Hazratbal or Dargah, is the notified area in Downtown Srinagar situated about 10 km from city center. The early settlements in the area occurred on the banks of Dal Lake and majority of population of area are Hangis (fishermen). The area became famous after the construction of Hazratbal Shrine where hundreds of thousands of people visit every year because many relics related to the Islamic Prophet Muhammad are believed to be there.
The word Hazrat in Urdu gives indication of respect and bal in Kasmiri means place. Thus the word Hazratbal means the place which is highly respected among the people. Due to the presence of Dal Lake and its house boats in vicinity, the area became the famous tourist spot in the city.
