Kashmir Guide : Part 5 Dal lake - An Isolated Stretch From The Main Town

Dal lake

Located in the foothills of Shankaracharya Hill, its a magical setting in itself.

Dal lake, houseboats, shikaras, I must tell you they are Love , a big big LOVE.

How to reach:-

From Kheer Bhawani Temple, we reached Dal lake at ghat 10 .

Dal lake lies in the heart of Kashmir , about 7 kms away from airport .

Shikara provide the water taxi service to approach the houseboats as well as for the rides in the lake.

The time you step down on the shikara - the sparkling lake, deep green shadows all around - You can feel the magic in the air!!

When I entered houseboat, i was like awe-struck , i wasn't able to believe that i am actually at place where I always fantasized to be.

There was evening by the time we reached ( around 4:00 o' clock).

Light breezes have swept away the dawn overcast , leaving only the wispy clouds.

Houseboat

Nicknamed as 'Floating Palace ' - A houseboat is made of antique cedar wood. It's a proper house floating in water but still at a place. It was so lavishly furnished- Kashmiri carpet drawn on the floor, traditional curtains, seats, ceiling, everything was so ethnic and antique.

Houseboat has normally around 3 to 6 rooms. Many of them have lavishing verandas with soft cushioned seats and patio at the entrance with full lake in front of your eyes that looks so so inviting.

The kitchen boat is annexed to the main houseboat, which also serves as the residence of the boat keeper and his family.

Shikara

Also known as "Gondola of Kashmir"

It's small , paddled wooden boat ,about 15 feet long used for multiple purposes.

Each houseboat has an exclusive shikara.

They have heavily cushioned seats, a canopy and backrests to provide comfort in Mughal style.

You just want to sail as long as you can on such a snug boat.

Shikara ride

A Cultural symbol of Kashmir.

For every time we just sat in our Maharani (yes, it's the name of the shikara), it would start raining .It was an unestablished connection. The reflections of the colored boats on the surface of the clear water while sailing soothes your eyes.

Everywhere you look, you will see a new shade of blue- hues you never knew existed in shades prettier than the other.

PS:- Don't forget to visit Chacha jaan during your shikara ride. He is a noble soul and known for his handicraft items.

We even got our pics clicked in a shikara in traditional Kashmiri style.

Other things to see

1. Nehru park

Dal lake has its very own park in the center of the lake. There are some eating hubs there, with a lot of photographers asking you to get photos clicked in the traditional Kashmiri style.

2. Char Chinar

Small island on Dal where 4 Chinar trees stand still.

3. Floating market

Second largest floating market of world after that of Venice. You get everything here from the Kashmiri shawls, hand looms, sweaters , gloves, dry fruits,handicraft items -everything you want.

4. Floating garden

Called as 'Rad' in Kashmiri.

They are matted vegetation, which of floating . Tomatoes ,cucumber and melons commonly grow here.

Mornings at the lake

You get a new zest for life as the morning breeze blows over the mountains and Dal lake.

There's not much better in life than

A new morning,

A hot cup of tea,

and A great view of Dal lake.

Stay in the heritage houseboat

Heaven is a little closer in a home on a houseboat.

Away from all the hustle and bustle of the busy city of Srinagar,

peace is not found in a calmer storm, it's found in a houseboat.

Remember that

A heart at peace gives life to a body..

And a day spent on the water is never waste of time

Shells sink,

Dreams float,

Life's good ,

On a houseboat..

I'm really jealous of all those people would live on the shores of the Dal lake.

From the sun kissed water, to the snow capped mountains- everything warms the spirit.

Best part of people on the lake

The lakes culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of it's people.

Beauty of this region is - Everyone's passionate about what they do.

There could be no other perfect way to end our tour.

We visited as many places as we could in our 6 days trip

But this one was a total winner....

We had a stay at

PARIS HOUSE BOAT

GHAT NO .10

CONTACT - WASEEM BHAI