Traveling to Kashmir and experiencing a boat ride on Dal Lake is a desire shared by every Indian.
Recently, cab service company Uber has made a significant mark by introducing a water transport service on the beautiful Dal Lake in India’s Kashmir region knows as ‘Uber Shikaras’. This service allows users to book rides on the lake’s traditional wooden Shikara boats by making reservations at least 12 hours and up to 15 days in advance, as stated by Uber officials.
While the ride-hailing app already provides water transport services in cities like London, this marks its first venture in India.
Dal Lake boasts around 4,000 Shikaras, known for their ornate decorations and canopies, which are not only favored by tourists but also widely enjoyed by locals.
“The limited-period product will help tourists pre-book their shikara rides through the Uber app in advance so that they are all set to enjoy the scenic beauty of Dal Lake in Srinagar during the upcoming busy holiday season,” the company said in a statement.
“Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition to give a seamless experience to travellers for their Shikara ride,” said Prabhjeet Singh, president, Uber India and South Asia.
The Uber Shikara service in Srinagar is the first of its kind in Asia, drawing inspiration from water transport services in European cities such as Venice. In its initial stage, the company has included seven Shikaras and intends to increase the fleet gradually in response to demand.
Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted that the introduction of Uber Shikara in Srinagar shows how technology can enrich cultural heritage.
“Launch of Uber Shikara in Srinagar is a testament to creative ways technology can enhance our cultural heritage. This offering in upcoming tourist season will provide visitors a seamless way to experience timeless charm of Shikara rides, a hallmark of J&K’s beauty,” Sinha wrote on X.
Impact of Uber Shikaras launch
The entry of Uber into the Shikara sector has sparked mixed reactions among operators. Some believe that it will enhance their business by allowing tourists to book rides in advance, while others are skeptical, stating that it may not significantly impact their operations.
Shikaras are traditional wooden boats commonly seen on Dal Lake and various waterways in Srinagar. They vary in size and are primarily utilized for transportation. Typically accommodating up to six passengers with the boatman positioned at the rear, Shikaras symbolize the rich culture of Kashmir.
While some Shikaras are still employed for fishing and local transport purposes, the majority are now utilized by tourists seeking leisurely and picturesque rides on the water.
“It will boost our business. There will be fixed rates, no cheating, and no scope for bargaining,” said Wali Mohammad Bhatt, president of the Shikara Owners Association.
The collaboration between technology and cultural heritage, as highlighted by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
The Uber Shikara service not only enhances the tourism experience but also preserves and promotes the cultural significance of the iconic Shikaras in Kashmir. This initiative marks a promising step towards sustainable growth and the preservation of Kashmir’s unique heritage.
