Dal Lake in Srinagar is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kashmir. This place usually remains full of tourists throughout the year. There are many activities to enjoy at Dal Lake, but the most famous and popular one is the shikara ride. Here, you will get complete details about the shikara ride in Dal Lake, such as how to book, cost per person, timings, Ghats, and other details. So that everything will be clear to enjoy a memorable shikara ride in Dal Lake.
A Shikara is a traditional Kashmiri wooden boat, known for its long, narrow shape and colorful decor. These boats have been used by the local population for centuries and are an integral part of life on Dal Lake. Today, they serve as a popular means of transportation and leisure, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the lake from a unique perspective. You should never miss this experience during your holidays in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
A shikara ride is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities, suitable for families, couples, and children. Below are some of the famous tourist places to visit during a shikara ride.
This a small island in the middle of Dal lake famous for its four ancient Chinar trees and peaceful atmosphere. It offers a serene spot for photography and relaxation, surrounded by stunning views of the lake and mountains.
This revered Muslim shrine is situated on the northern shores of Dal Lake. It houses a relic believed to be a hair strand of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a significant place of pilgrimage. It’s serene location and beautiful architecture make it worth a visit.
One of the highlights of a Shikara ride is seeing the famous houseboats of Dal Lake. These intricately carved wooden structures serve as floating hotels, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience of staying on the water.
These unique gardens, also known as Raad, are cultivated on the water using wooden platforms. You’ll see various flowers and vegetables growing, offering a glimpse into traditional Kashmiri farming techniques.
With a shikara ride, you can also visit the famous floating market in Dal Lake, where locals sell fresh fruits and vegetables from their shikaras. To experience this, you must visit the market early in the morning.
This park was created in memory of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It is best place for relaxation and photography.
Meena Bazar is an essential highlight of your shikara ride in Dal Lake. Here, you can buy a variety of handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.
The cost of a shikara ride in Dal Lake can vary significantly based on several factors, including the duration of the ride, the type of shikara, and the season. Generally, the price of a shikara ride is determined per person, with most rides lasting between one to two hours. For the year 2024 the price is Rs. 790 per person.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | April to October |
| Cost Per shikara | Rs. 790 per hour per shikara (4 persons) |
| Cost per Person | Rs. 200 per hour per person |
| Top Attractions | Floating Gardens, Char Chinar Island, Houseboats, Hazratbal Shrine, Nehru Garden |
| Ride Duration | Typically hourly-based |
| Other Locations | Nigeen Lake, Mansbal Lake (Ganderbal), Wular Lake (Bandipora) |
| Seating Capacity | Maximum 4 persons at one time |
| Summer Timing | 6 am to 9 pm |
| Winter Timing | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Activities | Photography, shopping, Sunset at the lake |
| Location | Ghat-17 |
A shikara ride costs Rs. 790 for one hour, and each shikara can accommodate four people. This means the cost per person is around Rs. 200 for an hour. Therefore, a two-hour ride would cost Rs. 400 per person.
Several factors can influence the rates of a shikara ride in Dal Lake, making it essential for travelers to be aware of these things. One primary factor is the season, during peak tourist months, prices tend to be higher due to increased demand. To get the best deals try to reserve your ride prior to your visit to Kashmir.
To secure the best rates for a shikara ride in Dal Lake, the travelers should consider a few strategic steps. Firstly, booking in advance is a wise approach, as early reservations often come with discounts or special offers. Additionally, it is beneficial to compare rates across multiple platforms to find the most competitive pricing available.
Dal Lake in Srinagar is the most famous place where you can enjoy a shikara ride. During the ride, you can visit various points of interest such as the Mughal Gardens, the island of Char Chinar, houseboats, and the restaurants and hotels located on the banks of Dal Lake
Other places where you can enjoy a shikara ride include Nigeen Lake, which offers a less crowded atmosphere compared to Dal Lake. Besides these, there are less popular lakes where shikara rides are available. The first one is Mansbal Lake in Ganderbal district, and the second one is Wular Lake located in Bandipora district.
The best time to enjoy a shikara ride is from April to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the lake is at its most beautiful.
Additionally, consider the time of day when you choose to book your shikara ride. Shikara ride usually remain available from sunrise to late evening.
Morning Serenity: Early mornings on Dal Lake are magical. The cool breeze and sunrise view create a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Also you can visit floating market.
Sunset Views: At sunset, a shikara ride offers stunning views as the sky turns shades of orange, pink, and purple, bathing the lake in a warm glow.
Booking a Shikara ride is quite simple when booking with Travel My Country. Here is the direct link for booking shikara ride in dal lake
If you encounter any issues with online booking, you can call or WhatsApp us at 7006580880 anytime. We provide 24×7 customer support.
Apart from online booking, you can also book a shikara ride on the spot . However, during peak tourist season, you may need to wait for hours for your turn, making offline booking time-consuming. Therefore, it is better to book your shikara ride on Dal Lake online.
When it comes to booking your shikara ride online, several reputable websites stand out for their reliability and user-friendly interfaces. Websites like Travel My Country and Travel My Kashmir sites offer comprehensive options for booking a shikara ride in Dal Lake.
Choosing a shikara ride in Kashmir is an opportunity to engage with one of nature’s most beautiful gifts. The pristine waters of Dal Lake offer a serene and relaxation and atmosphere. A shikara ride also allows you to access various parts of the lake that are otherwise unreachable.
A Shikara ride allows you to connect with the local culture. You will meet local vendors selling flowers, handicrafts, and traditional Kashmiri goods, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of the residents.
The cost of a Shikara ride on Dal Lake can vary based on the duration of the ride. On average, a 1-hour Shikara ride costs around ₹790 per shikara.
A typical Shikara ride can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your preference and chosen route. Many visitors opt for an hour-long ride to enjoy the main attractions on Dal Lake comfortably.
The best times for a Shikara ride are early morning and late afternoon. Early morning offers a peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds, while late afternoon and sunset provide beautiful lighting and scenic views for photography.
Yes, Shikara rides are generally safe for families and children. The boats are stable, and operators are experienced.
It is advisable to book shikara ride in advance especially if you are visiting during peak tourist season. For booking contact us at 7006580880.
Yes, a Shikara ride takes you past several notable spots, including the Floating Gardens, Char Chinar Island, houseboats, and views of the Shankaracharya Temple and Hazratbal Shrine.
Yes, there are floating markets where you can buy traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, fresh flowers, and snacks directly from vendors on boats. This adds to the cultural experience of the ride.
Yes, you can rent a Shikara privately, making it ideal for families, couples, or anyone seeking a quieter experience. This way, you have the boat to yourself, with no other passengers onboard.
Absolutely! The Shikara ride provides plenty of scenic photo opportunities, from reflections on the water to panoramic views of the mountains. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture these moments.
The Shikara ride cost is Rs. 790 for a ride of one hour.
Four adult persons can sit in a shikara ride at one time.
The Ghats from 14 to 17 are the best Ghats for a shikara ride.