If you have been looking to relax during your holidays, then Kashmir is the best destination that offers breathtaking picturesque of nature. The place is generously ornamented with innumerable beautiful sights, amazingly designed landscaped flower gardens, crystal clear lakes; the list in unending when it comes to exploring Kashmir’s bounties of treasure.
Amidst this magnificent fairy tale world lies the colourful and sensuous Shikara that provides every Kashmir tourist a unique experience to enjoy the eternal beauty of the place.
The traditional Shikara is considered a cultural symbol and is one of the most captivating attractions of Kashmir tourism. Shikaras are narrow boats that ferry tourists from the houseboats to the river banks. The boat ride offers a leisurely boat experience, which makes every nature lover mesmerized by the scenic lake view. During such rides, you can also see places like the Shalimar Garden, Hazratbal Mosque, and Nishat Garden that come in close proximity to the Dal Lake. At Nehru Park near the Boulevard Road, the lake widens slowly into a vast expanse of water. You can also see vendors selling jewellery, saffron, and flowers all on their Shikara.
Cruising on Earth’s very own Dreamland
Although a Shikara may be an experience to cherish for the tourists visiting here, the locals use it for seaweed harvesting, transportation & fishing. Shikaras are also used for selling flowers and handicrafts that provide a source of livelihood for the local artisans. Shikaras that are loaded with such flower varieties prove to be a perfect feast for the eyes.
During the boat rides, one can also watch the kingfisher, the kite, and the Grebe that are the common birds found here. While cruising on the Shikara, we can note these birds trying to hunt their prey in the water of the floating lake. The rich aquatic vegetation, reeds & humus all put together make up for a rich natural source of food for frogs, mice, and grasshoppers that overall balance out the food chain.
As you embark on this wonderful Shikara boat ride, you can see many houses beautifully built around the lake, which gives us a feeling as though the whole world is centered on this lovely place. The interesting part to watch out for is the Shikara boats that are neatly parked outside almost every house. Just like we see cars parked outside every home in the cities, every house owner over here owns the Shikara boat. Just as their counterparts in the cities do, these local folks commute in these boats from one place to another.
While holidaying in Kashmir, you would be enveloped by two extreme fantasies. The first being the dazzling lakes of Kashmir & next are the Mughal architectural wonders that remind us of the Historical connection.
Look at the Last Village Of India – Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh
It is even more a delight to have a Shikara ride around sunset time as the crimson rays of the setting sun fall along the boat, which adds even more spark to the already bustling excitement. The closely connected Nagin Lake, the Shankaracharya Temple, Hari Parbat, and Chasme Shahi are some of the other tourist attractions to watch out for during the trip.
Come, visit, and explore this magical spell in Kashmir.
