Floating restaurants in Dal Lake captured imagination

Srinagar, June 16

Floating restaurants on the Dal Lake have lately caught the fancy of those seeking a break from the long boat rides on the lake.

Nestled on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range of the Himalayas, the lake offers some breath-taking views and draws visitors from all over the world. A ride on the houseboats and shikara, a traditional Kashmiri gondola-shaped boat, is a popular tourist activity. The ride takes an average of 4–5 hours: a long journey that could tire one out.

Tourists have, therefore, taken an instant liking to a relatively new concept: the floating restaurant.

Feroz Ahmed, an owner of one such restaurant, claims the concept of an eating establishment that floats was his brainchild. These restaurants offer a variety of snacks and refreshments that one can consume without actually having to take a break from the ride.

The concept is also increasingly gaining popularity as a source of employment among locals.

“I was thrilled with the experience I had at a floating restaurant,” said Pooja, a tourist. — ANI