Shikara is a Traditional light wooden boat mostly available around the edges of the famous pristine Dal Lake in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir State. These boats are the best way to admire the beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

Shikara ride in Srinagar is one of the most incredible and relaxing activity to do in kashmir valley among visitors. If you want to experience the surreal beauty of this region to the fullest then include Shikara ride in your Kashmir holiday packages itinerary. Shikara is also used for seaweed harvesting, fishing and transportation by locals.

Beautiful Lakes to enjoy Shikara Ride in Kashmir

There are many beautiful Lakes in Kashmir valley but there are only two famous Lakes which offers Shikara ride and where you can enjoy the Shikara Ride and houseboat stay during Kashmir travel Packages.

Dal Lake

The Dal Lake is a crystal clear water lake in Srinagar Kashmir. It is the second largest Lake in the Kashmir valley renowned as the ‘Jewel in the crown of Kashmir’. This Lake  locates near Tota Rani against backdrop of the gorgeous Himalayas. The Lake is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar due to its various beautiful Mughal Era gardens, parks, hotels and barges at its edges. You can enjoy a Shikara ride is this beautiful Lake with its gorgeous views and incredible surroundings. Couples can enjoy houseboats stay when travel to kashmir. During winter season the temperature goes down below -13 degree Celcius so the water of this Lake Freezes.

Nagin Lake

This a beautiful blue water Lake in Kashmir valley derives its name from the surrounding trees. Sometimes called as jewel of the crown. It has a large number of barges in it. When you sail in Shikara through small Kashmir market, Hazratbal mosque, and beautiful Mughal Era gardens then this lake removes all your stress. The lake is surrounded by snow capped peaks from where you can enjoy the views of sunrise & sunset.

Places to Visit on Shikara Ride in Kashmir Valley

There are so many famous tourist places in Kashmir valley that can be visited on the Shikara Ride. These beautiful places makes your Kashmir journey fabulous and romantic. check out the list of places to visit on Shikara Boat ride.

Nishat Garden

Nishat bagh is one of the best among all mughal era gardens. It is situated at the edge of Dal Lake under zabarwan Hills. This is a ten terraces garden with cascades, Chenar & fruit trees and flowerbeds surrounded by high walls. The Nishat Bagh was built by Shah Jahan’s father-in-law “Asif Khan”.

Shalimar Garden

Shalimar Garden is one of the most beautiful mughal garden of Yester era. It is built by Jahangir for his Queen Nur Jahan. This beautiful four terraces garden has a row of chenar trees, fountains, cascades and marble palace at its center.

Hazratbal Mosque

Hazratbal mosque is one of the holiest Islamic shrine. It locates at the edges of Dal Lake Srinagar.There is also a Dargah near mosque which is called hazratbal dargah. In this Mosque, a brown hair of the head of the Prophet Mohammed called Moi-e-Muqaddas is placed so a large number of the Muslims visit this mosque to see Moi-e-Muqaddas.

Nehru Garden

Nehru Garden is one of the most beautiful botanical garden in Srinagar offers a beautiful view of Dal lake. This garden is constructed in the memory of Jawahar lal Nehru The FirstPrime Minister of India.The garden has a collection of kasmiri tropical plants, Ornamental plants and Oak trees.

Island of Char Chinar

It is a beautiful Island in Dal Lake which surrounded by the stunning chinar trees from all four sides. It was constructed by the Murad Baksh (The Brother of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The Char chinaar Island is one of the best places to explore during Shikara Ride.

Cost of Shikara Ride in Kashmir Valley

The cost of Shikara Ride is different in Both Lakes according to the Timing.

Cost of Shikara Ride in Dal Lake

550 /- Per Person (1 Hour)

800 /- Per Person (2 Hour)

1050 /- Per Person (3 Hour)

Cost of Shikara Ride in Nagina Lake

400 /- Per Person (1 Hour)

650 /- Per Person (2 Hour)

900 /- Per Person (3 Hour)