DAY 104 - Houseboat, DAL LAKE

104) SUNDAY, 9 OCTOBER 1977 : 0KMS. - Houseboat, DAL  LAKE

We took a Shikara boat ride across the lake from the shore in  SRINAGAR and  arrived at the houseboat we rented around noon.

 

Shikara boat in Dal Lake - Photo : wikimedia.org / Bing images search

This houseboat comprises of a  living room, a dining room, a pantry  and  2-3 bedrooms (and bathrooms) with a balcony overlooking the lake. The interior of  the boathouse  is very luxurious. It is not a Deluxe but an Economy level.  The upper grade the houseboat is classified, the more expensive is  the rent and the interior and exterior fixtures, including assembled are upgraded.

http://munichtomadras1977.blogspot.com

Some houseboats  are very beautiful. Rental fee per day costs Rs 200. – It is beautifully decorated  with a nice patterned wood carvings.  Even the curtain and  bedspread are embroidered  with  a native of KASHMIR designs.  It is fully equipped with running tap water and electricity. When we arrived  at the “Shabasch” houseboat, there was already  an  Indian couple from BOMBAY  renting  one room.

 

  

Houseboat "Shabash" - http://munichtomadras1977.blogspot.com

One thing I was very surprised, when I knew and  had seen with my own eyes,  that the shawl, blanket, etc., are all embroidered. They look from  far more like a printed textile.
 

Man's work in KASHMIR - Photo : kashmircorps.wordpress.com / Google images search

These  were made with exquisite workmanship by the hands of men, both young and old. It is the same like a woven rug that most labors are mainly boys.  It is not different from what we have seen in IRAN and AFGHANISTAN.