Bhopal launches Kashmir-style shikara rides at Upper Lake — a new tourism gem in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal just earned a beautiful new reason for travellers to visit. In an effort to boost tourism while preserving ecological balance, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, officially launched the city’s first-ever shikara service on the iconic Upper Lake. The ceremonial event was attended by State Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, BJP chief Hemant Khandelwal, LoP Umang Singhar, Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai, and Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan.

And just like that, the City of Lakes now carries a slice of Kashmir’s charm.

A Srinagar Experience—Right in the Heart of Madhya Pradesh

If a trip to Srinagar isn’t happening anytime soon, Bhopal may just have created the perfect alternative. The newly launched shikaras are colourful, vibrant, and built to offer a serene, postcard-worthy ride across the tranquil waters of Upper Lake.

Each boat comes with cushioned seating, onboard refreshments, and a peaceful ambience that mirrors the Dal Lake experience. Visitors can drift past calm waters, watch birds glide overhead, and soak in one of Bhopal’s most beautiful views—all without leaving central India.

   

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A post shared by Dr Mohan Yadav (@drmohanyadav51)

Entertainment, Floating Markets & Local Flavours on the Water

The shikara service isn’t just about leisurely rides. It brings an entire water-based cultural experience to Bhopal.

During the inaugural ride, CM Mohan Yadav released tea, poha, samosas, and fresh fruits from the floating boat restaurants set up on the lake. He even browsed through clothes and handicrafts at the floating boat markets—giving visitors a glimpse of what awaits them.

From birdwatching to enjoying local snacks, and from mobile handicraft stalls to organic produce markets, these shikaras are designed to create a lively, all-round experience.

(Image: LinkedIn/ Dr Mohan Yadav)

20 Eco-Friendly Shikaras Built with Modern, Sustainable Technology

In a major push for responsible tourism, all 20 newly launched shikaras are built using pollution-free, modern materials, including fibre-reinforced polyurethane and high-quality non-reactive components that ensure the lake’s water remains pure.

Crafted by an internationally renowned organisation—whose boats already operate in Kerala, Bengal, and Assam—these shikaras are the first in Madhya Pradesh to be launched on such a large scale.

The introduction of shikaras on Bhopal’s Upper Lake — a waterbody that traces its origins back nearly a thousand years to Raja Bhoj — marks a major milestone for the city. According to the Chief Minister, the new service will allow visitors to experience a slice of Dal Lake–style charm without leaving the City of Lakes.

(Image: LinkedIn/ Dr Mohan Yadav)

A Big Boost for Water Tourism in Madhya Pradesh

With this launch, Bhopal’s Upper Lake is set to rise as one of India’s most exciting urban water-tourism destinations. The initiative aims to put Madhya Pradesh more firmly on both national and international tourist maps—offering travellers nature, culture, food, and now, a taste of Kashmir—all in one place.