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The majestic Dal Lake in June, the gem of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, unfolds its colours in the lush green months to witness its unmatched beauty. Surrounded by the Zabarwan Range, it’s known for shikara rides, houseboats, floating markets, and beautiful gardens. June usually offers wonderful weather, ideal for discovering the lake and its attractions. Under clear skies and blooming flowers, this season is perfect for photography and outdoor activities. If you’re looking to soak in Mughal charm, shop at the floating market, or simply enjoy a luxury houseboat, Dal Lake is magical.
Quick Details About Dal Lake
Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Lake Type: warm monomictic
Primary Inflows: Telbal Nallah from Marsar lake
Surface Area: 18 to 22 km2 (6.9 to 8.5 sq mi)
Average Depth: 1.42 m (4.7 ft)
Surface Elevation: 1,583 m (5,194 ft)
Location
Photo: Divya Agrawal / Wikimedia Commons
Dal Lake, located in the centre of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is filled with numerous experiences. Spread over 18 sq km, it is the second-largest lake in J&K. It’s one of India’s most beautiful places, adorned with houseboats and surrounded by snow capped mountains and lush gardens. The beauty of the lake is enhanced by small islands such as Char Chinar. The lake is split into four basins, Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin (considered a separate lake at times).
How To Reach
Photo: Reyazsopore / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Srinagar International Airport, which is 30 minutes away. You can fly to Shirdi directly from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chandigarh. From the airport, taxis to Dal Lake.
By Rail: The closest railhead is Jammu Tawi (272 km), connected to major cities including Delhi and Kolkata. You can go from Jammu to Srinagar by shared taxi (₹600 a person) or by private cab.
By Road: Connect with Dal Lake through Jammu-Srinagar Highway (NH 44). Luxury buses and shared cabs leave between Jammu and Katra every day. The drive is scenic, taking 7 to 8 hours and through the Banihal Tunnel and Pir Panjal Range.
Things To Do At Dal Lake In June
Enjoy the waters of Dal Lake in June and explore this part of Jammu and Kashmir by floating.
1. Enjoy A Shikara Ride At Sunset
Photo: Lalit Regar / Wikimedia Commons
A Shikara ride on Dal Lake at sunset is a lovely thing to do in June. The golden light on the water, the distant mountains and the gentle sway of the boat all add to the mood of tranquillity. The journey is along floating gardens, houseboats and Char Chinar Island. Various prices are offered depending on the route, ranging from ₹600 to ₹1,500 per hour. The ideal time to ride is between 6:30 and 7:30 PM for the best views. To add to the charm, some shikara rides offer live Kashmiri music.
2. Visit The Floating Market In The Morning
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
The floating market (Meena Bazaar) on Dal Lake is a delight, with vendors displaying vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and saffron on traditional wooden boats in the early morning. The market starts at around 5:00 AM, a window to the daily life of Kashmiri locals. The best way to get around is to hire a shikara (₹500 to ₹800 for an hour). In June, you can taste the earliest summer fruits, like cherries and apricots, which are local specialities, and Kashmiri Kahwa sold by boat vendors is not to be missed.
3. Stay In A Traditional Houseboat
Photo: Nilesh Keshri / Wikimedia Commons
For a quintessential experience at Dal Lake, stay in a Kashmiri houseboat. These elaborately decorated wooden boats, which float on the lake, provide a luxurious experience inside hand-carved interiors with private balconies and stunning views of the lake. Prices for houseboat stays range from ₹2,000 to ₹12,000 a day, based on luxury level. Many houseboats offer authentic Kashmiri cuisine, guided shikara rides and cultural performances. Staying here allows you to wake up to peaceful lake views accompanied by the calls of boat vendors selling saffron and Pashmina shawls.
Places To Visit Near Dal Lake In June
To finish your itinerary of Srinagar in the area, visit the following places close to Dal Lake in June.
1. Char Chinar
Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons
Char Chinar, a small island in Dal Lake, is famed for four tenacious Chinar trees that enhance the scenic beauty of the place. This island, only accessible by shikara (₹800 to ₹1,500 per ride), is ideal for those who want to escape the frantic pace of the city. June’s clear skies and lush greenery make it a great month for photography and picnics. It is also a popular place for bird watchers because many migratory birds come here in the summer. A shikara ride from the Char Chinar offers an incredible view of the Dal Lake in the golden light at sunset.
Distance: 4 km
Best Time To Visit: 6 AM – 8 AM
2. Shankaracharya Temple
Photo: Sanu N / Wikimedia Commons
Located on Shankaracharya Hill, this ancient Hindu shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features stunning views of both Dal Lake and Srinagar. Constructed in the 9th century, it towers 1,100 feet above sea level, and you have to climb 243 steps to get to the top. The clear weather of June allows for wide-angle photography. The temple has a serene atmosphere with intricate carved stone architecture, a spiritual retreat. Entry is free, but security is tight, with no mobile phones permitted inside.
Distance: 13 km
Best Time To Visit: 6 AM – 8 AM
3. Mughal Gardens
Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons
The Mughal Gardens of Srinagar, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are situated close to Dal Lake and are testimony to the magnificence of Mughal architecture. With their Persian-style terraces, fountains and lavish flower beds, these gardens have bloomed into vibrant sweeps of roses, marigolds and chinar trees in their glory in June. Listed among the most popular Mughal gardens in the Himalayan region, Nishat Bagh is famous for its brilliant views of the Dal Lake, while Shalimar Bagh is renowned for its cascading waterfalls. These gardens are an ideal retreat for nature lovers and photographers.
Distance: 2-6 km
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 – ₹50
4. Pari Mahal
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Perched atop Zabarwan Mountain and overlooking Dal Lake, Pari Mahal is a Mughal-era monument dating back to the 17th century. It was Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s son Dara Shikoh who built this as an Islamic learning centre. Visiting the multi-terraced garden near Dal Lake in June is a great way to take in the breathtaking sunset views. Popular because of its historical importance, symmetric gardens, and tranquil feelings, it offers a tradition that is cherished by modern-day history lovers and provides panoramic views of Srinagar.
Distance: 8 km
Entry Fee: ₹20
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: flowcomm / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are budget stays, star hotels, and houseboats around Dal Lake in June. Houseboats range from ₹2000 to ₹12000 per night, which provides you with the experience of living on the lake. High-end luxury hotels such as the Lalit Grand Palace (₹15,000 a night) offer premium comfort, while mid-range accommodations such as Hotel Shah Abbas (₹4,000 a night) provide value with comfort without breaking the bank. Budget travellers can book homestays and lodges at ₹1,500 per night. Most stays include traditional Kashmiri meals and shikara rides in the package.
Where To Eat
Photo: Dheerajk88 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Wazwan cuisine served at restaurants near Dal Lake is an authentic Kashmiri culinary delight. Mughal Darbar (₹600 a meal) is famous for Rogan Josh and Gushtaba, while Ahdoos (₹800 a meal) dishes up Tabak Maaz and Yakhni. For street food, Seekh Kebabs and Nadru Monje (lotus stem fritters) are available at the shore for ₹100 to ₹200 per dish. Many houseboats serve home-cooked Kashmiri cuisine, including saffron-rice dishes and dried fruit desserts. Do not miss the shikara rides and cups of Kahwa for ₹50 to ₹100.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vikrant / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
A trip for the three days at Dal Lake in June can cost you around ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per person. Budget travelers can cover houseboat stays ₹2,000 per night, food ₹500 per day and shared transport within ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. Mid-range travellers can spend ₹20,000 and hire personal cabs (₹3,000 per day) along with upscale hotels. For luxury travellers, it can go up to ₹30,000 for premium houseboats and guides. Consider extra costs for shikara rides ₹600 to ₹1,500, entry fees, and shopping.
Tips For Travellers
- Book houseboats and hotels in advance, as June is the peak tourist season.
- Dress in warm clothing and light sweaters are advised for the evenings.
- Get early on for sightseeing and take the opportunity when the sky is clear and the crowd is less.
- Do respect local culture, as Kashmir is very conservative and behave politely.
- Try local food like Rogan Josh, Kahwa tea and various Kashmiri Wazwan dishes.
- Always check local conditions before planning any excursions outside of Srinagar.
Dal Lake in June is a beautiful combination of nature, culture, and adventure. Under clear skies and with the land blooming, June is an excellent month for photography, sightseeing and water activities. Whether it’s relaxation you seek or adventure at any level, Dal Lake has something for every traveller. Learn the best ways ahead and plan your trip with TripXL and embrace the local culture.
Cover Photo: Divya Agrawal / Unsplash
