Shikara Ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar

Here, tourists can indulge in various activities, including photography and fishing. However, riding a canopied Shikara should be a priority on everyone's list! At first, it might seem like what can be so special about a boat ride, but the whole experience associated with a Shikara ride is somehow more pleasing and relaxing. 

The good thing is that in today's world of digitization, you can book a Shikara ride online while preparing for your trip to Srinagar. This allows you to compare prices and get the best deals that match your requirements. 

Here, in this article, we'll be discussing about the best time to enjoy a Shikara ride, how much can it cost, and what are the best spots to start the ride from.

Best Time For A Shikara Ride On Dal Lake

Best Time For A Shikara Ride On Dal Lake

Set up high on the Zabarwan mountain valley, the Dal Lake generally freezes during the long winter season of Srinagar. As a result, Shikara rides are unavailable during this period. 

However, from March to November, the city experiences pleasant weather. The initial spring season with blooming tulips brings life back to the lake, followed by the summer and autumn seasons. During this time, the place is flooded with tourists from around the world. That's why it's recommended to pre-book Shikara rides online before reaching the city.

Also, we usually recommend riding a Shikara either in the morning or the evening as the sun tends to get quite harsh during the day. It makes the experience unbearable, especially during the months from April to September. 

Shikara Ride Cost In Dal Lake

Shikara Ride Cost In Dal Lake

The cost of a Shikara ride generally depends upon the duration and the different points you want to cover during the ride. Most Shikara owners generally quote a price between Rs. 1500 and Rs. 3000, no matter which ghat you start from. So, don't shy away from negotiating the price until you both arrive at a common ground.

Prices anywhere between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 1200 per hour are considered good deals as each Shikara can accommodate up to four people. 

You can also compare online prices from different websites and book a ride in advance. On BookYourOwn, you'll find some of the best discounts on Shikara Rides, so don't forget to check them out! 

Their Kashmir tour packages also include complimentary 1-hour Shikara ride and 1N in Houseboat stay, so you don't have to pay anything extra upon reaching there. 

Best Points in Dal Lake For A Memorable Shikara Ride 

Best Points in Dal Lake For A Memorable Shikara Ride 

Shikaras are generally available all along the lake. Therefore, tourists can drive around and stop at any ghat to inquire about the availability of the rides and prices. 

Here, we'd like to recommend a few spots that we found to be the best to start your ride from. First one is the Dal gate. If you're going for a morning ride, start from this point and then ask your Shikara owner to cover places like the floating vegetable and fruits market. Trust us when we say this because the Dal gate offers some of the best sunrise views from your Shikara. 

Usually, many vendors sell tea, fruits, and local snacks on the lake. So, you can also enjoy food on your Shikara. 

Next, you can also check out the Meena Bazaar, which is another floating market, famous for selling variety of items. These include Dry Fruits, Spices, Papier-mâché, Saffron, and Pashmina Shawls. 

If you're there in the evening, board a Shikara from somewhere near the Gate no. 23 and ask the owner to take you to Chaar Chinar. This mini-island got its name from the four Chinar trees set on it.

Beside these, you can also check out the Tulip Garden if visit in the spring season. After the ride ends, you can move towards the Hotel Centaur and enjoy a mesmerizing sound and light show from there. 

Conclusion

Shikara rides are among the specialties of Srinagar. So, missing on this experience while in Kashmir is not an option! We hope the information provided above by us was enough to answer any questions you might have while planning your trip. For more such travel-related information, you can always check out our website!