost dreamlike quality.
Perhaps that is what makes Dal different.
It is not merely a lake to look at.
It is a lake to live on.
Boats move, vegetables are sold, gardens float, people travel and life goes on—all upon the water.
One lake. A floating neighbourhood. A floating market. A floating way of life.
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