Kashmir is universally known as the Heaven on Earth - being surrounded by ice cold mountains, green valleys, resplendent with chinar trees and beautiful lakes.Many famous bollywood films have shown this heavenly place like Raazi, Mission kashmir etc. Although, from everything else what really stands out is ‘the shikara’.
It is one of the most famous tourist attractions and an integral part of Kashmiri culture. So what is a Shikara? Shikara is nothing but a Gondola which is a type of rowing boat and is used for various purposes apart from tourism. The locals use it for seaweed harvesting, fishing and transportation.
Since the Shikara is used for multiple purposes it has to be made out of a very strong material - deodar is used for constructing this beautiful vessel. It has a wonderful canopy. Now, most of us associate a shikara to be similar to a house boat due to the structure. But no, a shikara follows a completely different concept. A houseboat is where we can enjoy the luxuries and facilities of hotels or our very own home in a boat whereas a Shikara is a small boat which is used to reach the houseboat.
Now comes the best part, the sights which can be viewed by the shikara. For a relaxing ride, the best place is Kashmir’s famous Dal lake. If one wishes for a more calm and serene spot, Nigeen lake is the best. The snow capped mountains, Chinar can be viewed from the shikara. The other spots which one can access from the shikara apart from a ride on the lakes are Nishat and Shalimar gardens and Hazratbal mosque.
The sad fact is that due to the coronavirus, the tourism industry was gravely affected. A very important part of Kashmir’s economy is tourism. Since the number of tourists has decreased, many shikara owners have lost their source of income and become unemployed. Leading to decline of its use. Let us all spread information and facts about the shikara, encouraging tourists to visit Kashmir and its famous shikara ride and explore its beauty in order to revive its lost fame.
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