BOAT CROSSINGS

To and fro crossings by tourists are made in a canoe type boat locally known as 'taxi shikara' .A 'taxi shikara' is covered,well furnished ,with  spring seats for a comfortable ride. This type of boat is very popular in the valley  and is  designed on the pattern of a Venetian 'gondola'  Its extra feature is the covering of the top and exquisitely printed curtains. A 'taxi shikara' is pulled by an oarsman, who sits at the helm, with a heart- shaped hand-carved wooden paddle.