only one still in existence today . It ’ s easy to imagine that those who make the daily pilgrimage are aware of the history for the market is not just a place of business but an equally important source of news , chat , and even gossip , a chance for the men folk to debrief .
The spadelike oar propels us silently through the ‘ floating ’ town , we too are silent , trying to take everything in , of course there is just too much to comprehend in one visit . We do our best .
Within the luxurious dining room of Shera Palace , we are treated to something that has become the norm in India , plenty of eggs and curry for breakfast , I find nothing to complain about . The meal made more enjoyable with a glass or two of warm masala chai . The three of us marvel at the experience of the Dal market , something far removed from the ordered , sterile confines of a western supermarket . Mr Shera listens on intently before explaining more of the lakes history and future .
Dal has been considered of significant importance by authorities , local and national , with an investment of almost half a billion Australian dollars being promised to restore the lake and its surrounds to its former splendour as witnessed during the time of the Mughal ’ s . I struggled to comprehend that it could be more beautiful and that in doing so hoped that it doesn ’ t become an overused resource for tourism . Mr Shera seemed to agree .
Breakfast finished we were back on a shikara , now joined by Moti from Motorcycle Expeditions , and as we paddled across the lake Mr Shera promised we would be taken to the sights of Srinagar that few bother to see . The adventure would continue
… LW
❒ Motorcycle Expeditions invited Traverse to travel along on one of their season 2022 Into Thin Air
TRAVERSE 30