Srinagar, August 24, 2026- Dal Lake Srinagar witnessed a steady flow of tourists on Monday as visitors enjoyed leisurely shikara rides across the picturesque waters, taking in the scenic beauty of the Kashmir Valley.
Tourists were seen enjoying leisurely shikara rides on the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar on Monday, in what remains one of the most iconic and cherished experiences associated with a visit to the Kashmir Valley. As the summer tourist season continues in full swing, the lake’s waters have been bustling with activity, drawing visitors from across India and abroad eager to soak in the region’s natural beauty.
A Timeless Kashmiri Experience
The colourful, traditional wooden boats — often adorned with cushioned seating, ornate canopies, and vibrant floral motifs — ferried visitors across the calm waters of Dal Lake, offering scenic views of the surrounding Zabarwan hills, the historic Hari Parbat fort, floating houseboats, and Srinagar’s charming skyline reflected on the water. For many tourists, a shikara ride is considered a must-do activity during their Kashmir trip, blending relaxation with an intimate glimpse into the Valley’s centuries-old boating culture and way of life.
Visitors were seen capturing photographs against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, while children and families enjoyed the gentle glide of the boats past floating vegetable gardens, locally known as “Rad,” where Kashmiri farmers cultivate lotus stems, vegetables, and flowers using traditional aquatic farming methods passed down through generations.
A Lifeline for Local Livelihoods
Local shikara operators, who depend heavily on tourist footfall for their livelihood, said the steady stream of visitors through the season has brought welcome business. Rides on offer range from short trips across the lake to longer excursions that wind past floating markets, houseboats, and quieter corners of the lake rarely seen by first-time visitors.
Many shikara owners belong to families that have operated on the lake for generations, with the trade often passed down from father to son. For hundreds of such families around Dal Lake, tourism season is the primary source of income for the entire year, making a healthy influx of visitors critical to their economic stability.
Dal Lake’s Enduring Appeal
Dal Lake continues to remain one of Srinagar’s biggest tourist draws, with its shikaras and houseboats symbolising the timeless charm of Kashmir — a destination increasingly popular among both domestic and international travellers. The lake, often referred to as the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir,” spans several square kilometres and is dotted with houseboats that have hosted travellers since the colonial era, alongside floating markets that come alive especially during the early morning hours.
Tourism officials note that Dal Lake’s popularity has only grown in recent years, with increasing numbers of visitors extending their stay in Srinagar to explore the lake at different times of day — from misty morning shikara rides to sunset excursions that showcase the lake in a completely different light.
A Boost for Regional Tourism
The continued footfall at Dal Lake reflects a broader upward trend in tourist arrivals across the Kashmir Valley, with visitors increasingly combining lake experiences with trips to nearby attractions such as Mughal Gardens, local handicraft markets, and hill resorts like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. This has had a ripple effect on the local economy, benefiting not just shikara operators but also houseboat owners, artisans, and small businesses along the lake’s periphery.
As the season progresses, tourism stakeholders remain optimistic that Dal Lake will continue to be a central attraction drawing visitors to Srinagar, reinforcing Kashmir’s reputation as one of India’s most breathtaking travel destinations and sustaining livelihoods for the many families whose lives are intertwined with the lake’s waters.