Travel lovers, if a trip to Srinagar isn’t on your calendar anytime soon, Bhopal has the perfect alternative waiting for you. On Thursday morning, the city’s iconic Upper Lake introduced its very own colourful shikara service, offering locals and travellers a serene, picture-perfect ride without leaving Madhya Pradesh. With vibrant boats, calm waters, and a slice of Kashmir-style charm, this new experience is quickly becoming one of Bhopal’s most exciting attractions.
Bhopal Gets Srinagar-Like Shikaras On Upper Lake
According to The New Indian Express, tourists and locals in Bhopal will be able to get Srinagar-like vibes, thanks to the 20 fleet shikara rides introduced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday. The service was launched at the Upper Lake, near the Boat Club in Bhopal.
Each shikara comes equipped with cosy seating and onboard refreshments, offering visitors a relaxed and scenic ride. The initiative is expected to give a significant boost to Madhya Pradesh’s water-tourism scene, positioning it more prominently on both national and international maps.
During the inaugural ride, Mohan Yadav was seen releasing tea, poha, samosas and fruits from the shikara boat restaurants on the lake. He even browsed and bought clothes from the floating boat market, showcasing the fun, all-around experience you can enjoy during a ride.
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All You Need To Know About This New Experience
Bhopal’s Boat Club offers tourists more than just a scenic shikara or boat ride. You can enjoy bird-watching while browsing and purchasing handicrafts, local delicacies, and fresh organic fruits and vegetables directly from the boats. Coming to the newly-launched shikaras in Bhopal, according to The New Indian Express, they have been crafted by an internationally renowned organisation, whose boats are already a hit with tourists in Kerala, Bengal, and Assam.
The shikaras can easily accommodate four to six passengers at once. For a 20-minute ride, you will have to pay ₹300 for four passengers and ₹450 for six passengers. The operational time for these rides is between 9 AM and sunset.
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So, if you’re in Bhopal or planning to visit the city, make sure you add this new shikara experience to your itinerary!
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/drmohanyadav51