Srinagar's chief distinction is greatbody of water, the Dal Lake, which forms its focal point. The Dal has, within its area, two enormous sheets-like expanses of water-Lokutdal and Boddal, the rest of its surface being broken up alternatively by man-made strips of land inhabited by whole colonies of people and vegetation. Thus the lake is not a flat, unbroken mass of water, bur a labyrinth of water-ways, awash with a lifestyle not encountered elsewhere in the world.
         Leading from the Dal is the smaller Nagin Lake. Here too, the waters are edged by trees of willow and poplar whose reflection is mirriored in the lake.

        Between the river and the foot of the mountains spur, at the lower end of the Sind Valley, is a small lake, enclosed by a low hill, Aha-thung on one side and an elevated plateau on the other. This is Manasbal. Though only a mile or two in diameter, it is very pretty, and, owing to its depth, always has a considerable expanse of clear water.
       At the upper end are some well shaded terraces watered by a canal brought fron Sind river. These especially the highest, afford a very pleasent encampment. Close by is an old Faqir's  gargen.

         The lake is the large sheet of water with very ill-defined shores. Early in the summer it is often twelve miles or more broad. But in autumn little clear water is left, the weeds are so universal and thick. The deepest part is towards thelow hill called Baba Shukr-ud-din on the north-west side, on the top of which is the shrine or ziarat of that saint, a renowned disciple of Nur-ud-din's. Near this the rocks come down to the water and a little distance out in the lake is a curious bubbling spring.