Srinagar House Boat Stay

Many prominent guests have stayed here. Offer of wide selection. All meals included. Drinks extra.

All the boats feature intricate, Kashmiri-style woodworking, hand-carved partitions, wood- paneled ceilings with chandeliers, and Kashmiri embroidered curtains and furniture.

All come with full bathrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and breakfast nooks on the back verandas that face the serene Dal Lake.

FIRDOUS has three large bedrooms with attached bathrooms, hot and cold water, living room, front
veranda facing the foothills of the Himalayan mountains and the seasonal lotus-cover of Dal Lake. You'll appreciate the atmosphere, the serenity, the breathtaking view and home-style comforts.

KHUSHAL has two large bedrooms with all the comforts and amenities of the Firdous.

NISHAT and KUSHDIL are the honeymooners' favorites. They have a large bedroom, a living
room, a dining area, a breakfast area at the back veranda of the boat.

AKBAR has two large bedrooms and a cozy atmosphere, bathrooms and shower.

GULSHAN with its front veranda facing the lake is also another two large bedroom boat.

There are hundreds of houseboats on Srinagar's surrounding lakes, but these Houseboats are the only boat lodgings that combine a secluded, private location with glorious views across Dal Lake to the snow-covered peaks.

Next door is a memorial to Kashmir's most famous statesman, Sheikh Abdullah. The beautiful Hazratbal Mosque, famed throughout Kashmir for housing a hair of the Prophet Mohammed, is within easy walking distance. If you wish, you can view these attractions from
the water during an early morning shikara ride to Srinagar's floating vegetable markets.

Dal Lake is home to numerous birds, including many who migrate from Siberia for the winter. Apart from the delightful birdlife, visitors to these Houseboats over the years have included intellectuals from different countries, ambassadors, diplomats, movie stars,
rock stars, writers and journalists. Many of their photos hang in owner's reception office.

DAL LAKE & FLOATING GARDENS
The Dal Lake is famous for the comfortable houseboats as well as the shikaras, the "taxis of the lake." Glide by floating vegetable gardens on the way to the Mughal gardens. They have at least two shikaras, so you can take an early morning boat ride across the lake.
Visit the vegetable and fruit wallahs selling produce from wooden skiffs. Enjoy the sufi chants and azans, a cultural fixture of Dal Lake. See up close the floating flower and vegetable gardens.

TREKKING
At the popular hill resorts, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, you can find good hiking trails. In Sonamarg, pony rides available for the one-long trail to the Thajiwas Glacier. But walking it is relaxing and well worth the effort. The best trekking in Kashmir is from mid-June to the end of September, before winter sets in.

KINGFISHERS & OTHER BIRDS
The Dal Lake kingfishers are almost electric blue, bright orange and white. The lake is home to a variety of birds, including egrets,
kites, sparrows and bats.

SHOPPING
You will love the Kashmiri handicrafts, the intricate details of Kashmiri carpets and embroidery. We can help you find high-quality merchandise at good prices. Several local
businesses in Srinagar offer discounts for people staying at these Houseboats.


On arrival, the staff can brew you a relaxing cup of Kashmiri green tea with almonds, cardamon and saffron. Meals of mutton, chicken and fish are available, along with Kashmiri tandoori, fried bread and fresh yoghurt. Coffee and tea are always available -- you need
only ask.