Shikara ride is a famous unique boat ride in Srinagar, located in Kashmir valley. This traditional boat ride is famous in Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake of Srinagar district. The ride offers beautiful views of the famous Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains giving tourists a memorable experience.
Shikara Ride in Dal Lake, Kashmir is a wooden boat rowed with a wooden paddle. The boat is about 25 to 40 ft long and it is made up of strong deodar wood which is resistant to falling apart in water.
These Shikaras are designed with so many beautiful colours but you will mostly get to see yellow-colored shikara boats in Dal Lake. Having two extremes, the boat rower sits at the extreme end while the tourist sits at the middle of the Shikara.
Over the top of the Shikara boat is a canopy-like roof that protects tourists from direct rays of rays and rain. The Shikara is open on all four sides and it has been well furnished with comfortable bedding and carpets which allows tourists to enjoy their ride in a relaxing manner.
The shikara ride of Dal Lake has been famous for centuries and it represents the cultural identity of Kashmir and its tourism.
During your ride to Shikara, you can visit many surrounding places of Dal Lake such as Nehru Park, Char Chinar, floating markets, houseboats, Dargah shrine, and many more places.
You can enjoy a Shikara ride in Dal Lake any season but it is mostly ideal to enjoy your ride in shikara in the summer season when the weather is breezy and pleasant.
The history of the shikara ride in Dal Lake dates back to the 16th century when the Mughal Emperor Akbar ordered the construction of a series of canals in the Kashmir Valley. These canals were used for irrigation and transportation, and the shikaras were used to ferry people and goods between the different parts of the valley.
The place to visit by Shikara Ride in Dal Lake
There are various places that you can explore while on your Shikara ride in Dal Lake
Nehru Park:- it is a small island which is very close to the shore of Dal Lake. It has a small garden where you can visit through Shikara and enjoy the stunning and beautiful views of Dal Lake.
Nehru park has been named after Indian Prime Minister Jawarhar Lal Nehru. This park is just 6 km away from the heart of Srinagar city, Lal Chowk, and 50 yards away from Boulevard Road.
The park has a small restaurant where you can enjoy tea, coffee, and snacks.
Floating Market:- through Shikara rides, you can explore the vibrant floating markets where local vendors sell various things like flowers, vegetables, Kashmiri snacks, handicrafts, etc. One of the popular floating markets you will find in Dal Lake is Meena Bazar. Meena Bazar lies in the middle of Dal Lake and here you can shop Kashmiri handicrafts, carpets, paper machine items, saffron, and other traditional Kashmiri items.
Floating Gardens: these are a unique feature of Dal Lake where there are various vegetable, fruit, and flower markets. These gardens are locally known as “Rad” and are made up of floating mats of vegetation. Various vegetables and fruits are grown here out of which some common ones are tomato, cucumber, pumpkin, and fruits like watermelon and melon.
Dargah Hazratbal shrine:- while on your Shikara ride, you can also visit Dargah shrine which is a famous Muslim shrine in Srinagar city. It is situated on the left bank of Dal Lake and it also offers majestic views of Dal Lake and nearby surrounding mountains.
Char Chinar:- Also called Rupa Lank or Ropa Lank, Char Chinar is an island in Dal Lake which is adorned with four majestic Chinar trees. The island is located on the Lakut Dal (small Dal) is known as Roph Lank (Silver Island), and is marked with the presence of majestic Chinar trees at the four corners, thus known as Char-Chinari (Four Chinars).
The second Chinar Island, known as Sone Lank (Gold Island), is located on the Bod Dal (Big Dal) and overlooks the holy shrine of Hazratbal.
Top points for shikara ride in Srinagar
In Dal Lake, Srinagar, there are several ghats or points from where you can embark on a shikara ride. These ghats serve as access points for tourists and locals to book a shikara ride and explore the amazing beauty of Dal Lake and its surroundings.
Each ghat has its unique aura offering an unforgettable experience on the calm breezy waters of the lake. Some of the top ghats where you can easily gain access to Shikara rides are
Nehru Park Ghat: This is one of the main ghats for shikara rides in Dal Lake, located near Nehru Park. It’s a popular starting point for exploring the lake and its attractions.
Dal Gate Ghat: Situated near Dal Gate, this ghat is another prominent spot for shikara rides. It provides easy access to the lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Hazratbal Ghat: Hazratbal Ghat is located near the revered Hazratbal Shrine. While primarily used for visiting the shrine, you can also find shikaris available for rides here, offering a unique perspective of the area.
Chinar Bagh Ghat: Chinar Bagh Ghat is situated near Char Chinar island, making it a convenient starting point for shikara rides to this iconic spot.
Best time for Shikara Ride in Dal Lake
Overall, a shikara ride is a year-round tourist activity in Srinagar but the most ideal time for enjoying this ride is the summer season. During summer from April to July, the weather is pleasant and moderate and you can enjoy your shikara ride in a delightful and relaxing atmosphere.
In summer, you can go for a shikara ride anytime between the morning to evening. You can enjoy golden views of Dal Lake at the sunset in the evening hours giving you peace of mind. In winter also, you can enjoy this ride but due to the frozen Dal Lake and cold weather conditions, it gets quite difficult to travel through shikara.
Shikara Ride Cost
The price range depends upon the distance being covered and how many places you wish to visit by Shikara. Meanwhile, the price starts from Rs. 800 which goes as much high as Rs. 3000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shikara Ride (FAQs)
Are there specific routes for shikara rides
You can explore several places through a Shikara ride in Dal Lake such as Char Chinari, Nehru park, floating markets and gardens, and Hazrtabal shrine. You can also visit various other places based on your choice.
How long does a shikara ride last in Dal Lake?
The duration depends on how many locations you want to see. Duration can be short also but it may last for 1 to 2 hours if you want to cover a longer distance
Are shikara rides suitable for children and elderly individuals?
Yes, shikara rides are generally suitable for people of all ages. However, it’s essential to consider the comfort and safety of children and elderly individuals, especially if they have mobility issues.
4. What should I bring along for a shikara ride In Dal Lake?
It is recommended to carry essentials such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and drinking water, especially during sunny days. Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful scenery.
