Dal Lake

The basics

A trip aboard a traditional wooden boat known as a shikara is an integral part of the Kashmir experience, and makes for a great way to see the lake and the city surrounding it. Many tours of Srinagar, as well as multi-day tours of Kashmir that visit Srinagar, include a trip on the lake, and some stop by the lake's floating market, in which dozens of vendors sell fruits and vegetables straight from their boats.

Things to know before you go

• Dal Lake is a must-see for any visitor to Srinagar.

• The waters are generally not too choppy, so most visitors prone to motion sickness won’t need to worry.

• Boat rides on the lake are not typically wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

Dal Lake occupies much of Srinagar, and is easy to get to from different parts of the city by taxi or autorickshaw. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from the Srinagar Railway Station or from the Srinagar Airport by car. Kashmir and Srinagar tours that visit the lake typically include ground transportation and often also include boat fees.

When to get there

The best time to visit Dal Lake, and Srinagar in general, is from June to August, when the weather is at its warmest. September and October are also pleasant, with slightly cooler temperatures and generally a bit less rainfall. Spring usually offers a mix of rainy and sunny days.

Sipping on Kashmiri kahwa

While milky masala chai is the ubiquitous beverage in most of North India, Kashmiris do teatime a little differently. The tea of choice here is kahwa, green tea infused with spices (typically cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron) and served sweet with a few slivers of almonds, but no milk. You'll find it all over Srinagar, and even if you aren’t typically a tea drinker, it’s worth trying a cup of this tasty concoction at least once.