What to consider when chosing a houseboat in Srinagar?

Do Houseboat owners provide shikara for reaching road on other side of the lake? Sometimes yes. Are there houseboats which are connected to the road without the need for taking a Shikara? Some of the Houseboats are connected to the road on back side. Is Dal Lake better to stay in a Houseboat or Nageen Lake? It's a personal choice. I personally prefer Nageen lake due to it's peace in comparison to Dal Lake. Dal Lake also has peaceful sections, so it depends which Houseboat you are choosing.

Nestled amidst the tranquil waters of Dal Lake, the iconic houseboats of Srinagar beckon travelers with promises of serene retreats and unforgettable experiences. From ornately decorated interiors to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, each houseboat offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Kashmir. However, with a plethora of options to choose from, selecting the perfect houseboat for your stay can be a daunting task. Fear not! Here are some essential considerations to guide you in choosing the ideal houseboat accommodation for your Srinagar sojourn.

Teeming with the activities that typically constitute the day-to-day activities of an average human being, Dal Lake is almost an entire city on the water, complete with accommodation, transport, gardens, shops, and even full-fledged markets. And there is no dearth of activities to do in and about the huge lake that sprawls across a vast area of about 18 square kilometres.A shikara meandering through the lake to the tunes of the rhythmic rowing by the expert, phiron-clad boatmen is an image that has been etched into our minds by the blue-eyed Shammi Kapoor romancing and the pretty, petite SharmiTagore. But beyond the romance, the shikaras are the best mode of transport to reach the Mughal gardens, to explore the floating markets and vegetable gardens, or to simply experience the unparalleled splendour of the lakeEach lavish, British-style houseboat moored on the side of the lake or near the tiny Islands is a time capsule to the colonial times. Some of these houseboats are almost a century old and are still being rented out today. The houseboats are complete with well-furnished rooms, terraces, and verandas. Each houseboat has a dedicated kitchen, mostly on a separate, smaller boatFloating shops and markets bring the legendary Kashmiri Pashminas, and artefacts and even fruits, vegetables, and flowers to you as you lay back in your shikaras and enjoy the comforting sound of the water lapping the sides of thboat. This unusual market becomes even more unusual once you realize that several of the vegetables being sold out of these shikaras have been grown in the gardens that float on the Dal LakeReflections of the majestic mountains, often shaken by the ripples from the oars of the shikaras, and the impeccably manicured Mughal gardens that surround the lake take one back to the medieval times when Dal Lake used to serve as the summer resort for the Mughal Rulers The grandiose appeal, the surreal beauty of this 'paradise' is incomparable even today when pollution, crowding, and eutrophication are increasingly becoming a challenge. Several initiatives are currently in place to revive the fading lustre of this shining 'Jewel in the crown of Kashmir'. While the corrective actions are a must and need to be carried out, a lot of thought also needs to be given to the preventive actions that can help sustain the magnificence of the lake for the future. 

Location, Location, Location

One of the most critical factors to consider when selecting a houseboat is its location on Dal Lake. Do you prefer a secluded spot away from the bustling crowds, or would you rather be in the heart of the action near the vibrant markets and attractions? Consider your preferences for tranquility versus accessibility and choose a houseboat location that aligns with your desires.

Dal Lake is beautiful lake in Srinagar city of Jammu & Kashmir State. Shrinagar is also know as summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir State of India. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is nicknamed the 'Jewel in the crown of Kashmir' or 'Srinagar's Jewel'. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting. Let's check out this Photo Journey to know more about Dal Lake in this beautiful city of Kashmir !Last month I was in Shrinagar for 3rd Mughal Rally by Himalayan Motorsports and all these photographs are shot during one of the evenings, when we were relatively free and could spend some time around Nagin & Dal Lake. Although one of the mornings we also went for Shikara Ride through Old Kashmir and markets around lake. We shall also be sharing same photographs in colors soon, as sunset colors were really magical...Dal lake is quite popular as a visitor attraction and a summer resort for tourists from various parts of India and other countries. Fisheries and the harvesting of food and fodder plants are also important on Dal Lake. Weeds from the lake are extracted and converted into compost for the gardens. It also serves as a flood lung of the Jhelum River. Swimming, boating, snow skiing and canoeing are amongst some of the water sports activities practiced on the lake.Various Houseboats can be seen around different Lakes in Shrinagar. Houseboats and the Dal Lake are widely associated with Srinigar and are nicknamed 'floating palaces', built according to British customs. The houseboats are generally made from local cedar-wood and are graded in a similar fashion to hotels according to level of comfort. Many of them have lavishly furnished rooms, with verandas and a terrace to serve as a sun-deck or to serve evening cocktails. They are mainly moored along the western periphery of the lake, close to the lakeside boulevard in the vicinity of the Dal gate and on small islands in the lake. They are anchored individually, with interconnecting bridges providing access from one boat to the other. The kitchen-boat is annexed to the main houseboat, which also serves as residence of the boat-keeper and his family(Courtesy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dal_Lake)Dal Lake is in the heart of Srinagar city and is well connected by road & air links. The nearest airport, which connects with other major cities in the country, is about 7 kilometres away at Badgam. The nearest railway station is 300 kilometres away at Jammu. The National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with rest of the countrDal lake covers an area of around 18 square kilometres and is part of a natural wetland which covers around 21 square kms, including its floating gardens. The floating gardens, known as 'Rad' in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and AugustThe wetland is divided by causeways into four basins - Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin. Nagin is also considered as separate lake and we stayed Centaur Hotel which is near to Nagin Lake only. Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank and Sona Lank respectively.Shoreline of the Dal Lake is about 15.5 kilometres and encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of Dal lake can be witnessed from Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras.Dal lake has numerous sites and places of interest, many of which are important to the cultural heritage of Srinigar. Aside from the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, some of the other places frequented by tourists are the Shankaracharya temple, the Hari Parbat, the Nagin Lake, the Chashme Shahi, the Hazratbal Shrine, the famous Kashmir houseboats and the Shikara (boat) called the Gandola of Kashmir.Shikaras provide a water taxi service available to see the sights in the Dal Lake and to approach the houseboats moored on the lake periphery.Dal Lake has become an icon of the Kashmir tourism industry and almost every tourist dream of having a Shikara ride in this lake and stay at least for one night in House-Boats. A Himalayan urban lake which has five basins and a number of channels that are well linked with each other. There are plenty of fishes in Dal Lake and fishery is the second largest industry of the region centered on the lake.The sparkling quiet waters of Dal surrounded by snow-capped mountains on its three sides, undoubtedly mark it as one of the most beautiful lakes of India. It is also the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir with numerous gardens and orchards all along its shores. Houseboats form an indelible part of the scenery of the Dal Lake that are always ready to take tourists to a romantic and peaceful ride of the lake and soothe their nerves as the houseboat floats over the slightly rippling waters. They also offer some of the most exotic views of the splendid scenery of the Dal Lake.

Size and Amenities

Houseboats come in various sizes and configurations, ranging from cozy one-bedroom abodes to sprawling multi-bedroom suites. Determine the size of your travel party and the amenities you require, such as ensuite bathrooms, dining areas, and outdoor decks. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway for two or a family retreat, ensure that the houseboat you choose can comfortably accommodate your needs.

Given the weather in Srinagar it's very hard to maintain these houseboats, especially after monsoons. What kind of Houseboat should I chose? There are different kinds of Houseboats available to stay around Dal Lake as well as Nagin Lake. and hence they are available in different budgets. If your budget is 8K+, you can chose a good option where you can rely that Houseboat will be well maintained and service will be good. Below this, it can get very unreliable in terms of maintenance, food etc. If you budget is around 3-4K or less, I will strongly suggest to avoid Houseboat and chose a decent hotel in Nishat area which is close to Dal Lake and a nice place to stay.

Authenticity and Ambiance

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir by selecting a houseboat that exudes authenticity and charm. Look for traditional wooden interiors adorned with intricate carvings, vibrant Kashmiri rugs, and elegant furnishings. The ambiance of your houseboat can enhance your overall experience, providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploration in Srinagar.


Reviews and Recommendations

Before finalizing your booking, take the time to read reviews and recommendations from fellow travelers who have stayed in the houseboat you're considering. Pay attention to feedback regarding cleanliness, hospitality, and overall satisfaction. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to the houseboat owners or managers with any questions or concerns you may have.


Safety and Security

Prioritize your safety and security by ensuring that the houseboat meets all necessary safety standards and regulations. Confirm that life jackets are provided, emergency procedures are in place, and the houseboat is equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Additionally, inquire about security measures to protect against theft or unauthorized access.


Environmental Impact

Support eco-friendly tourism practices by choosing a houseboat that prioritizes sustainability and environmental conservation. Look for accommodations that utilize renewable energy sources, minimize waste generation, and engage in responsible tourism initiatives. By selecting a socially and environmentally responsible houseboat, you can minimize your ecological footprint and contribute to the preservation of Kashmir's pristine natural beauty.


In the enchanting realm of Srinagar's houseboats, every moment is a journey into serenity and splendor. By considering factors such as location, size, ambiance, and safety, you can choose the perfect houseboat accommodation to suit your preferences and enhance your Kashmiri experience. Whether you're savoring a cup of kahwa on the deck or drifting along the tranquil waters of Dal Lake, your houseboat stay in Srinagar promises to be an unforgettable voyage of discovery and delight.

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