Uber has just introduced a new, exciting service in India—Uber Shikara! This marks a significant step for the American ride-hailing giant, as it becomes the first water-based transport
Uber has just introduced a new, exciting service in India—Uber Shikara! This marks a significant step for the American ride-hailing giant, as it becomes the first water-based transport service in the country. The service is now available for tourists on the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, offering a unique way to explore the beautiful region. Let’s dive into all the details you need to know about Uber Shikara and how it is set to enhance the tourism experience in Srinagar.
Uber Shikara is a pre-booked boat ride service, allowing tourists to reserve shikaras (traditional Kashmiri wooden boats) on Dal Lake through the Uber app. The service aims to make exploring Dal Lake more convenient and accessible, blending modern technology with a centuries-old tradition. Uber Shikara is Uber’s first water transport service in Asia, and it’s being hailed as a breakthrough in tourism.
In addition to offering an authentic Kashmiri experience, Uber Shikara takes the hassle out of last-minute bookings, providing tourists with the ability to plan their trips ahead of time. Uber’s goal is to bring ease, comfort, and reliability to visitors seeking to enjoy the serene beauty of Dal Lake, without the usual stress of haggling or waiting.
The Uber Shikara service is available for tourists between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, offering hour-long rides on Dal Lake. Each shikara can accommodate up to four passengers, making it perfect for small groups or families looking to experience the lake’s scenic views.
Tourists can book their rides through the Uber app, with options to reserve rides from 12 hours to 15 days in advance via the Uber Reserve feature. This provides flexibility, allowing visitors to plan their Shikara ride well ahead of their trip to Srinagar.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of Uber Shikara is that it benefits the local shikara operators. In an effort to boost the local economy, Uber has waived platform fees for the ride-hailing service. This means that all the fare paid by the customer goes directly to the boat drivers. Additionally, Uber Shikara operates at government-determined rates, ensuring that both tourists and boat drivers have clear expectations when it comes to pricing.
Wali Mohammad Bhatt, President of the Shikara Owners Association, has praised Uber’s initiative, highlighting that it will help approximately 4,000 shikara operators on Dal Lake. Bhatt believes that the app’s convenience and fixed-rate bookings will help shikara owners grow their businesses and avoid the usual bargaining that often makes tourists uncomfortable.
By combining modern technology with traditional transportation, Uber aims to provide a seamless and magical experience for travelers visiting the picturesque Dal Lake. Prabhjeet Singh, the President of Uber India & South Asia, shared that Uber Shikara is not just a ride service, but a way to enhance accessibility to tourism in Kashmir while boosting the local economy. He also mentioned that Uber Shikara would help tourists relax and focus on the breathtaking views rather than worry about booking logistics.
Uber Shikara was initially launched with seven shikaras, but the company has plans to expand the fleet based on the demand and response from tourists. As more visitors experience the convenience of booking a shikara ride through the Uber app, the hope is that the service will encourage even more shikara operators to join the platform.
Booking an Uber Shikara ride is easy and simple through the Uber app. Here’s how to reserve your spot on Dal Lake:
Once your booking is confirmed, all that’s left to do is show up at the Ghat on your selected date and time. Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Dal Lake as you float on a traditional shikara, taking in the natural beauty of Kashmir with the comfort of Uber’s convenient service.
Uber Shikara is just the beginning of the company’s efforts to offer more unique transportation options across India. As the service gains popularity, there are plans to expand both the fleet of shikaras and the regions where water-based services may become available. If the response from both locals and tourists is positive, we may see similar initiatives in other iconic Indian locations known for their water-based transport, such as Kerala’s backwaters.
In the meantime, Uber Shikara is already making waves on Dal Lake, providing tourists with a seamless, comfortable, and culturally immersive way to experience the heart of Kashmir.
Uber Shikara is an exciting new offering that combines technology and tradition, making it easier for tourists to enjoy the beauty of Dal Lake. The service supports the local economy by benefiting shikara operators and eliminating the hassle of bargaining. With plans for future expansion, Uber Shikara could become a major player in India’s tourism and transportation industry, allowing more visitors to experience the serenity of Kashmir’s stunning landscapes.
