Holiday in Kashmir!!! First thing that comes to your mind is unsafe, terrorism, war, army....etc etc.. Trust me Kashmir(srinagar) is one of the safest place for tourists. Dal lake, Houseboats, Shikars, surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks, Jhelum river cutting across makes this a fabulous and perfect place for a holiday...:) Its a PARADISE.
All set to go...:):)
On 29th may 2010 we departed from Bangalore at around 730 in the morning. We had a connecting flight Bangalore-Delhi-Srinagar... As we reached Srinagar the view from the flight was breathtaking... Could see the snow capped mountains all over...:) Cloudy weather but expected this weather in Kashmir.
We took a cab to one of the hotel in srinagar which we had already booked from Bangalore. Had a cup of tea n went for a stroll around the dal lake, situated at the centre of Srinagar. Sight of the floating houseboats, shikaras is awe-inspiring. People out there were waiting to take us on 2 hours boating in shikara which they charge around 200 to 300 bugs depending on the time you want to spend.
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| Dal Lake |
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| Reminds me of mission Kashmir...lol |
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| Shikara |
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| Houseboats on Dal lake |
Next morning on 30th may 2010 we moved to the houseboat. Houseboat is a novel type of accommodation available in Kashmir. Hundreds of it located on Dal and Nagin Lake.Completely different experience staying in those houseboats which are located at the center of the lake n shikaras provided to you for getting to the road from boats. We stayed in houseboat named Monalisa, built before independence but still looks the best. Luxury and hospitality is just unbeatable compared to hotels who charge the double. If u do plan to visit Kashmir any time never miss out on staying a day or 2 in houseboats to carry cherishing moments back home.
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| Houseboats on Dal lake |
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| Monalisa |
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| Completely furnished with Walnut wood and famous Kashmir carpets |
One Day you can spend on Local site seeing. There are quite a few places which you can see Shankaracharya temple, Nagin lake, Char chinar, Manasbal lake, Kerbavani temple, Hasrat bal, Mugale gardens etc etc...
View of Dal lake and Houseboats from shankaracharya temple.
Shankaracharya temple is one of the beautiful place. View from the top is just fabulous. On one side you can see the Dal lake decorated with the houseboats, on the other side jhelum river cutting across the srinagar city. the view of the surrounding snow capped mountaining peak is mind blowing. Unfortunately Camera is not allowed ther to capture the view.
Hasratbal
Kir bavani
Manasbal lake
Mugale gardens
