Shikara ride is a strong magnet in Srinagar, Kashmir, attracting a sea of tourists throughout the year. It is one of the quintessential reasons why people come to Srinagar in such huge numbers. Shikara is flat-bottomed boats with a cloth canopy. Shikaras ply on all the major lakes in Srinagar and Kashmir including Dal lake, Nagin Lake, Manasbal Lake, Wullar Lake and also on River Jhelum.
Shikara boat ride is a delight and is best experienced at dusk. A shikara ride on Dal lake will take you to the unknown world of the lake. There are a number of amazing things that will strike your vision on your trip. Floating gardens are the most wonderful of all of them. Ride over the calm water and in a pleasant silence of Dal Lake is an ultimate experience. There are a lot of places of interest you may miss if you miss Shikara ride in Kashmir. Some interesting places in Srinagar and around it are accessible only through shikaras. Some of these places are Char Chinar, Kabutar Khana, Bathing Boats in open Lake, Golden lake, Lotus lake and many more.
Shikaras are used for transportation, fishing and seaweed harvesting. However the main function now is to provide joy rides to tourists. The love for Shikara ride tempts people to come to the Paradise on Earth again and again. Shikara ride is romantic, adventurous and it is an unforgettable experience. The ride is soothing, peaceful, relaxing and calm. The scenery around is breathtaking.
The feelings on your voyage are simply out of this world. Beware! Don’t erupt in joy; you may put yourself in danger. Although the boat ride is not risky and the boatmen are experienced, however the best way to enjoy and experience it is to be peaceful throughout. During the ride, observe the Zabarwan hills. The view is heavenly; add to it the joy of smooth gliding on crystal water. The water waves continuously and rhythmically toss the boat. All these things cast a spell on you during the voyage, so much that you may be reluctant to come off the lake even after hours of ride.
Dal Lake, being centrally placed, several places of interest are built around it. Hazratbal Shrine, Nishat and Shalimar Gardens are accessible through Shikara. Dal sustains in its vicinity and periphery a vibrant life, particular to this place. Poor people, Shikara and Houseboat community have made it their world, so much that they seldom step out of the lake. The infrastructure is complete. Small wooden shops have been set on the Lake to cater to the needs of the communities.
At Shikararide.com we provide you online booking facilities along with some delightful tours and also boat trek to many interesting places. We cover all the important places in your trip. So book your Shikara, choose your tour and contact us to make your ride a true delight.
NOTE: Help us to make keep the Dal Lake clean. Please use the trash cans and do not throw plastic bags in the Dal.
SHIKARA RIDE TOUR PACKAGE
TOUR: SHIKARA RIDE DELIGHT
TOUR CODE: SR-SRD / 00041
DURATION: 3 HOURS
PLACES TO VISIT:-
LOTUS GARDEN: Lotus bloom in July and August in clusters at various places in Dal Lake. When lotuses are at full bloom, Dal Lake looks the best. In the Lotus Garden, Lotuses grow in clusters. It is a delight to watch them.
GOLDEN GATE: The Golden Gate is located in the centre of the Dal Lake, on way to Char Chinar from Nishat Garden. It is actually a passage named Golden Gate, due to its golden shade. Passing through this gate is an extremely delightful feeling.
GOLDEN LAKE POINT: Golden Lake is another delightful point in the Dal lake. This point is ideally visited at sunset. The point is perfectly surrounded by two lines of houseboats on either sides. When the last rays of the sun mingled with artificial lights fall here, the water adopts a golden shade and it closely resembles a sheet of gold.
NEHRU PARK: Nehru Park is not a Mughal Garden. Laid in mid-20th century, this garden is located about 6kms from Lal chowk on the beautiful Boulevard Road, at the foot of the Zabarwan mountain range. Hari Parbat, Pari Mahal and Shankaracharaya Temple are clearly visible from here. Form the park, you can also have a pleasant view of the Dal Lake also. It is one of the more frequented gardens in Srinagar.
OPEN LAKE BATHING BOATS: The bathing boats in Dal Lake provide equipment for water skiing and motor launching. The boats are beautiful and the reflections of the boats in the waters of the Dal are extremely pleasing.
KABUTAR KHANA: Kabutar Khana is a small island in the heart of Dal Lake. It was once the Summer Palace of Maharani (Queen). It falls on way to Char Chinar.
FLOATING GARDENS: The floating gardens are one of the most amazing features of the Dal Lake. These gardens literally float on the lake. Tomatoes, cucumber and melons grow in these gardens. The Dal lake looks most beautiful in the months of July and August, when lotus flowers are in full bloom.
MEENA BAZAR: Meena Bazar is a floating market in Dal Lake, located near Nehru Park. It is another major attraction in Dal Lake. Everything is available here. Kashmiri shawls, paper machie artifacts, wood carving items, Kashmiri dry fruits and everything else can be bought from here. You may visit looms where shawls and carpets are made.