A Better Experience than Venice in Kashmir

Traveled to Venice, rode gondolas on Grand Canal. Wondered how close water was to old mansions, beautiful with waves.

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Visited Srinagar, stayed on Nigeen Lake's Rainawari neighborhood. Heard about the canals people used to commute.

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Canals built by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin Badshah made water transport convenient in old Srinagar. Nallah Mar was the most prized.

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Boatman took me on a Nigeen ride in Srinagar, visited Rainawari backwaters next morning. Saw floating market and main canal.

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Moved silently through Naidyar canal connecting Dal Lake to Nigeen during sunrise. Had traditional Kashmiri kahwa with unique garnish.

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Took a sip of unique kahwa during boat ride through Naidyar canal with water lilies and regal vintage houses.

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Traditional houses replaced by concrete structures during boat ride. Some abandoned after Hindu Kashmiri Pandits fled in 1990.

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Empty traditional homes reminded of lively families taking boats to work/school, cooking fresh vegetables, and chatting with neighbors.

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