Shikara Collection

Kashmir, River Jhelum - woman paddles a wooden boat
Kashmir, River Jhelum - woman with two small children paddles a flat-bottomed wooden boat, or shikara Date: 1986

The shikra (shikara) style temple that is the winter residence of the Rato Machendranath, a carved figure of a Hindu deity, Bungamati, Kathmandu valley, Nepal, Asia

A boatman steers a shikara boat loaded with animal fodder in the Vale of Kashmir, near Srinagar. The Himalayan mountains can be seen in the distance. Date: 1986

Kashmir, Srinagar - boatman paddles boat with animal fodder
Kashmir, Srinagar. A boatman paddles a boat carrying animal fodder though a canal covered with green weed Date: 1986

Kashmir, Srinagar. Boatman asleep in shade on back of boat
Kashmir, Srinagar. A lazy boatman asleep in shade on back of a boat carrying animal fodder Date: 1986

Lake Dal, Srinagar, Kashmir - a man paddling boat
Lake Dal, Srinagar, Kashmir - a man wearing an Astrakhan hat, paddling his shikara boat Date: 1986

Kashmir - boatman paddling his flat-bottomed shikara boat
Kashmir - yawning boatman paddling his flat-bottomed shikara boat in the Vale of Kashmir Date: 1986

Srinagar, Kashmir - floating houseboats Date: 1986

Kashmir - Srinagar. A man paddles a boat loaded with green fodder along weedy canal. Photographed from above looking down Date: 1989

Sleeping Kashmir boatman
A man asleep in the stern of a punt, or shikara, loaded with cattle fodder. The punt floats though the river weeds and only the mans legs and feet are visible Date: 1986

Tobacco smoking boatman silhouette, Dal Lake, Kashmir
Silhouette of a young man sat in a shikara boat smoking a hookah on Lake Dal, Kashmir Date: 1986

Dal Lake, Kashmir, India - Shikara Boat
The shikara, a type of Indian wooden boat shown here on Dal Lake and found on many other water bodies of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Date: circa 1910s

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"Shikara: A Timeless Journey on the Waters of Kashmir" Discover the enchanting beauty of Kashmir as you embark on a shikara, a traditional wooden boat, gently gliding along the serene River Jhelum. Inspired by the majestic shikra bird, these elegant boats have been an integral part of Kashmir's culture for centuries. Just like the shikra soars through the skies with grace and agility, these boats navigate through calm waters with finesse. Transport yourself to Lake Lucerne in 1881, where an oil painting captures the essence of a shikara gracefully floating amidst breathtaking landscapes. The scene comes alive as a skilled boatman steers his vessel loaded with animal fodder across shimmering waters. In Srinagar, witness another captivating sight - a boatman effortlessly paddling his shikara while transporting animal fodder. This humble yet vital task showcases their dedication and hard work that sustains life in this picturesque region. As you explore Lake Dal in Srinagar, encounter scenes straight out of a dream - floating houseboats adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs. These unique abodes offer visitors an unforgettable experience amidst nature's tranquility. Amidst all this beauty lies moments of respite for our dedicated boatmen. Captured in stillness is a sleeping Kashmiri boatman finding solace under the shade at the back of his beloved shikara. Travel further south to Kerala's Alappuzha (Alleppey), where houseboats glide along mesmerizing backwaters reminiscent of Kashmir's charm. Here too, men paddle their boats tirelessly to provide unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking solace on tranquil waters. Whether it be witnessing stunning sunsets over snow-capped mountains or drifting past lush greenery reflected upon crystal-clear lakes – every moment spent aboard a shikara is one filled with awe-inspiring beauty and serenity.