The Dal is famous not only for its beauty, but for its vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in the world.The houseboat and shikara communities have lived for centuries on the Dal, and so complete is their infrastructure on the lake, that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors, bakers – you’ll see them all in tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable gardens and acres of lotus gardens.

A shikara ride is one of the most soothing, relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir.It can be an hour long ride to see the sights of the Dal; a shopping-by-shikara expedition to visit handicraft shops within the periphery of the lake; or a whole day trip to visit important city landmarks.Because the Dal is so central to the landscape of Srinagar, many places of tourist interest have, over the ages, been built in its vicinity. Nishat and Shalimar gardens as well as Hazaratbal mosque are directly accessible by shikara.