Houseboats in Kashmir, better known as floating houses in Kashmir, provide a unique way to experience the old world charm of the region. The origin of the houseboat lies in the chapters of Kashmir’s history. It is said that the native kings had forbidden foreign visitors, especially the Britishers, from constructing houses in the region and this gave rise to the concept of a houseboat.

Among them, Dal Lake and Nagin Lake are the two prime attractions of Kashmir that are known not only for their picturesque views but also because of houseboats.

Houseboat in Kashmir is mainly preferred by those who love to unwind and relax in the lap of nature away from bustling noises. Most of the houseboats also provide a Shikara for a leisure ride in the lake or to the nearest shore. Travelers can also enjoy shopping in a different way while staying at a houseboat. There are several Shikaras that sell flowers and handicrafts, thus creating a colourful vista of floating market

Many tourists are attracted to Srinagar by the charm of staying on a houseboat, which provides the unique experience of living on the water in a cedar-paneled elegant bedroom, with all the conveniences of a luxury hotel. Srinagar's thousand or so houseboats are moored along sections of the Dal and Nagin Lakes and the Jhelum River, each decorated fancifully and named romantically and even whimsically. Like hotels, houseboats vary in degree of luxury and have been accordingly graded by the Department of Tourism.

A luxury houseboat, like a luxury hotel, has fine furniture, good carpets and modern bathroom fittings, while the 'D category' (the lowest category) of houseboats, like low-budget hotels, is spartanly furnished. Like hotels too, houseboats vary widely in their locations. Some overlook the main road, others look out onto lotus gardens and others face tiny local markets and villages, which are also floating on the lake. All houseboats, regardless of category, have highly personalized service. Not only is there always a "houseboy" for every boat, but the owner and his family are often close by. The cost per day of hiring a houseboat includes all meals and free rides from the houseboat to the nearest jetty and back, as no houseboat on the lakes is directly accessible from the banks.

Every standard houseboat provides a balcony in the front, a lounge, dining room, pantry and three or more bedrooms with attached bathrooms. All houseboats not moored to the bank of the river or lakes provide a shikara as a free service from the houseboat to the nearest Ghat (jetty). Virtually every houseboat in Srinagar has been provided with a municipal water connection.


About Nagin Lake
Known as the 'Jewel In The Ring', Nagin is generally held to be the most beautiful of the Dal lakes. Its name comes from the many trees, which encircle the small, deep blue lake. Nagin is only separated from the Larer Dal lakes by a narrow causeway and it also has a number of houseboats moored around its perimeter.

A Nice Getaway
If one wants to really get away from the chaotic city life all then Nagin is a good place to find a house boat and do it the surroundings are much more serene and isolated than on Dal Lake. One can rent rowboats from the camping site here - either to simply row around the lake or to look around for a houseboat.

Amusements
Since the water in Nagin is deeper and less polluted it's also good for swimming and there are fiberglass sailing boats available for hire and water skiing facilities. Motorboats are rather low powered for skiing although they make a valiant attempt. If one wants to try water skiing keep a wary eye out for swimmers. Likewise, if one is swimming watch out for the boat drivers.

The Nagin club, on the bank of the lake, has a bar and a tea pavilion. It is a branch of the Srinagar club and temporary membership is available to visitors.
 

Tour ends.