Local activities around Dal Lake for our houseboat guests

We can arrange the following local activities for you and your guests during your stay at the Ajanta Group of Houseboats on Dal Lake (see Excursions for day trips and treks):

Wedding Parties & Honeymoons on Dal Lake

• Enjoy a romantic, lavish party with a dinner consisting of up to 25 delicious courses aboard a large boat (dunga), which floats gently around beautiful Dal Lake.
• Vibrant traditional flower arrangements decorate each dunga.
• Kashmiri folk musicians in traditional Kashmiri dress provide that perfect festive atmosphere.
• Specially prepared home-cooked gourmet meals:  delicious and hygienic, cooked fresh specifically for you!  We specialize in Kashmiri, Gujurati, Indian, Punjabi, Continental, Tibetan, and Chinese cuisine.

Shikara Rides Around Dal Lake

Participate in the centuries-old tradition around the lake; visit the Floating Gardens, Lotus Gardens, Hazrat Bal Mosque (a gorgeous white marble mosque which houses a single hair of the Prophet Mohammed, exhibited to the public on certain days of the year).

Water skiing, swimming and other water sports are available on various parts of Dal Lake.

Sacred Sites Around Dal Lake and Srinagar

Khanyar Rosabal: the tomb of a famous saint that some believe is the final resting place of none other than Jesus Christ.

Jamia Mosque:  Srinagar's most important mosque is an impressive wooden structure, notable for the more than 300 soaring pillars supporting the roof; each made of a single deodar tree trunk. The main gate is to the south and the outer cloisters surround a spacious, green and peaceful inner courtyard. The roughly square building is 117 metres on each side, topped by four Minars in the centre of each side, topped by four Minars in the centre of each side and three pagoda shaped minarets from which the faithful are called to prayer.

Pather Mosque:  A fine stone mosque built by Nur Jahan in 1623.

Shankracharya Temple and Hill:  Perched atop the highest hill in Srinagar is the Shankaracharya temple, nearly one thousand feet above the city. It is devoted to Lord Shiva. The site dates back to 2,500 BC. The philosopher Shankaracharya stayed at this site when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive "Sanatan Dharma". This is also the former site of a temple reportedly built by Solomon.  This is accessible by road or on foot via a 5.5 km road from Nehru Park, across from the Houseboats Ajanta Palace, Queen of the Lake, and Green View Hotel.  The views of the city, mountains, and Dal Lake are priceless.

Mughal Gardens

Kashmir was a favourite of the Mughal emperors, who planted gardens with stepped terraces and flowing water courses.  When they rested in their gardens, they dreamt they were in paradise.  Built above the city, the views from these gardens are as stunning as their layouts.  Visit Cheshmashahi, Nishat, and Shalimar Gardens by road or by shikara.

Shopping

Shopping excursions to Lal Chowk (silk, saris, clothing, art, handicrafts, books, and much more), handicrafts and arts shops on Dal Lake, DalGate (vegetable and fruit market, saffron) and more are available.