Part of: Jammu And Kashmir Gk set 12

Tourists enjoy ..... ride on the Dal Lake in Kashmir.

Category: Jammu And Kashmir Gk

Hint: Consider traditional modes of transportation on Dal Lake.

Correct Answer: C) Shikara

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Dal Lake, located in the heart of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the region. The lake is renowned for its serene beauty, floating gardens, and the traditional shikara boats that ply its waters. Shikaras are an essential part of the local culture and a significant aspect of the tourist experience in Kashmir.

A shikara is a small, flat-bottomed boat that is traditionally made from wooden planks and is propelled by a single oar. These boats are designed to navigate the shallow waters of Dal Lake and are an integral part of the local transportation system. Tourists visiting the lake often take a ride in a shikara to explore the lake and its surroundings, including the famous floating gardens and houseboats.

The use of shikaras on Dal Lake is deeply rooted in the local culture and history. These boats have been used for centuries for both transportation and fishing. Today, they serve as a means of sightseeing and a way for tourists to experience the unique charm of Kashmir. The traditional design of the shikara, with its distinctive shape and the skillful rowing technique of the boatmen, adds to the allure of the experience.

It is important to note that while shikaras are the traditional and most common mode of transportation on Dal Lake, modern vehicles like cars and bikes are not used on the lake. Cars and bikes are land-based vehicles and are not designed to operate on water. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that tourists enjoy a ride on the Dal Lake in Kashmir in a shikara.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Cars are not used on Dal Lake as it is a water body and cars cannot operate on water.
  • Option B: Incorrect. Bikes are also not used on Dal Lake for the same reason as cars; they are not designed for water travel.
  • Option C: Correct. Shikaras are traditional boats used for transportation and sightseeing on Dal Lake. They are an integral part of the local culture and a popular tourist activity.
  • Option D: Incorrect. While shikaras are used on Dal Lake, cars and bikes are not used on the lake, making this option incorrect.

Mnemonic: S - Shikara, H - Handcrafted, I - In, K - Kashmir

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