Nagin Lake at the foothill of Zabariwan Mountains, located to the east of Srinagar. It is surrounded by the hills of Shankara-Charya on the south and Hari Parbat on the west. The water in Nagin Lake is as clear as mirror which offer an entire different view from Dal Lake. House boats, willow and poplar trees along the edges usually reflect in the water and gives out the most beautiful screen on earth.
Like Dal Lake, both sides of Nagin Lake are also moored with hundreds of boathouses, leaning against the snow-capped mountains.
Boathouses are divided into 5 grades by local Tourism Department and the most classic Deluxe type would receive official recognition from the department.
A luxury houseboat featured with dining room, lounge, balcony and at least two rooms, furnished with fine furniture, good carpets and bathroom fittings.
The triangular orange painted structure is a club house.
A serene place on earth that no desires or cravings of luxuries required
A breath taking evening scene at Nagin Lake.
This is the causeway that links Nagin lake with Dal Lake. There are water piping on the bridge to supply water to boathouses.
A fascinating scene of snow-capping mountains as a backdrop for boathouses lining on the lake and reflecting in the water.
He is not a fisherman but a farmer !
A small scheme of floating garden and vast area of lotus farm which supply quantity of lotus root in winter and offer fantastic view of pink lotus flower on the lake during summer.
Boathouses in the evening fog.
The Mughal Castle on top of the mountain just right in front of our boathouse.
Nagin Lake at dusk.
Unlike Dal Lake, Nagin Lake does not have any commercial activities, instead it provides a serene staying atmosphere for its guests. It is an ideal place for accommodation.
Though it was freezing cold, we did not miss to ride on a colorful Shikara, to feel the calmness of Nagin Lake and witness the life of locals in the evening at Nagin lake.
A Kashmiri Shikara Paddler and our local guide who is a very friendly Muslim, sincere to his religion and faithful to his homeland. He told us the God is at heart.
Mr Raja is the owner of Flora boathouse and also was our chef and housekeeper. He was the most humble muslims we ever met. Every day we had our breakfast, lunch and dinner at this cosy little hall. The meals were prepared by Raja everyday before we started off for our excursion. Though we were not quite custom to their way of cooking but their hospitality made us comfortable.
There was no electric heater in the house. They used wood burnt hand-made tank as a heater to keep warmth in the room but wood had to be added manually in every two hours. They transfer the charcoal from the heater tank to a little fire pot and carried with them under the poncho, whenever they go.
Kashmir wool poncho is a common winter clothing in Kashmir and it really keeps people warm in the severe coldness of the weather, especially when underneath, there is an addition little fire pot hand carried by its owner.
Deluxe Flora Boathouse at Nagin Lake was our home during our stay in Srinagar. It was in fact very very safe to stay in the boathouse at Srinagar. This was the only place that we trust to leave our belongings inclusive valuables at "home" when traveling. The local people are so friendly, honest and contented. Our local guide said that they dont even interested in the diamond.
Balcony at our boathouse is the best place to admire a good view of Nigin lake and also meeting salesmen who are paddling and approaching for business.
A herbs salesman approached the boathouse to sell his spices like cinnamon stick and saffron.
It was entirely different from hotel stay as we have our housekeeper and chef who provides us all necessary services personally, including blowing the fire for us each two hours. It was rather cold at midnight when they had gone to sleep and the wood fire gone off.
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