Shikara Ride in Dal Lake Srinagar

Shikara Ride in Dal Lake is a famous and unique boat ride in Srinagar, located in the Kashmir valley India. It's a romantic travel activity that you can do with family or partner. This traditional boat ride is famous in Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in the Srinagar district. A Shikara ride is one of Srinagar's most iconic travel experiences, offering one of the best Shikara ride journeys on the serene waters of Kashmir's crown jewel. You can explore the beautiful views of the famous Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountains, giving tourists a memorable experience.

Shikara Ride in Dal Lake Kashmir is a wooden boat made with a wooden paddle. The boat (Shikara) is about 25 to 40 feet long, and it is made of Kashmiri deodar wood which includes traditional joinery techniques, ensuring it is resistant to falling apart in water. After visiting the Kashmir Valley, you should book this ride. On the boat, you can enjoy the view of the Mughal gardens in Srinagar Char Chinar; every moment feels magical. We are going to talk about the most famous place to visit, prices, and timing.

About Shikara Ride in Dal Lake

Make a romantic trip to Srinagar to explore this beautiful Ride in Dal Lake Srinagar with your family. The best time to visit is the early morning at 8 am or 6 pm sunset in the summer. These Shikaras are designed in many vibrant colors, but you will mostly see yellow-colored boats on Dal Lake. There are two extremes: the boat rower sits at the end while the tourist sits in the middle of the Shikara.

Over the top of the 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 has been well furnished with comfortable bedding and carpets, allowing tourists to enjoy their Ride in a relaxing manner.The Shikara has been famous for centuries, representing the cultural identity of Kashmir tourism.

During your Ride explore the scenic beauty of the lake visit many famous places on Dal Lake, such as Nehru Park, chaar Chinar, floating markets, houseboats in Dal Lake, Dargah shrine, Narhu Park, Foliting Post office, and many more.

You can enjoy a Shikara ride in Kashmir in any season, but the best time to enjoy your Shikara is in the summer when the weather is breezy and pleasant. On the Ride, explore the Kashmiri local cuisine, Do shopping in the Flooring market in Dal Lake, or A Hot tea with Sankes,

Shikara Ride Cultural and Historical Relevance

The history of the Shikara Boat dates back to the 16th century when the Mughal Emperor Akbar ordered the construction of a series of canals in the Kashmir Valley. Thelocal boats were used for local transportation and to ferry people and goods between the different parts of the valley. It is also used in meena bazar & floating vegetable market in Dal Lake. They are for buses today.

The Shikara Ride in Srinagar is more than just a boat—it promotes the local culture and the rich heritage of famous Kashmiri people. These handcrafted wooden boats in Kashmir promote Kashmiri craftsmanship worldwide. Today, it is also Promoted By Kashmiri folklore, Bollywood films, and poetry.

Top Places To Visit By Shikara Ride Dal Lake In Kashmir

Explore the best local travel attractions by the Shikara Ride in Srinagar with your family; we will share some of the top places and local attractions you can visit by boat in Dal Lake.
Check More About Top Places to Visit Kashmir

1- Visit Nehru Park In Dal Lake

It is a small island that is very close to the shore of Dal Lake. It has a small garden where you can visit through Shikara and enjoy the stunning views

Nehru park has been named after Indian Prime Minister Jawarhar Lal Nehru. This park is just 6 km from the heart of Srinagar city, Lal Chowk, and 50 yards from Boulevard Road. you can Pay per Place or Hour

2- Floating Vegetable Market

Through these boat rides, you can explore the vibrant floating markets where local vendors sell various things like flowers and vegetables, mainly in the early morning if you reach this Vegetable market where Kashmiri farmers sell fresh produce from boats, which promotes the Kashmiri region's traditional lifestyle.

3- Meena Bazaar Floating Marke Dal Lake

One of the popular floating markets in  Dal Lake is Meena Bazar. Meena Bazar lies in the middle of Dal Lake, where you can shop for Kashmiri handicrafts, carpets, paper machine items, saffron, and other traditional Kashmiri items. You can by what are you looking but you should to check the price first

4- Dargah Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar

while on your ,Shikara Ride in Dal Lake you can also visit Dargah Hazratbal 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.

5- Explore Char Chinar Island By Shikara

Char Chinar Island, which is located in the heart of Dal Lake, is popular for the four grand Chinar trees that give the island its name. You can reach it on a Shikara ride in Dal Lake. The Char Chinar offers beautiful views that are perfect for photography and a peaceful time, making it a great destination alongside Ropa Lank.

6- Mughal Garden Views (Shalimar & Nishat)

During a Shikara ride in Srinagar, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. These Mughal gardens, set against the Zabarwan Hills, reflect Mughal-era grandeur and offer a glimpse Kashmir'smir’s royal past.

7- Floating Cafés and Tea Shops

Today, you can find the Kashmiri local Floating cafés and tea shops on Dal Lake that offer the best experience where you can enjoy traditional Kashmiri Kahwa and snacks, and other Kashmiri Products

Top points (ghat) for Shikara ride in Srinagar

In Dal Lake, Srinagar, there are famous ghats or points from where you can start your famous boat ride. The driver can guide you on which Ghat is perfect for exploring the Shikara Ride in Srinagar. Tourists and locals can book a boat ride and explore the incredible beauty of Dal Lake.

We are going to share Some of the top ghats where you can quickly gain access to Shikara rides, which are

Nehru Park Ghat: One of the main ghats for Shikara rides is Dal Lake, near Nehru Park. It's a popular starting point for exploring with family.

Dal Gate Ghat: Situated near Dal Gate, this Ghat is another prominent spot for boat rides. It's just 200m from the Dal gate, where you can book.

Hazratbal Ghat: Hazratbal Ghat is located near the revered Hazratbal Shrine. This Ghat is only used for religious purposes. You can also find shikaris available for here,

Chinar Bagh Ghat: Chinar Bagh Ghat is 1 km from Dal Gate near Char Chinar island; you can start your Ride from this point to visit Local Travel attractions in Dal Lake.

Shikara Ride Ride in Dal Lake Kashmir Cost 2025

The price range depends upon the distance being covered and how many places you wish to visit by Shikara Ride in Dal Lake. Meanwhile, the price starts from rupees 800 which goes as much high as rupees 3000.

the cost of a Shikara depend on the time you can do it and the travel attractions you want to explore in. also there are the options you can do bargaining

Shikara Ride Timings in Dal Lake

Before you explore this beautiful Shikara Ride in Dal Lake  Srinagar with your family or partner, you should know the right time to explore the Ride there. So, no problem, we will guide you through this

Summer Sesion ( April Till Sepetmber )

Yes, summer starts in April. The perfect time to explore the boat Ride is 7 am till 9 pm. You can get the at any Point in Dal Lake Srinagar Kashmir. So you can explore the beauty of the Zabarwan mountains.

Winter Session ( November Till March)

Winter session starts from November till March when the temperature goes below minute degrees in the Valley. You should choose the perfect time to explore the Shikara Ride in Dal Lake. It starts from 9 am to 5 pm. It is the ideal time to do

Know More About Best Time to Visit Kashmir

Shikara Ride in Kashmir – Timing Guide

⏱️ Operating Hours

• Daily Timing: 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM (April to October)
• Winter Timing: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (November to March)

Best Time of Day

• Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM):
• Peaceful ambiance, fresh air, and fewer crowds. Ideal for visiting the floating vegetable market and enjoying sunrise views.
• Sunset (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM):
• Most romantic and scenic time for couples. Watch the golden hues reflect off Char Chinar Island and the Zabarwan Range.

Things to Explore While Shikara Ride

Enjoy the Scenery: Take in the stunning views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes. Don't forget to bring your camera! While do the Shikara Ride in Dal Lake

Visit Floating Gardens: Explore the vibrant floating gardens and see how local farmers cultivate flowers and vegetables.

Photography: Capture the serene beauty, the colorful boats, and the local lifestyle.

Try Local Snacks: while exploring the Shikara Ride in Dal Lake, Enjoy some traditional Kashmiri snacks or tea from local vendors.

Shopping: Look out for handicrafts and souvenirs from floating shops that sell pashmina shawls and other local crafts.

Shikara rides in Dal Lake vs Nigeen Lake Kashmir

Kashmir Valley is also known as the City of Lakes, and there are so many famous lakes where you can explore the famous Ride. Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake oin Srinagar affer unique Shikara ride experiences.
We have mentioned some differences here.
Dal Lake is the most famous tourist option in Srinagar; it features vibrant floating markets, houseboats, and scenic views of the Zabarwan range.
It is best for those who want to explore the Kashmiri culture while the boat, the view of the Zabrewan Mountains, houseboat interactions, and cultural immersion.

On the other hand, Nigeenis serene and less crowded if you would like to take a ride in a peaceful place and explore the views of nature. Dal Lake Srinagar suits travellers who want vibrant activities, while Nigeen Lake is the best for peace and relaxation.
In Short, Both lakes offer breathtaking backdrops. Still, most tourists choose Dal Lake, which is only 3 km from the city and is the heart of Srinagar’s vibrancy.

How to Book Shikara Ride in Dal Lake Kashmir

Booking a Shikara ride in Dal Lake Srinagar Kashmir is a straightforward process that can be conducted either online or offline, depending on your preference. For those who prioritize convenience, online booking is a great option, allowing you to reserve your ride from the comfort of your home or hotel. Many travel agencies have user-friendly websites that provide various packages tailored to your interests, whether it’s a romantic sunset ride or a guided tour that includes multiple attractions.

Kashmir Tour Bazaar is a local tour company that is based in Kashmir. It will help you to choose the best Boat ride, which are included in our Srinagar tour Packages

• Local travel agenciesin Srinagar Kashmir can arrange often have partnerships with trusted operators.
• Begin negotiations at about 60-70% of the initial asking price before booking Shikara Ride in Dal Lake Srinagar
• If you're traveling with others, ask for a group discount, which can significantly lower the per-person price.
• If the price isn't right, don't hesitate to walk away. Many operators will call you back with a better offer.
• Many houseboats where you stay offer a free boat Ride

Online Shikara Ride Booking vs. Offline Booking in Srinagar

Online Shikara Booking

• ✔️ Convenience: Book anytime from your mobile or laptop.
• ✔️ Fixed Pricing: Avoid overcharging or aggressive negotiation.
• ✔️ Custom Packages: Choose specific durations, romantic setups, or guided tours.
• ✔️ Instant Confirmation: Secure your time slot during peak seasons.

🛶 Offline Shikara Booking (On the Spot)

• ✔️ Flexible Timing: Choose ride duration on the spot
• ✔️ Negotiable Rates: Bargain directly with owners
• ✔️ Local Experience: Interact with boatmen and hear local stories
• ✔️ Spontaneous Rides: Perfect if you're already exploring Dal Lake

Things to Know Before Book This Ride in Dal Lake

Dal Lake is the most popular in Srinagar Kashmir. If you want to explore the top travel attractions in Dal Lake, you can go on the Boat Ride. Before you're going to book this ride, here are some points to know

• The Best Time to do the Boat ride is in Morning, 7 Ma, or Evening, 5 to 7 pm
• Only 4 Persons are allowed in One Boat
• You can take photoshoots and other travel activities by Shikara
• The Boat prices are not fixed depending upon the time and sightseeing you want to do
• note the summer session from March to September is the perfect time to explore this ride in Dal Lake
• most travel company offer this in packages, which means you don't need to pay yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Srinagar Tour Packages