Houseboat in Dal Lake

The “Heaven on Earth” Kashmir offers several surreal experiences to it’s tourists, Including the Shikara ride on Dal Lake, horse riding through the enthralling Kashmir Valleys in Pahalgam and the valley of Doodhpathri. The only Tulip Gardens of Asia and gondola ride on Asia’s highest cable car in Gulmarg. But there is one experience that waits at the end of it all. Without which a trip to Kashmir can’t be called complete. And that is experiencing living on a houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar. Unlike the houseboats of Kerala which float and move, the houseboats of Dal Lake in Srinagar are fixed. Some of them are near the banks of the lake while others are in the middle of the lake. They are like proper houses with a fixed address. The houseboat of Srinagar are like proper houses. With a deck, a small porch. And that is followed by the living room, dining room and then the rooms towards the backside. The caretakers also live besides the houseboat itself. And there is a small kitchen provided inside the houseboat. But usually the main kitchen is outside where the caretakers cook for the guests. The rooms are well appointed with bed and other basic furniture. And there is attached washroom which is also well appointed, neat and clean. Actually the houseboats are usually all made of wood. Including the doors, walls, as well as flooring. And as they are located on the lake, there is water beneath. Shop while on the houseboat on Dal Lake In most of the places in Kashmir, the shop will reach right to you. All the more when you are staying in a houseboat on Dal Lake. While you sit on the deck, the shikaras will come along loaded with all kind of stuff that include antiques, artificial flowers, jewellery, food items, hookah, and what not. Also, the garment and shawl sellers will come on your houseboat and show you the items. While you can shop from the comfort of your own drawing room. There are over 5000 houseboats on Dal Lake. And they are scattered all over the lake. Depending on several factors like their luxury factor, their upkeep, their distance from the main road and ease of access etc etc the prices of these houseboats vary from a few thousand a night to INR 20000+ per night. Only thing to keep in mind is to book in advance so that you get a good one in your budget range.