Illustration of a Shikara - a beautifully crafted long wooden boat in Dal Lake, Kashmir, India. Shikaras are long boats used to commute from the houseboats, for daily travel or for boating tours. Dal Lake is said to be a sight for any travel enthusiast. Also known as the "Lake of Flowers" or "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" the lake gets these monikers because this gorgeous lake is adorned by misty mountains on one side and spotted with colourful wooden houseboats drifting through the pristine and placid waters. The best way to explore this 22 km lake is by taking a boat ride in ‘Shikara’.