The shikhara industry and the cultivation of vegetables in tiny floating gardens on the lake provide substantial economic advantages to the residents of Srinagar. However, houseboats are the most popular with visitors since they offer a unique experience similar to a paradise on the water.
There are five beautiful houseboats to choose from in Srinagar for your next Kashmir trip:
Here are a few of the most impressive houseboats you can rent:
1. Meena Group Houseboats, Near Dal Lake
The Siah family opened Meena Group Houseboats in 1933, and the establishments have kept most of their original colonial-style furniture and wood-carved panelling. Each of the four bedrooms in this luxurious floating suite is furnished with a silk tapestry and a beautiful chandelier, and each has a view of either Dal Lake or the Himalayas.
The suite-style accommodation stands out from the rest with its central heating, minibars, private garden, and open deck. There are hot tubs and rain showers in each of the cabin’s bathrooms. The on-site fine dining establishment, Spice by Meena, features an organic, six-course menu that is changed out seasonally and is based on regional flavors.
2. Sukoon Houseboats, Dal Lake
Sukoon is located in the midst of a floating lotus bed and has a vista of the Pir Panjal mountain range in the distance. There are five rooms, each with its bathroom, and they’re all named after famous Mughal gardens like Shalimar and Pari Mahal.
There are organic bath products and rain showers in the bathrooms. In order to ensure that no waste is dumped into the lake, this eco-friendly houseboat features a bio-tank and a strict no-plastic policy.
Sukoon is an eco-luxury houseboat on Dal Lake, surrounded by lotuses. Your favorite spot on the boat will be the outdoor area, where you may relax in one of the plush deck chairs and enjoy the boat’s first-rate service while watching the sunrise or sunset. The rooms are large so that you won’t feel cramped.
3. Welcomheritage Gurkha Houseboats, Nigeen Lake
Seven generations of the Gurkha family have maintained their houseboat business. There are verandas or gardens attached to each of the 18 rooms. Suites feature opulent decors like carved poster beds, hand-knotted rugs, and more contemporary conveniences like Jacuzzi tubs, freezers, and minibars.
The Pir Panjal mountain range or the water may be seen from each of the rooms’ televisions. The menu features dishes from various cuisines, but we recommend the Kashmiri wazwan, a spread of 36 items that culminates in gustaba, meatballs cooked in a milk-based gravy.
The family decides to get a taste of culture by scheduling a session with the craftspeople at National Cottage Emporium. These houseboats, docked on the tranquil waters of Nigeen Lake, are as extravagant as they get. The exquisitely ornate woodwork throughout the house is a sight to behold.
The staff is very attentive, and both the cuisine and service are top-notch. In the winter, when the surrounding mountains are blanketed in snow, the view from the deck is nothing short of heavenly. You’ll fall in love with this area when you set foot on the boat. Dal Lake, located 10 km distant, also offers shikhara rides.
4. Naaz Kashmir, Nigeen Lake
After 40 years of cruising the seas, the owners of this houseboat have perfected the onboard experience by installing central heating and air conditioning, WiFi, and a never-ending supply of Kahwa to warm passengers on chilly mornings.
Enjoy the beautiful outdoors with the company of birds like the blue kingfisher and wild duck while watching a Bollywood film in the lounge. Saffron, daffodil, lavender, tulip, and lotus are just a few of the flower names given to the suite’s five bedrooms. You’ll find a fruit basket in your room when you check in, and you may choose from Kashmiri, Chinese, or Continental food at mealtimes.
5. Mascot Houseboats, Nigeen Lake
These traditional shikaras made of cedar wood are significant cultural artifacts. The Tuman family has owned and operated the company since the 1980s. Each boat is uniquely designed in the Islamic architectural style, complete with elaborate carvings, Persian rugs, and crystal chandeliers.
In-room Jacuzzi, hot tubs, flat-screen TVs, and air purifiers round out the experience. There are six different accommodation and suite options, all of which offer views of the lake or the Zabarwan Mountains. In addition to the 24-hour room service, the ship has a restaurant on the upper deck that specializes in Kashmiri cuisine.
Decorated with elaborate woodwork and classic upholstery, the interiors are quite stunning. Relax in the evening wind while watching the shikaras from the patio. A shikara will be waiting for you in the morning, and they’ll even set that up for you. Being treated like a king or queen will make you feel like a million bucks.
Find out more about Kashmir:
- Kashmir Destinations to Visit in January 2023
- Top 11 Places Kashmir to See in October 2023
- Jammu & Kashmir’s 6 Most Popular Waterfalls
- Famous Kashmir Places to See in August 2023
- In September 2023 Kashmir Visit the Popular Places
- Top 10 Kashmir Places to Visit in November 2023
- Kashmir 10 Destinations to See in February 2023
- The Bangus Valley: A Guide to Kashmir’s Undiscovered Tourist Destinations
