|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
The waters of Kashmir spring abundantly generous deep within the Himalayas. Flowing into rivers and lakes in the valleys, life sustaining, they are nature's gift to the people of this land to experience the eternal rhythm of the valley's lakes and mountain springs, plan your travel circuit to include the following. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
 Spring-fed, the 6 km long, 3 km wide Dal is divided into four distinct parts by causeways : Gagribal, Lokutdal, Boddal and Nagin.moored along the banks of the lake are Srinagar's unique floating homes –the houseboats, ornately carved and richly furnished, with living areas, bedrooms, baths and sundecks. The lake is constantly abustle with colour and movement as the graceful little shikara boats with their gay canopies, glide along it surface.
On the banks of the lake, close to Cheshmashahi, the Sher-I-Kashmir International Conference Centre provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date conference facilities in a setting of unrivalled beauty.Overlooking the lake are a large number of modern hotels of all sizes, suitable for all budgets.A favourite with watersports enthusiasts is Gagribal, for the waters here are ideal for water skiing, surfing and swimming.
The many islets that dot the lake are thickly wooded with willow, while the unique floating gardens and lotus beds are a means of livelihood for the urban farmers who grow vegetables on the lake.
The smallest, but the loveliest part of the Dal is the Nagin, considered, in fact, a separate lake. The ring of trees that encircle its crystalline waters have given it its name, which means Jewel in the Ring. Nagin is popular with water-skiers, swimmers and those in search of o peaceful houseboat holiday.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
 The largest fresh-water lake in India is 60 km from Srinagar. Spreading over a 125 km area, the lake, by drawing of excess water from the Jhelum, acts as a natural flood reservoir. Interesting ruins in the centre of the lake are the remains of an island created by King Zain-ul-abidin. With its turbulent waters perpetually wind ruffled, its exciting variety of avian life and the sheer beauty of its setting, Wular represents Nature at her most untamed.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
 Manasbal is the deepest lake in the Kashmir, 32 km from Srinagar. Flanked on its eastern shores by the craggy Mount Baladar, the lake has a placid beauty uniquely its own. All through the summer the lotus blooms in profusion on its surface and it is home to a variety of aquatic birds, making it a naturalist's delight. One can stay in lovely cottages and make use of a boat club.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
The waters of Achhabal Nag flow in a powerful stream, at an altitude of 1667 metres. The spring's waters come from the river Bringhi. The Mughal garden in front of the spring was laid out by a daughter of Shah Jahan in 1640 AD.
The spring's waters have been diverted into 3 channels, which flow over a three tiered terrace. A row of fountains mark the main channel, and on the uppermost terrace pavilions provide a place to picnic in Accommodation is available at the Tourist Bungalow.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
The range of mountains surrounding the Kashmir Valley has given birth to numerous lakes of varying altitudes. Surrounded by an unspoilt mountainscape, with pellucid waters, these alpine lakes which fall on well-known trekking routes are : Sheshnag, Tarsar, Marsar and Tulian in the Lidder Valley, Gangabal, Krishnasar, Kausernag and Alpather in other side valleys.
|
| |
|
|
|
