Houseboats of Kashmir are the major tourist attraction of Kashmir. Enjoying in the beauty of nature and staying in the water will be a wonderful experience for you. You will get to see the very beautiful views in the houseboats of Kashmir. Dal lake in kashmir is the well known attraction of Kashmir and staying in the houseboat and moving onto the Dal lake is a pleasurable experience. You can also enjoy on the houseboats in Nagin Lake and Jhelum River.
Houseboats in Kashmir are from a number of years and have always been the real attraction of Kashmir. There are different types of houseboats in Kashmir like Firdous, Kushal, Nishat, Kushdil, Gulshan, Clermont Too. Each and every houseboat gives you the wonderful accommodation facility. We at Jammu Kashmir Tourism have designed the best packages for you to enjoy in the houseboats of Kashmir.
One can experience the stunning beauty of these houseboats and the natural surroundings on Dal Lake, Nagin Lake and Jhelum River. Houseboats as old as 50 years can also be seen in Kashmir. Earlier used by the people of fishing communities only, these boats today are not merely a tourist attraction rather a place where the use of unique Kashmiri handirafts can be seen (in furniture, carpets etc.). They are completely made of wood and provide guests with homely environment, quiet surroundings and enchanting views outside. Quite similar to a fully furnished house, they offer you proper living rooms, drawing and dining rooms, carved wooden furnitures, and beautifully decorated interiors.
Generally you will find two or more bedrooms with attached bathroom, common eating-place and a balcony. The interiors are decorated in typical Kashmiri style with vibrant colors and art. A few boats may have a separate cook boat attached to the main houseboat that serves a variety in Chinese, Continental and authentic Kashmiri dishes. You can find a wide variety of houseboats and you can easily find the one that suits your requirements.
Firdous : These houseboats are very grand and huge in their looks as well as construction. The royal Firdous has three double bedrooms with attached bathrooms, hot and cold water, living room. There are proper facilities for electricity and cooking. The balcony space is big enough to seat a group of friends. The interiors are decorated with Kashmiri handicrafts. The silent atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty and the homely comfort is capable of providing freshness to any exhausted traveller.
Kushal : Khushal is comparatively smaller than Firdous. It has two double bedrooms and all other desired comforts similar to a three or four star hotel room. The design of the rooms and furniture is unique. It is perfect for family holidays.
Nishat : Nishat is the favorite houseboat for honeymooners. It comprises of one double bedroom and offers all the comforts of privacy, facing the lake.
Kushdil : Kushdil is again the favorite of newly wed couples or honeymooners, and it too has one double bedroom. It has all modern facilities for its guests.
Gulshan : It is a two double bedroom boat with a verandah in front. Meant for family vacations, this houseboat provides outstanding view of the snow clad peaks from the verandah.
Clermont Too : Another two double bedroom boat, the Clermont Too offers vacations with ultimate cozy atmosphere and privacy. It is perfect for those who love to spend their holidays on waters in solitude.
The credit for initiating the trend of living in a houseboat in Kashmir goes to the British residents who were prohibited to own land by the Maharaja of Kashmir. As a result, they built their residences on water. Today, it is more than just a house on the lake. Almost all the major rivers and lakes in Kashmir offer houseboat cruises to the tourists. These houseboats can also be used for shikara rides (simply wandering in the lake), or sunbathing on the top-deck.
