The ride on the Shikara was liitle more amusing as compared to the normal boat ride. The reason being the very thought that the Jheel on which we were, remained in liquid form for half the year only. The next half, you can walk on it!! All becomes ice.





The early morning view was very nice. The water was very fresh ( coming directly from the mountains above) including several beatiful waterfalls. On both the sides, the mountain peaks stood lush green and in between the water was still. Then as we headed slowly, the serenity of the place touched my heart. I could feel the cold breeze. I could listen to the water when the boat was moving.





Before I could realise, my boat was surrounded with many other boats. Those other boats contained all sorts of things- to sell. Welcome to the market!! Vegetable laiden boats were followed by the traditional items boats containing all sorts of woolen clothes, shawls and caps. After these small boats, came the bigger boats. Those were not moving but were static at one place over the water.They were supported by bamboos which were coming from inside the water. They looked like proper shops if you forget that their is water underneath. The big boats had the "parking" area for the tourist Shikaras. Once they parked it, you can go inside and shop for whatever you want.





Traditional jewellery and dry fruits like cashew are among some other things which attracted many people. Owing to the present politcal conditions, the tourism has dropped to the minimum levels. But the warmth with which they welcomed those few people was also remarkable.





After taking few dress material beautifully made from the Kashmiri embroidery, I boarded the Shikara again and said good bye to the shopkeepers. As the Shikara proceeded smoothly, I saw the next amazing thing.. the fields on the water. Many farmers mainly women came on their boats and were doing farming!! I was shocked. The balancing of their boats while they harvested their fully growm watermelons,paddy crops or cucumbers was worth noticing. There were many other fruits and vegetables grown majorily those which require bountiful water. Lotuses were here there and everywhere adding to the beauty of the place.





It already became dark and the sunset time comes very soon. Along with the evening came mist,fog and chilly breeze. The visibility became poorer but still the beauty increased. Now the Shikara was approaching the houses on river!! Yes, the boat houses!!

All size and sorts of boat hoses were there. I had naver heard before of the double storey boat houses which were beatifully floating infront of me. The material used was mainly wood to keep it as light as possible. Some boats even looked like they were made up of white marble with beautiful sculputers done. For once they represented Agra's Taj on river!! i went in one house boat to look around. The interior of the boats was really amazing!! The careful designing of the boat can only make a bedroom, hall and a kitchen possible in an otherwise small looking boat from outside. Once I went inside, I forgot that I was on a boat. I liked that boat and decided to stay for a day. In the morning, when I got up and stepped out of my room, the view was so different from any other morning. Usually we dont even have time to look and appreciate the nature. But here it was.. I saw the sun rise amongst many other house boats infront of me and water below!!!! Not a lovlier morning view I can have.

Full day I spent time there, roamed in the gardens which they had mentained on the boats, having meals and admiring swans in the lake alsong with some more Shikaras. It was already evening and I looked at the house boats one last time until I come to this place again.

The lights on the boats were lit up as the previous night. Shrinking sizes of the boats and dimming of the lights were telling as I was moving away from them towards the shore.Now the lights were visible not only above but below the water also.I closed my eyes to imprint the view in my memories forever. I wish to see that again.. It is still fresh in my mind..