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My Visit to Dal Lake, Kashmir – A Memory I Will Always Keep 🏔️

A Shikara ride across Dal Lake, houseboats, mountains and the peaceful feeling of Paradise on Earth.

Kirandeep Kaur6 min read
A traditionally decorated Shikara boat with red and yellow canopy on Dal Lake, Srinagar, with houseboats and mountains in the background
Our Shikara ride on Dal Lake — drifting past houseboats and mountains, with no rush at all.

Kashmir had been on my travel list for a long time. I had seen so many pictures and videos of its mountains, lakes, gardens and beautiful views, but I always wondered how it would actually feel to be there. When I finally got the chance to visit Kashmir, one place I was especially excited about was Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Paradise on Earth

The moment I reached Dal Lake, I understood why Kashmir is often called Paradise on Earth. The view in front of me was so beautiful that for a few minutes, I just stood there and looked around. The calm water, mountains in the background, colourful Shikaras and the fresh air created such a peaceful atmosphere.

The Shikara Ride

The best part of my visit was the Shikara ride. Sitting on a Shikara and slowly moving across the lake was a completely different experience. There was no rush. The boat moved gently through the water while I enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. I could see the mountains reflecting in the lake, and everything looked even more beautiful from the middle of the water.

I have travelled to different places, but there was something special about this experience. Usually, when I travel, I am busy taking pictures, making videos and thinking about where to go next. But during the Shikara ride, I actually wanted to put my phone aside for a while and simply enjoy the moment.

A traditionally decorated Shikara boat with red and yellow canopy on Dal Lake, with a boatman and carved wooden details
Our beautifully decorated Shikara — the canopy, the carved wood and the calm water all around.

The Shikara itself was beautifully decorated, and the person taking us around the lake shared some interesting things about the area. We also saw traditional houseboats standing on the water. They looked so beautiful and peaceful, and I could understand why staying on a houseboat is such a popular experience in Kashmir.

Local Life on the Lake

Another thing that caught my attention was the local life around Dal Lake. Small boats were moving around the lake, and local sellers were offering flowers, Kashmiri products, snacks and other things. It was interesting to see how the lake is not only a tourist attraction but also an important part of everyday life for many local people.

A bowl of steamed corn held in one hand while sitting on a yellow Shikara on Dal Lake, with wooden houses and green trees across the water
Warm steamed corn on the lake — a simple snack that made the Shikara ride even more special.

Mountains All Around

The mountains surrounding Dal Lake made the whole view even more magical. Every time I looked in a different direction, I found something worth photographing. The combination of blue water, green surroundings and mountains created a picture that I could never get tired of seeing.

A Peaceful Feeling

One of my favourite things about Dal Lake was the peaceful feeling. Sometimes, we don't realise how much we need a break from our busy routine until we actually get one. Sitting on the lake, feeling the cool breeze and watching the water move slowly made me feel completely relaxed.

A hand holding a cup of coffee inside a decorated Shikara with mountains and houseboats reflected in the calm water of Dal Lake
A warm cup of coffee, houseboats and the mountains — this is the moment I want to remember.

Memories with My Loved Ones

I also loved spending this time with my loved ones. Travelling is not only about visiting new places; for me, it is also about creating memories with the people who are important to me. Looking back at the pictures now, I don't just see a beautiful lake. I remember the conversations, laughter and little moments we shared during the trip.

If You Are Planning a Trip to Kashmir

If you are planning a trip to Kashmir, I would definitely suggest keeping Dal Lake on your list. Take a Shikara ride, explore the surroundings, enjoy the views and, most importantly, don't be in a hurry. Give yourself some time to simply sit and enjoy the beauty around you.

More Than Sightseeing

My visit to Dal Lake was more than just another sightseeing experience. It was one of those moments where I felt connected with nature and completely present in the moment.

I returned from Kashmir with hundreds of photographs, but the memory of sitting on that Shikara, surrounded by mountains and calm water, is something I will remember for a very long time.

Dal Lake was not just a place I visited. It was a feeling I brought back with me.

#Kashmir#Dal Lake#Travel#Srinagar#Memories
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About the Author

Kirandeep Kaur

I explore technology, simplify complex ideas, and share what I learn along the way — mostly SAP, AI and enterprise tech, sometimes everything else.

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