A true heaven for nature lovers and environment enthusiasts, Nigeen Lake, also called Nagin Lake, is a popular tourist destination in Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. Kashmir is the northernmost union territory of India. It is seen as the crown of India. Srinagar is the city of lakes, and out of its many picturesque lakes is Nigeen Lake. Adjacent to Hari Parbat hillock and surrounded by the gorgeous Willow and Poplar trees, the lake has a serene and panoramic setting. It is the perfect place to enjoy your holidays in Kashmir with your loved ones. Due to its unparalleled beauty, it has been called a ‘nageena’, which in English means ‘the jewel in the ring’. From Nageena, the word ‘nigeen’ has emerged in the local language and dialect. The lake is 2.7 km long and about 0.82 km wide. It is quite small compared to the expanse of Dal Lake, which has a shoreline of about 15 km.
The Picture-Perfect Location
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The lake is on the eastern side of Srinagar and at the base of Zabarwan Mountain. It overlooks Shankaracharya Hill on the southern side and Hari Parbat on the western side. Nigeen Lake is located right next to Srinagar’s most iconic lake, Dal Lake. Though technically, it is a larger part of Dal Lake, connected through a narrow strait, lake can still be seen as a separate lake. One can easily reach this lake from Srinagar International Airport (16 kilometres away) and Srinagar Railway Station, about 20 kilometres away. Due to its proximity to Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake is popular in the area.
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Major Highlights
Nigeen Lake is a perfect gem of Srinagar, which offers scenic views and peace to its visitors. The views are so gorgeous that you will instantly capture them in your phone’s camera and your heart forever. Here are some of the top attractions of the lake that will make your visit more than it is worth.
1. Shikara Rides And Houseboat Stays
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The calm waters of Nigeen Lake are ideal for a slow-motion ride on a houseboat or a shikara. They are the best way to explore the vast beauty of Nagin Lake, which offers great views of the forest and mountains around it. There are several houseboats in Nigeen Lake that offer accommodation to the visitors. There are shikaris available too that take tourists for a boat ride or ferry them to their houseboats and out to the shoreline.
The traditional wooden houseboats glide swiftly on the lake waters, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the lake’s natural splendour at leisure. The gentle lapping sound of lake waters, mild wind, and cool weather provide a peaceful outing. The houseboats of Nigeen Lake are adorned with colourful upholstery, decorations, and wooden carvings. They bring old-world charm alive with modern-day fittings and comforts. Book your accommodation in the houseboat and wake up to a serene ambience and peaceful setting. You will enjoy the warm hospitality of the local hosts in the houseboat and taste the authentic Kashmiri cuisine onboard.
Suggested Read: Best Houseboats In Kashmir
2. Amazing Sunrise And Sunset Views
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The spectacular events that pull hundreds of visitors around Nigeen Lake are the sunrises and sunsets around the lake. It is a breathtaking view when the golden rays of the Sun illuminate the lake’s calm waters in the morning and evening. The mountains and forest create reflections in the calm waters to enhance the scene’s beauty. You can take a long stroll along the lake’s shoreline to experience the magic hour. Evenings around the Lake are mesmerising as the red and orange silhouette of the setting Sun is gradually replaced by the colourful lights of the street and lightboards of shops and restaurants around the lake.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit On A Romantic Trip To Kashmir
Best Time To Visit
March to November are the best time to visit Nigeen Lake. The weather during this time remains pleasant and ideal for being outdoors. In winter, the weather is extremely chilly, especially for those used to land settings. Although, there are good chances to spot snowfall during that time.
Places Around Nigeen Lake
Various other exciting places around Nigeen Lake are ideal for visiting after you spend time around Nigeen Lake.
1. Hazratbal Shrine
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Hazratbal Shrine is a holy site for Muslims on the northern side of Dal Lake. It is revered for keeping a holy relic, believed to be the hair of Prophet Mohammad. The shrine is built in white marble and has attractive architecture. Its proximity to Dal Lake gives it an attractive view.
Location: Dargah Hazratbal Mosque, University Main Road, Hazaratbal
Entry fee: Free
2. Mughal Gardens
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One of the most picturesque gardens in Kashmir and the entire country, the Mughal Gardens are famous worldwide for their beauty and architecture. The Mughal Gardens include Shalimar Garde, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. Built in the Persian style, they have rich foliage, beautiful flowers, terraced lawns, and cascading fountains.
Location: Chinar Chowk, Shalimar, Srinagar
Entry fee: Free
3. Shankaracharya Temple
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Sitting on the Shankaracharya Hill, Shankaracharya temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a significant site for Hindus and an architectural marvel. The temple is built at the height of 1000 feet on Gopadri hills and overlooks the city of Srinagar. The temple has an octagonal base which is 20 feet tall and supports the square building of the temple. There are around 243 steps that the devotees take to reach the temple.
Location: Shankaracharya Reserved Forest, Durgjan, Srinagar
Entry fee: Free
Further Read: 5 Panoramic Places To Visit In Kashmir In July
Nigeen Lake is named rightly, as it is a serene gem of Srinagar. It is one of the top attractions of Srinagar. The lake is surrounded by tall Willow and Poplar trees and offers mighty views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Visit Nigeen Lake for an unforgettable experience; take a traditional Shikara ride to glide over the calm lake waters and experience the natural beauty and tranquil ambience. Lake is a beautiful and unique blend of Srinagar’s natural and cultural charm. Book your trip to Srinagar today to plan your next holiday and enjoy a peaceful retreat in Nigeen Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nigeen Lake
Which is better, Nigeen Lake or Dal Lake?
There is no comparison between the two beautiful and popular lakes of Srinagar. One cannot say that any one of them is better than the other. Nigeen Lake is a part of Dal Lake on the easter side and is connected by a thin strait. Once you are in Dal Lake, you can also easily visit Nigeen Lake.
What is Nigeen Lake famous for?
The name Nigeen is derived from the word Nagina, which means ‘gem of a ring’. The lake is rightly named because it is no less than a gem of Srinagar. The lake is popular for its natural beauty, breathtaking views, exciting Shikara rides and houseboat stays.
How to reach Nigeen Lake?
Nigeen Lake is easily accessible from all parts of Srinagar. Since it is near Dal Lake, the lake is popular and well-known in the city. Taxis are available from Srinagar railway station and Srinagar International Airport.
What is the best time to visit Nigeen Lake?
March to November is the best time to visit Nigeen Lake. In winter, from December to February, the weather in Kashmir becomes chilling, and at times, Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake freeze.
Is Nigeen Lake the best attraction to visit?
Nigeen Lake in Kashmir offers amazing activities to engage in besides jaw-dropping views. It is a must-visit destination to explore when stepping in Srinagar.
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