A Peek into the History of Kashmiri Houseboats

The origin of houseboats truly dates back to the British colonial times; In the late 19th century, when British visitors weren’t allowed to own land in Kashmir, the Hanji community began crafting these floating homes to offer them a place to stay, this way they could enjoy the scenic beauty of the region without actually violating the law.

Another tale tells us about the story of Pandit Naraindas, upon losing his shop to a fire in the late 19th century, moves his belongings to a boat and made it his home. This humble solution gave birth to the first houseboat and later sparked a trend that spread across the Lakes.

Whatever the origin story is, one thing stands correct that these houseboats are not just accommodations, they are truly the embodiment of culture and time floating on the serene current of the Dal Lake. They were once floating mansions, showcasing intricate woodwork, Victorian-style interiors, and Kashmiri craftsmanship. Over time, this tradition evolved, and today, houseboats are a key attraction included in many Kashmir holiday packages.

These houseboats aren’t just accommodations; they’re living, floating pieces of history, carrying the spirit of Kashmir through time.

Why Choose To Stay In A Houseboat?

With whatever is heard and talked of houseboats, one might think oh they are created but not truly houseboats are the perfect blend that brings together the perfect amount of culture serenity and beauty together; imagine waking up to the view of a calm Lake and the rising Sun.

All you can hear is the gentle sound of water surrounded by this enchanting beauty and these not kept mountains in the distance. That is what a houseboat offers you and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

A houseboat stay allows you to experience the finest form of nature, account setting in contrast to the hustle that comes with staying at a hotel.

We had already talked about how Kashmir's houseboats are also testament to the region's rich heritage; and it in all right senses portraits the same very subtly; houseboats in Kashmir bring out the history of the region, the story of the people who have lived there. From hand-carved walnut wood furniture to vibrant Kashmiri rugs and tapestries, every detail reflects the artistry of local craftsmen.

If you look for any Kashmir tour package or a Kashmir holiday package you will see that under the section that talks about the Dal Lake houseboats are definitely mentioned but another thing that says constant is the iconic floating Market. Staying on a houseboat at the Dal Lake also means you will have access to this iconic market where vendors paddle their small boats also known as shikaras to you houseboat and they offer everything you can from fresh flowers to fruits and handcrafted souvenirs.

Types of Houseboats: Choosing the Perfect Stay

Now that we have learnt about what a houseboat offers you we should learn about the various types of houseboats that you can stay at. In Kashmir houseboats range from budget friendly options to rather luxurious accommodations that go hand and hand with the level of 5 star hotels that might be available.

For solo travellers who are very budget conscious we have the budget houseboats which provides basic amenities likely in rooms and attached bathroom and the simple means that the place has to offer. We also see options for mid range houseboats that have the right amount of comfort and affordability with rooms being larger and good tasteful interiors being done and personalised services that they have to offer. We also see options for luxurious houseboats with spacious suites, modern bathrooms, private balconies and even other services like the Butler services. Many Kashmir holiday packages include stays in well-known luxury houseboats.

Activities to Enjoy During Your Stay Truly no houseboat stay is complete without a shikara right; imagine gliding through the calm picturesque views and the various local gardens, visiting floating markets or just simply soaking the beauty of this surrounding shikara, that are small boats glide through the water and the current of the Lake taking you to witness what paradise looks like.

A rather lesser-known fact about staying at a houseboat is that, houseboats often have easy access to Srinagar's Mughal gardens such as the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, you might not want to miss this.

Not only this, Dal Lake happens to be home to diverse avian species making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Along with this another thing that can be done is that you can relish local delicacies like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and the fragrant Wazwan platter, often served on your houseboat.

While Dal Lake is an icon in itself we should not overlook other serene locations that also offer houseboat experiences. Places like the Nigeen Lake and Jhelum River, also offer a rather quieter experience of houseboats, due to less commercialisation