Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a stunning place. Here’s a Srinagar tour guide to further help you make the most of your trip. That is famous for its stunning landscapes, ancient gardens, and local handicrafts. One of its most unique attractions is the famous floating market. That is meanwhile known as the Dal Lake Floating Market.
Located on the serene Dal Lake, this is a famous market. That offers tourists a chance to experience a part of the city’s rich cultural aspects. Meanwhile, they can shop for local goods in an ideal setting. A visit Chandigarh Srinagar tours deal floating market is an enjoyable experience. That further gives you a glimpse into the daily lives of locals. It meanwhile offers an option to enjoy a local shopping experience. That can be done in an ambiance like no other.
1: Explore the Floating Market by Shikara
The best way to explore the floating market is by taking a ride on a shikara. Firstly, you gently glide through the calm waters of Dal Lake. Meanwhile, you will pass by vendors. That are selling all from vibrant flowers to fresh produce and local handicrafts. The market mainly starts early during the morning. As the vendors bring their goods to the lake before dawn.
You’ll see floating shops and boats filled with flowers, veggies, fruits, spices, and Kashmiri saffron. The market is mainly set up on the southern edge of Dal Lake. That further lies near the Nigeen Lake area. It gets open from 5 am to 7 am, making it an early morning affair.
2: Buy Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Srinagar’s floating market is a haven for souvenir hunters. While going through the market, you’ll come across a range of handicrafts. As per Srinagar tour guide that are native to the region. Kashmir is famous for its intricate Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, and paper mâché items. These high quality hand made goods are meanwhile perfect souvenirs to bring home.
The Kashmiri carpets are famous for their unique art and design. They are mainly famous among tourists. The floating market further offers a wide selection of Kangri (local fire pots). There are wooden artifacts, and local jewelry. Above all, be ready to haggle as bargaining is a common practice at the market.
3: Admire the Traditional Floating Gardens
One more great aspect of the floating market is the floating gardens. They are firstly known as the Rad gardens in local language. These floating gardens are built on large wooden rafts anchored to the lake. The plants are meanwhile grown in small plots of land that float on the water. These gardens are maintained by local farmers. They have been doing opting this unique method of farming for years.
You’ll see a range of vegetables, fruits, and flowers blooming on these gardens. That firstly adds to the scenic charm of the market. These gardens are not only a visual treat but also supports the local economy. As they further provide fresh produce to the market.
4: Photographic Opportunities
Srinagar’s floating market offers some of the most scenic photographic options. The early morning mist hovers over the lake. It gets mixed with the vibrant colors of flowers and fresh produce. That meanwhile creates an ideal scene.
As you float past the market, you’ll notice the charming wooden boats. That are stacked with goods and vendors dressed in local Kashmiri attire. It adds to the charm of the ambiance. Enjoy the backdrop of snow capped mountains and the shining waters of Dal Lake. That further enhances the beauty of the market. All these meanwhile makes it a perfect spot for taking stunning images.
5: Enjoy Traditional Kashmiri Breakfast
While at the floating market, you’ll have the chance to savor some Kashmiri breakfast items. Local vendors often sell Kashmiri chai (a pink, salty tea) and Srinagar’s special bread. That is called Sheermal or Tsoar, perfect for an early morning snack.
You can meanwhile try Kahwa, a local Kashmiri green tea made with saffron, almonds, and spices. Sit in a shikara with a cup of Kahwa while enjoying the sights of the market. It is a must have and unique experience as per Srinagar tour guide given here. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture. Above all, with that you can enjoy the quiet ambiance of Dal Lake.
6: Understand the Local Culture
Visiting the floating market firstly offers an option to interact with the locals. That helps you to gain insight into their lifestyle. The vendors are often happy to share stories about their way of life. They meanwhile tells you about the history of the market. That dates back many years.
Many of them are descendants of the original farmers and traders. Those, who had began the floating market. That was a way to sell their goods without having to travel long distances. As you converse with them, you’ll learn about their customs. You get to know about the seasonal changes in the market. Above all, you can explore how the floating market has evolved over time.
Conclusion
Srinagar’s floating market is more than just a shopping experience. Above all, it’s a journey into the heart of Kashmiri culture and custom. Whether you’re buying local handicrafts, enjoying a boat ride, or simply soaking in the scenery. A visit to the floating market is an ideal part of any Srinagar tour.
The market reflects the power and creativity of the people of Kashmir. It offers a chance to experience a part of the world that is unlike any other. So, make sure to add this unusual place to your schedule. Meanwhile, witness the magic of Srinagar’s floating market firsthand.