Horse driven buggy rides along banks of Dal lake charm tourists

A horse-drawn buggy moves along the scenic foreshore road by the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. — Excelsior/Shakeel
A horse-drawn buggy moves along the scenic foreshore road by the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. — Excelsior/Shakeel

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, June 25: A new horse-driven buggy service has started along Dal Lake’s scenic foreshore road, giving tourists a chance to enjoy a vintage ride while soaking in the beautiful views.

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Four entrepreneurs have collaborated to bring this unique offering to the Scenic Foreshore Road, which runs along the banks of the renowned Dal Lake. Their aim is to provide tourists with a royal ride, reminiscent of a bygone era, amidst the beauty of the lake.
“We saw an opportunity to diversify the tourist experience beyond the traditional Shikara rides. Our horse-driven buggy service offers a royal touch, allowing visitors to explore the foreshore road from Nighat Garden to Duck Park, or extend their journey to Shalimar Garden or Habbak Crossing,” Muhammad Umar, one of the entrepreneurs behind the initiative, said.
The inspiration behind this venture stems from a desire to offer something new to tourists. “While lavish cars are commonplace at weddings, we wanted to introduce something fresh and distinctive. This mode of transportation, reminiscent of royal processions in England, adds a touch of elegance for both wedding parties and tourists alike,” he said.
In terms of pricing, the service operates on a minimum fare of Rs 1000 per kilometer, with a return trip covering 3 kilometers priced at Rs 3000, and a 6-kilometer journey costing Rs 6000. Each ride accommodates a maximum of five individuals, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for passengers.
Feedback from customers who have experienced the buggy rides has been overwhelmingly positive. “The ride was truly enjoyable, and I encourage all tourists to give it a try. These entrepreneurs deserve praise for their dedication and honest efforts in providing such a delightful experience, “Mohammad Yaqoob, a local resident, said.