9 places to discover
Char Chinar Island is a small island in Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for four mature Chinar trees planted at its four corners, from which it derives its name. Constructed during the Mughal period, the island is accessible only by shikara and is a well-known sightseeing stop on Dal Lake boat circuits, offering lake views and seasonal Chinar foliage.
Dal Lake is a large urban freshwater lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, set against the Zabarwan mountain range. Covering about 18 square kilometres, it is known for its houseboats, shikara boats, floating gardens and lotus blooms. Integral to Kashmiri life and tourism, the lake includes islands such as Char Chinar and Nehru Park and is bordered by Mughal gardens and boulevards, offering scenic views and leisure boating.
The Dal Lake Floating Vegetable Market is a traditional wholesale market located inside Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Operating at dawn from boats, local farmers and growers sell fresh vegetables cultivated on the lake's floating gardens known as Rad. Accessible only by shikara, it is notable for its unique barter and sale system on water, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the lake's agrarian lifestyle and centuries-old Hanji community traditions.
Kumarakom Backwaters is a network of interconnected canals, lagoons and waterways centered on Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, Kottayam District, Kerala. Part of Kerala's famed backwater system, it is known for traditional kettuvallam houseboats, lush paddy fields, coconut groves and rich birdlife. The area offers scenic cruises, village experiences and proximity to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, making it a major ecotourism and leisure destination in central Kerala.
Manasbal Lake is a natural freshwater lake located in Safapora village of Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, about 30 km north of Srinagar. Considered the deepest lake in the Kashmir Valley, it is known for its clear waters, extensive lotus growth in summer, and scenic surroundings of hills and villages. The lake features a Mughal-era garden called Jarokha Bagh and ruins of a 17th-century fort, and is popular for shikara boating and birdwatching.
Nehru Park is a small landscaped island park located in the middle of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Accessible only by shikara, it is a popular recreational spot for tourists and locals. The park features manicured gardens, flower beds, tall chinar trees and seating areas with panoramic views of Dal Lake, the Zabarwan Range and surrounding houseboats. Named after India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, it offers a tranquil escape within the lake.
Nigeen Lake is a freshwater lake located in the eastern part of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, connected to Dal Lake via a narrow strait. Surrounded by willow and poplar trees and the Zabarwan hills in the distance, it is known for its relatively tranquil waters, houseboats and shikaras. Smaller and less crowded than Dal Lake, it offers scenic views, houseboat stays and boating, and is situated near Hazratbal on its western bank.
Punnamada Lake is a part of Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala, located in Alappuzha district. It is renowned as the venue for the prestigious annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held during Onam. The lake extends from Alappuzha to Azhikode, covering islands like Pathiramanal, and offers scenic backwater experiences through houseboat cruises and shikara rides.
Vembanad Lake at Kumarakom in Kottayam District is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India, spanning Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. This vast brackish lagoon and backwater system is part of the Kerala Backwaters and is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It is renowned for houseboat cruises, scenic backwaters, and its biodiversity near Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.