Kashmir's two major natural advantages are its mountains on the one hand, and lakes and rivers on
the other. These waterways enhance the beauty of the land and are one of the chief sources that
attract tourists to its verdant valleys. But more than just a means of pleasure, the water-ways are an
activity oriented way of discovering new lei-sure sports.
To those of you who are by nature passive, there is little more needed than a wining nod to a
passing shikara-wala before you are invited on board these narrow boats with their sprung-cushion
seats and chintz curtains. A variation on this can be the hiring of a motor boat so you travel faster
over water. Or better still, when the summer days are balmy, go water skiing.