Picture an island with hundreds of-year-old trees, and they tell the tales of emperors, where history and nature come alive in one grand show. Built by Murad Baksh, the brother of the infamous Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Char Chinar Dal Lake is an enchanting beauty. This picturesque area features four majestic Chinar trees, which turn red and orange in autumn, creating a stunning contrast against the lake’s tranquil waters. The lush, landscaped gardens around Char Chinar add charm, making it a perfect spot for leisurely, peaceful reflection and capturing stunning moments for your Instagram stories.
History Of Char Chinar Dal Lake
Image Credit: Gangadhar Tambe for Wikipedia
The history of Char Chinar is as colourful as the Chinar trees on the island. Built by Murad Baksh, the brother of the famous Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Char Chinar was initially planned to be a summer palace. The island in the more minor part of the Dal, known as Lokut Dal, was called Ropa Lank or Silver Island because of its silvery look.
The Chinar trees, known to have a very long life and are very beautiful, were planted at each corner of the island, and thus, the layout was symmetrical. Char Chinar has survived many historical changes from the Mughal Empire to the present, so it is a great place for history lovers.
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Char Chinar Dal Lake Timings & Entrance Fee
Image Credit: Vikrant for Wikipedia
This famous park in Srinagar is accessible to the public from 6:00 AM up to 6:00 PM. The flexible and extended Char Chinar Dal Lake Timings enable visitors to explore the island in the early morning and the evening with the golden light.
The entry charges for visiting Char Chinar Dal Lake are Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 25 for children. This nominal fee helps maintain and preserve the island and its surrounding territories.
Places To See Near Char Chinar Dal Lake
From the historic Mughal Gardens to the ancient Shankaracharya Temple and the famous Tulip Garden, there are many nearby attractions worth visiting. Each offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
1. Nishat Garden
Image Credit: McKay Savage for Wikimedia Commons
Nishat Garden, or the Garden of Delight, is a Mughal garden situated on the shore of the Dal Lake in Srinagar. This large garden has a terraced design and is a pleasure to the sight, touch, smell and taste. Nishat Garden is also decorated with fountains, canals, and flowers, providing a stunning view of the Dal Lake and the nearby Zabarwan hills. The central canal of the garden with a waterfall gives the place a natural and calm feel suitable for a stroll. If you are a photography lover or want to spend time in a beautiful place, Nishat Garden is a place to visit near Char Chinar.
Entry Fee: INR 30/- per person
Opening Hours: 7 am to 7 pm
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2. Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh, another Mughal garden, is also known as the ‘Garden of Love. ‘ This garden is a little far from Char Chinar and is a perfect example of Mughal architecture and garden design. Shalimar Bagh has three levels of terraces, each symbolising different aspects of paradise with the help of water bodies and greenery. The pavilions and fountains in the garden also make it even more beautiful and ideal for one to sit and enjoy the view. The environment of Shalimar Bagh is quite calm and thus provides a perfect getaway from the city’s busy life.
Entry Fee: INR 24/- per person
Opening Hours: 9 am to 7 pm
3. Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
Image Credit: Aman Sachan for Wikimedia Commons
If you plan to visit Srinagar in the spring, then Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is a must-visit place. It is Asia’s largest tulip garden and has over a million tulips of different colours. The garden is built on the terrains that overlook Dal Lake and presents a sight that is enchanting to tourists. The annual Tulip Festival in April is a must-see, as this is when the garden is in full bloom. The beautiful colours and the beautiful background of the lake and mountains make it a photographer’s delight.
Entry Fee: INR 75/- for adults and INR 30/- for children under 12 years
Opening Hours: 8 am to 7 pm
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4. Shankaracharya Temple
Image Credit: Sanu N for Wikimedia Commons
This temple of Lord Shiva is located at Shankaracharya Hill and provides a splendid view of Srinagar and Dal Lake. It is a steep hike to the temple, but the view from the top is worth the climb. At the top, the environment is calm and ideal for meditation and other forms of self-reflection. The structure of the temple is also quite interesting as it has elements of both Kashmiri and Hindu architecture. If you are on a pilgrimage or want to capture the beauty of the place, the Shankaracharya Temple is a place of interest near Char Chinar.
Entry Fee: Free entry
Opening Hours: 7 am to 8 pm
5. Hazratbal Mosque
Image Credit: Hardikmodi for Wikimedia Commons
Another important religious place of worship for Muslims is the Hazratbal Mosque situated on the banks of the Dal Lake in the north. The mosque is famous for hosting the hair of the Prophet Muhammad and therefore is considered an object of pilgrimage. The architecture of the mosque is a fine piece of craftsmanship of Kashmir, the white marble structure of the mosque is surrounded by greenery. The calmness of the environment of Hazratbal Mosque along with the religious importance of the place makes it a special place to visit.
Entry Fee: Free entry
Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
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Char Chinar Dal Lake Location & How To Reach
Image Credit: 2006nishan178713 for Wikipedia Commons
The Char Chinar Dal Lake location is in the middle of the world-renowned Dal Lake of Srinagar. The island can be accessed by shikara (traditional wooden boat) rides on Dal Lake, offering visitors a serene and enchanting experience. Here is how you can reach there:
By Road: Char Chinar Dal Lake is well connected by road from Srinagar city. The lake is roughly 6 kilometres from the Srinagar Bus Station, and one can hire a taxi or take a bus to get there.
By Air: The airport nearest to Dal Lake is the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar which is approximately 22 kilometres away. After arriving at the airport, one can hire a taxi or use an arranged transport to get to the lake.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is about 300 km away from Srinagar. From there one can take a bus or taxi to Srinagar and then directly to Dal Lake.
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Char Chinar at Dal Lake is not just a place of tourist interest but a calm place which gives a feel of the natural beauty and history of Kashmir. Whether you are going there for a boat ride, a walk through the gardens around the lake, or just to enjoy the calmness of Char Chinar, you will surely be mesmerised by the beauty of this place. So, plan a trip to Kashmir then add Char Chinar Dal Lake to your itinerary.
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Cover Image Credit : Ram Manikanta Maram for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Char Chinar Dal Lake
When is the best time to visit Char Chinar Dal Lake?
It is advisable to visit Char Chinar Dal Lake in the months of April to October because the climate is favourable and the gardens around the lake are blooming.
Is it possible to go to Char Chinar Dal Lake in winter?
Yes, the lake is open year-round for tourists but during winters, the temperature can fall severely low.
Is there any Char Chinar Dal Lake guided tour?
Yes, there are guided tours, and it is advised to take a guide to learn more about Char Chinar and the history of the place.
Is there any hotel or any place of lodging near Char Chinar Dal Lake?
There are many hotels in and around Dal Lake starting from the five-star hotels to the budget hotels and guest houses. Another possibility is to rent a houseboat and live on it, on the lake, for instance.
Are there any facilities available on Char Chinar?
Char Chinar is a natural and relatively remote island, so basic facilities like restrooms or food stalls are not available here.
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