Floating and Sightseeing on Dal Lake in Kashmir - Srinagar, India
Other than sightseeing on land, we had an early morning shikara ride around Dal Lake, comprised of series of lakes, all leading into each other. The houseboat and local communities have lived for centuries on Dal Lake and some have probably never stepped foot on land. We poled along through quiet, tranquil bayous with willow trees, forests...View image... and acres of lotus gardens along with vegetable gardens leading down to the water. The Kashmiris went about their daily activities whether it was hanging laundry out to dry...View image, smoking water pipes...View image, or paying a visit to the Srinagar Post Office located at the very edge of Dal Lake.
There were tailors, men sitting on their porches, shops full of rugs and bakers. All sitting in tiny wooden shops on the lake edge, near picturesque vegetable gardens, acres of lotus gardens and wooden signs advertising their goods along the periphery...View image. The boatman poled for two hours through the maze of waterways while we just laid back and enjoyed the sights.
Srinagar is famous not only for its alpine-looking forests and mountains ringing the area, gardens and houseboats but also for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. Rugs, both knotted and crewel. Crewel-work pillows, drapery and upholstery. Kashmiri shawls made of three types of wool - "Shahtoosh" which comes from a rare Tibetan antelope, Pashmina (all stylish and non-stylish women have heard of Pashmina by now) which comes from the goat, and the Raffal spun out of marino wool. Willow shopping baskets, tables and chairs. Jewelry and papier mache. There was a famous papier mache artist recommended called "Suffering Moses" and, with luck, we had one extra day after the trek to spend in Srinagar proper with scheduled time for browsing.
ex-Marine...View image ...and I could have happily sat on the comfortable Manora Houseboat forever, entranced by the sights. Shikaras and small boats were constantly paddling by loaded from prow to stern with fruits, flowers...View image, vegetables, and goods for the local Kashmiris living along the lake along with those catering to the tourists. Beer, soft drinks and souvenirs.
The sellers always ask permission to come on board to show their wares...View image. Permission granted, one salesman came on board, carefully spread out his array of goods on a tablecloth...View image, and sat there patiently while I inspected the wide variety of "stuff." When I protested that I had no money to pay for anything, he whipped out a Visa card imprinter and said, "Oh but Madam, I accept credit cards." This was 25 years ago and these little merchants carried their own imprinters with them then! (Yes, I bought.)
We'd leave tomorrow for the short trek in the Pahalgam area of the Himalayas...
Comments
The houseboats are beatiful, really similar to some of those that we have in Seattle.
They are not only beautiful but comfortable and the setting was incredible.
Posted by: Seattle Houseboats | December 14, 2009 12:24 AM