waterrelief!
chef a two-hour notice. So we asked for
paranthas (can’t leave the Delhi-walla in
me behind!). After the delicious meal, we
made an exciting discovery: our houseboat
had of a rooftop sundeck, from which
one could take in the Himalayan views
and enjoy the brisk fresh air.
We sat on the roof under the
glittering blanket of the night. For an
extra touch of Kashmir, Altaf gave us a
sheesha. Quaffing our hookah in the chilly
night, we watched the silent lake whose
ripples blended with our conversations.
Later, when we slept, we felt gentle a
bobbing beneath us and were told that
though the boats are stationary they
remain floating slightly.
I think you need to live in a houseboat
at least once, for the morning view! The
first thing we did as we woke up was to
step out into the balcony. The Dal Lake
looks the most beautiful at dawn. The
sight of children going to school and
people going to work on small, personal
shikaras in the light of the early morning
sun and the golden reflection of the lake
is enchanting.
A local woman belted out a Kashmiri
melody as she rowed one such small
Shikara that morning. We didn’t know
what the song meant, but we knew she
was grateful to God. Just as we were to
be able have this enchanting experience, a
travel secret we would cherish forever.
Quick Tips:
3 Don’t get fooled by the high
prices of the Shikaras. As a
resident of the houseboat you
are entitled to at least two
complimentary rides in a day.
3 Carry a mosquito repellent
so that you are able to enjoy
the view without buzzing
disturbances.
3 Avoid buying jewellery or
other items that the Shikara
walas bring to your houseboat
because they are overpriced
and you’ll get the same things
for much less at the markets in
the city.
3 You can go Jet skiing or try
other water sports, but don’t
go swimming in the Dal
because you can never be sure
of its cleanliness.
3 If you are out in the city,
do return before midnight,
because even though the
houseboats boast about 24x7
service of the shikaras, you will
end up really struggling for one
at night!
March-April 2015 Travel Secrets 61