Leh-Ladakh- the ultimate adventure (part 1)

No man’s land but definitely every shutterbug’s dream destination, where even a novice can get the best captured shots. I am sure it is every individual’s ultimate dream destination. Be it a family outing or teenager’s spree or especially a friendly excursion.

I happened to board a flight at Santacruz domestic airport which dropped me off at Delhi airport from where I boarded a connecting flight to Srinagar. Once at Srinagar let me warn you, only the people having a post paid account are most likely to get range from there onwards. I experienced a problem as I did not know about it.

The Srinagar Airport is definitely one of the best airports I might have come across. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and boat-houses. I was lucky to have my accommodation in a boat-house which floats on one of the postcard lakes of Kashmir, the Dal Lake. You could select your own houseboat. If you are a big group of people you can book the entire houseboat, else you could select a single room in it. We had an airport pickup facility, which could actually turn out to be a boon if you are new to the place. You can opt for a vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian menu. We had a buffet system for our food, which was served on a lush and well maintained lawn with very beautiful flower beds.

Our boat house was a very nice and well maintained one, but it creaked a lot, apart from that there was no other issue. The staff was helpful and the service was very nice. The boathouse had a very cozy parlor with its very own library. Every room is fully carpeted and well furnished. The beds had locally hand woven blankets. The intricate wooden carvings on the windows and the partition between the bedroom and changing room were worth looking at. The room has an attached bathroom. Hot water could be an issue as it is provided only for a certain period of time.

After evening tea and snacks we went for the so profoundly talked of Shikara ride. It was paradise on earth. The waters were absolutely serene with certain areas having sheets of yellow lilies through which the boat ventures. The hills provided the best backdrop one can imagine, and the reflection of the sky in the water was just pretty. The continuous beats of rowing by the Shikara rower and watching the surrounding could lull you to sleep and be relaxed. For those who are enthusiastic on clicking pictures like me you will definitely not be bored. You could even keep your eyes open for various kinds of birds mostly water birds but I happened to see a roosting black kite.

Apart from that you can come across many other Shikaras which are actually shops from where you could buy stuff and people riding Shikaras which happen to be school bus services for kids. The kids there are also very sweet, with red chubby cheeks and the sweetest smile; you will definitely fall in love with them at once. The Shikara will take you to the famous boat bazaar on Dal Lake where you can do your shopping. Once done we were bought back to our houseboat on Shikaras via the Nagin Lake which is another major tourist attraction in Srinagar.

The following day we were to move out of Srinagar to continue our journey..

To be continued..