CM Sukhu pitches shikaras to put HP water tourism on map
Synopsis
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called for shikara rides on Himachal Pradesh's water bodies, framing the move as a bid to give the state a signature water-tourism identity distinct from rival hill destinations, with the scenic Shivalik Hills as the backdrop.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu publicly called for shikaras to be introduced on Himachal Pradesh's water bodies on 24 October 2026 .
The proposal aims to combine water tourism with views of the Shivalik Hills , creating a signature experiential offering.
The stated goal is for Himachal Pradesh to establish a distinct national identity in the tourism sector.
The shikara push broadens the state's appeal beyond adventure and high-altitude tourism to include leisure and family travellers.
No specific water body or launch timeline was named in the statement; a formal policy announcement is the next milestone to watch.
Imagine gliding across a mountain lake, the ridgeline of the Shivalik Hills framing the horizon — that is the tourism postcard Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu wants Himachal Pradesh to own. On Saturday, 24 October 2026, the Chief Minister's Office of Himachal Pradesh shared a statement from CM Sukhu calling for the introduction of shikaras on Himachal's waters, casting it as a move to carve a distinct national identity for the state in the tourism sector.
In his own words, CM Sukhu said: 'मैं चाहूँगा कि यहाँ शिकारे भी चलाए जाएँ, ताकि पर्यटक जल पर्यटन का आनंद लेने के साथ-साथ हमारी सुंदर शिवालिक पहाड़ियों का लुत्फ उठाएँ और हिमाचल प्रदेश पर्यटन के क्षेत्र में देशभर में अपनी अलग पहचान बनाए।' — 'I would want shikaras to be operated here, so that tourists can enjoy water tourism while also soaking in the beauty of our Shivalik Hills, and Himachal Pradesh establishes its own distinct identity in the tourism sector across the country.'
Why a shikara, and why now
The shikara — the iconic wooden boat synonymous with Dal Lake in Kashmir — carries powerful aspirational weight for Indian tourists. By invoking it, CM Sukhu is reaching for more than a boat ride; he is reaching for a signature experience that photographs well, travels on social media, and lives in memory. Hill states are in fierce competition for domestic visitors, and the difference between a repeat tourist and a one-time visitor often comes down to an experience they cannot get elsewhere.
Himachal Pradesh already markets its lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for conventional boating and adventure activities. The addition of leisurely shikara rides would serve a different traveller profile — families, older visitors, and those seeking scenic calm over adrenaline — effectively broadening the state's tourism funnel. Several Indian hill states have pursued precisely this strategy of layered, differentiated offerings to reduce off-season slumps and pull visitors away from saturated destinations.
Shivalik backdrop as a selling point
The specific mention of the Shivalik Hills is deliberate. These outer Himalayan ranges running through Himachal offer a gentler, greener landscape than the high-altitude snowscapes the state is best known for. Positioning them as a shikara-ride backdrop extends Himachal's tourism geography beyond its marquee destinations, potentially drawing attention to lower-altitude water bodies that currently see little footfall. That is a smart diversification play for a state whose economy is significantly dependent on tourism revenue.
CM Sukhu, who has been in office since 2022, has consistently flagged tourism infrastructure as a lever for economic growth. His call for shikaras fits a pattern of seeking visible, experiential upgrades that are low on heavy infrastructure but high on visitor recall. The next signal to watch: whether a pilot project or a formal inclusion in the state's tourism policy framework follows this public push.
One statement, one boat — but the ambition is to redraw how the rest of India imagines a holiday in Himachal.
Point of View
High-visibility signal designed to reposition Himachal Pradesh in a crowded hill-tourism market — essentially asking voters and investors to see the state as an innovator, not just a winter-snow or summer-cool destination. The Shivalik reference is also politically shrewd: it directs development attention to lower-altitude regions that feel overlooked relative to marquee Himalayan circuits. For a government seeking economic wins ahead of electoral cycles, experiential tourism is faster to brand than infrastructure to build. The real test is whether this public aspiration translates into a funded, time-bound pilot — or remains a compelling vision statement.
NationPress
24 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CM Sukhu say about shikaras in Himachal Pradesh?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said he wants shikaras to be operated on Himachal Pradesh's water bodies so tourists can enjoy water tourism while appreciating the Shivalik Hills, helping the state build a distinct national tourism identity.
Where will shikaras be introduced in Himachal Pradesh?
The specific water body was not named in the statement. CM Sukhu's call is a broad policy aspiration; a formal location and pilot project are yet to be announced.
What are shikaras and why are they significant for tourism?
Shikaras are traditional wooden boats associated with scenic lake rides, most famously on Dal Lake in Kashmir. They offer a leisurely, photogenic experience that appeals to a wide range of tourists and serve as a strong destination-branding tool.
How does Himachal Pradesh currently promote water tourism?
Himachal Pradesh already markets its lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for boating and adventure activities. The addition of shikaras would create a more relaxed, scenic offering targeting families and leisure travellers.
What is CM Sukhu's broader tourism vision for Himachal Pradesh?
Since taking office in 2022, CM Sukhu has consistently emphasised tourism infrastructure as an economic growth lever, seeking experiential upgrades that create memorable, shareable visitor experiences and reduce the state's dependence on its traditional snow-and-hill-station image.
