Uber has launched a water taxi service in the Indian city of Srinagar, located in the Kashmir Valley. Those who wish can take a ride on the famous Dal Lake in a popular tourist boat called a shikara. Such a boat trip must be booked online in advance through the app. This was reported by the Indian newspaper thehindu.com.
According to the publication, a company representative said that each ride on Uber Shikara can be booked for one hour. This must be done at least 12 hours and no earlier than 15 days before the planned trip.
A shikara is a traditional brightly colored wooden boat that gained fame after the release of a number of Bollywood films in the 1970s. As the publication notes, subsequently, a shikara ride became a dream for newlyweds during their stay in Kashmir.
Today, these boats are the hallmark of Srinagar.
In addition to being loved by tourists, the boats help in the оздоровление (оздоровление means "improvement of health" or "recuperation" in Russian, but it seems like a more specific term related to the lake's ecosystem is needed here. Perhaps "rejuvenation" or "restoration" would be more appropriate) of Dal Lake. "Shikaras contribute to water circulation, which promotes greater oxygen saturation. Thus, the water ecology is improved," said Anuj Malhotra, General Manager of Planning at Srinagar Smart City Limited.
As The Hindu notes, the beauty of Dal Lake has captivated both locals and visitors for centuries. Its shoreline stretches for 15.5 kilometers, allowing access to various settlements, including the Hazratbal shrine and Mughal-era gardens such as Nishat and Shalimar.
Note: The term "оздоровление" in the context of the lake is a bit nuanced. While it does imply a general improvement in the lake's condition, it specifically refers to the increased oxygenation of the water due to the movement of shikaras. A more accurate translation might be something like "rejuvenation" or "restoration".
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