The Dal Lake is a famous lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, India . The lake itself is connected to a number of other lakes of the valley. It is well known for its shikaras or house boats. With the onset on militancy in the state tourism dwindled in the 1990s, however after concerted efforts by the authorities, tourist inflow has slightly improved. During the winter season the lake sometimes freezes over. Water hyacinths and silt are the major problems affecting the lake.