It’s almost like learning to ride a bicycle, the canoe, lazing around after the morning market hustle bustle as the first rays of the sun kiss the blue waters of the DAL lake, the market has vanished in thin air, we still on the shikara along with floating market experience and the morning chill, with the NUNCHAI by our shikara owner Yusuf Bhai his home being on the lake.
There I see the little children in school uniform hopping on their shikara and off to school just like the bicycle. Remembering my childhood a funny anecdote that while learning to ride you do fall, which makes you learn faster. Once you know how to it’s a heavenly experience and the biggest achievement.
Floating Markets
Floating markets still exist in many places in the world. Seeing attractive pics of Canoes on the water carrying a variety of flowers, veggies, and fruits, today though they sell everything are a major Tourist attraction. Few well known floating markets in Vietnam, Thailand, Solomon Islands, and “THE DAL LAKE” are very well known.
Early morning we were at the Dal Lake to witness the extravagant Scenic floating vegetable and flower market. Floating Markets came into existence when waterways were the main source of transportation.
Welcomed by Yusuf Bhai on the canopied Shikara painted in bold colors and with most colorful tapestry, most of them when parked at the Lake make a colorful sight. Cruising through the many Causeways of the lake, as we reach the market site, business at 6:00 am is in full swing.
Barter System
Operating only for an hour early morning, Selling veggies, fruits, and flowers are grown on the land adjacent to their houses on the lake through a barter system
You are taken into the olden days when this simple practice of exchanging goods for goods was practiced.
It is indeed very humbling and overwhelming to see the older ways still in practice without any hassle, and if decided life can be simple and yes Very beautiful.
The dal lake home too many thrives with activity at every hour of the day. Markets in the morning, students canoeing to school, Homemakers in the afternoon collecting the water Lilly stems to make fodder and the tourists at all hours. It’s a great sight to see the canoe or the shikara being maneuvered so efficiently by every age of people.
The Dal Lake
The Dal Lake is known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” is spread over 15.5 hectares. This Jewel is surrounded by Mughal Gardens and boulevards on the outskirts. These natural wetlands host the Houseboats offering the most luxurious stays and produce the freshest veggies and fruits especially the NADRU (Lotus roots a delicacy in the valley).
The Lake freezing in the winters when the temperature is below -11C, and blooms with lotuses and water lily in spring and the summer.
With some shopping done and some Salty “NUNCHAI” at the very own house of our yusufbhai, we board THE AIRFORCE 1.
AIRFORCE 1.
Surprised we loved the name of our Houseboat. Our air force one was intricately carved made from cedar wood panels equipped with all the 5-star facilities. As we interacted with the owner about the name and how he came to Own the air force one it is a revelation of ancestral history.
Houseboats came into existence during the British Raj. When the Britishers came in the summers for a respite from the heat, they wanted to own some land here, the then Maharaja had to pull all strings to not part away with any land, and the Britishers then came up with a house on water “The Houseboat”
An investment in itself, the upkeep of the same depending on tourism only has seen its ups and downs. The family has done all through generations to keep the houseboat in top condition.
The stay was a break from the hectic sightseeing, allowing a respite from the itinerary, the hospitality and generosity of the houseboat gave us a glimpse of the warmth of the people, sitting on the deck and lazing out can be addictive.
With a great stay at AIRFORCE 1, and many rides on the shikara with Yusuf Bhai available to row the canoe as and when we wished a ride and giving us stories of the lake, time flew, Capturing the lake at all hours of the day this Jannat set amongst the Pir panjal ranges and Cedar trees, you never get enough of it. On my last day of the trip, I am off to visit the Hazarat BAL Dargah.
The area was closed for some changed situation and with a promise to come back for the same I leave the Jannat as a happy and satisfied being.
Blessed with the Generosity
God has generously bestowed beauty, simplicity, and culture on Kashmir. Leaving a piece of my heart, to the people and the place, making memories for a lifetime, and with a promise to jump the bandwagon of travel now and then I am grateful I could visit Kashmir.
I still wish to go and stay for a few months to experience all the beauty, culture and help out in all possible ways to various causes here.
Though I see the streets and places highly guarded, my heart goes out to every INDIAN who is contributing to keep the JANNAT safe and beautiful as it is.
Tip For the Day-
# If possible visit the lake in the morning for floating markets, afternoon to laze
Around and as the dusk descends on the horizon.
#Capture the moments at all 3 visits to make the most wonderful memories.
#most wonderful stories come from the shikara and houseboat owners do give an ear to them.
# Do have the NUNCHAI
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it is very helpful blog ! It describe all things about Kashmir, Thanks for sharing with us.
Loved the description 😊 Wish to visit it after pandemic…