Places / house boats / shikara / fruits / flowers / shawls, carpets / jewelry / handicrafts / forts / hills / trek / restaurants in Dal Lake
Houseboats are available, at the eastern part of the lake. Majority of the boats offer every modern amenities. The people of Kashmir used to call house boats the "boat of Kennath Sahib". Gifted with an inherent sense of exquisiteness and design, the Kashmiri has since specialize in decorating the interior of the house-boat most artistically and making it most comfy. A Shikara (a canopied tiny gondola, rowed with heart shaped paddles) is at hand with every house-boat like a water taxi. Vendors in Shikaras glide up to the doorsteps of the house-boat and offer a floating market of fruits, flowers, shawls, carpets, jewelry and handicrafts. Cost / hire charges of shikara 300 INR per hour, or 500 for 4 to5 hours round trip of the lake.
Whilst on a boat ride in the lake, one can perceive fascinating flora and fauna. The floras consist of lotus flower, water lillies and water chestnuts. Notable birds are kingfishers and heron. Apart from the houseboats, one can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, water surfing along with licensed angling on the lake.
The renowned Nishat Bagh (Garden of Gladness) is situated here. This garden was laid out by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jahan in 1632. From this point one can get pleasure from a fabulous view of the Dal Lake and the mountains beyond.
Shalimar Bagh is set at the conclusion of a canal that leads to the Dal Lake. It was build by Jahangri for his wife Nur Jahan. The garden is eminent by a series of terraces associated by a water channel. These are enclosed by decorative pools which can be reached by means of stepping stones. There are three pavilions. The uppermost pavilion has black marble pillars. The wall has the recess for flowers and lamps. The two lower pavilions has two Halls for private (Diwan-i-Khas) and public audience (Diwan-i-Am). Entrance / entry Fee: Rs 5/-.
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