People know that Firdous houseboats have beautiful interiors and fine craftsmanship. They have a large living area and three double bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and hot and cold water. Traditional Kashmiri woodwork and handicrafts give both the inside and outside a royal look.
Houseboat Living on Dal Lake: A Complete Travel & Stay Guide
Kashmir, known as “Heaven on Earth” or the “Switzerland of India”, is one of the tourist favourite places in India. It offers some of the most beautiful scenic views in the world. In Kashmir,
Dal Lake is a must-visit place.
Nestled in Srinagar, it offers tourists stunning natural beauty, iconic wooden houseboats, vibrant shikara (gondola) rides, and lively floating gardens (Raad) adorned with lotuses and much more.
While you are here, it only makes sense to stay in a houseboat. It’s something Dal Lake is known for. In this write-up, we’ll give you the ultimate guide to staying at the Kashmir Houseboat. Let’s get started.
Understanding the Charm of Dal Lake
The houseboat on Dal Lake offers an experience for your soul that cannot be found elsewhere. The slow tempo of life in this part of Kashmir is evident when you awaken to the faint sounds of the shikara (boat) rowers in the distance.
The gentle sounds of water on wood as they pass, and the wafting smell of Kashmiri Kahwa from the floating kitchen of your own houseboat. A houseboat’s construction represents the collective history of the region through the generations of families who own these splendid boats.
Each houseboat features ornate designs made from walnut wood, handcrafted oriental rugs, and an exquisite indoor design that embodies the heritage of Kashmir. Staying on a houseboat is more than having a place to sleep; it is a fully immersive cultural experience.
What to Expect Inside a Dal Lake Houseboat
Often, when guests arrive at the houseboat, they will be surprised to see how much more luxurious and comfortable these beautiful houses appear from the inside rather than the outside. Most houseboats are located on a ghat, or a waterway, and are divided into several rooms: bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, and sometimes a deck and/or a private balcony off the bedroom.
The bedrooms in most houseboats are decorated hastily, with ornate wood ceilings, plush bedding, traditional oriental rugs, and intricately patterned window treatments. Many houseboats offer modern conveniences, such as an attached bathroom with hot running water, Wi-Fi, and room heaters in the winter.
Although a houseboat maintains the traditional charm of Kashmir, the comforts of a houseboat allow guests to travel comfortably while still enjoying the authenticity of the location. As for the deck, this is an excellent spot to enjoy a cup of tea, read a good book, or just watch as the floating world goes by. The easy pace of life outside provides a pleasant backdrop for your stay.
The Houseboat and Shikara Experience
A shikara is an iconic wooden boat and floating taxi that provides easy transportation across Dal Lake. Most houseboats offer a private shikara service, allowing guests to enjoy a peaceful Shikara Ride in Dal Lake while travelling to markets, attractions, and various points across the lake’s vast waters.
A morning ride on the shikara is an exceptional time to visit one of the area’s floating vegetable markets, where you will find vendors selling freshly picked greens from small farms located on the lake’s surface.
In the afternoon, you will float by the lotus fields, gardens, and busy waterfronts before the lake becomes a large mirror at sunset, with the mountain peaks casting long shadows, creating a beautiful setting for an evening boat ride.
Best Areas of Dal Lake for Houseboat Stays
Dal Lake consists of several individual “ghats,” and the boat you choose can have a big impact on your experience. Nigeen Lake is usually thought of as part of the Dal Lake complex, since it is a lot quieter and has a more peaceful environment than Dal Lake.
This is better suited for vacationers who want a lot of peace and privacy. The houseboats that are located along Boulevard Road are convenient for first-time visitors to Dal Lake because they are close to all restaurants, markets, and attractions.
The Golden Lake area of Dal Lake, which is located deep within the Dal complex, features beautiful scenery with lotus gardens that provide a lot of space for quiet fishing.
Types of Houseboats in Kashmir
Kashmir has a wide range of beautifully designed houseboats, each one made for a different type of traveller, comfort level, and group size. Here are some of the most popular types of houseboats you can choose from:
Firdous Houseboats
Kushal Houseboats
Kushal houseboats are a little smaller but just as comfortable. They have two well-furnished double bedrooms and modern amenities like a three- or four-star hotel. Their stylish furniture and tasteful decor make them great for families who want to relax and be comfortable.
Nishat Houseboats
Nishat houseboats are great for couples because they have a single double bedroom that is private and romantic. These houseboats are a quiet and private getaway for honeymooners and couples, with peaceful views of the lake right outside.
Kushdil Houseboats
Kushdil houseboats are another great choice for couples. They have one double bedroom with modern amenities. These houseboats are made to be comfortable, private, and memorable, all while being in a peaceful setting on the lake.
Houseboats in Gulshan
Gulshan houseboats are great for family vacations because they have two double bedrooms and a big porch. The verandah has beautiful views of the calm lake waters and the snow-capped mountains. It’s a great place to relax with friends and family.
Clermont Too Houseboats
The Clermont Too houseboats have two comfortable double bedrooms in a quiet, private area. This option is great for travellers who want to be alone and relax without being disturbed.
Food and Dining on a Houseboat
Food and hospitality are an essential part of the Kashmiri culture, and the dining experience on Houseboats is often one of the most enjoyable components of the entire experience. Many Houseboats provide home-cooked meals prepared by in-house chefs who specialize in Kashmiri traditional dishes.
On your houseboat visit, you can look forward to o sampling delicious aromatic dishes such as Rogan Josh, tender Yakhni Chicken, Dum Aloo and many other authentic vegetarian delights prepared in a traditional Kashmiri way.
For breakfast, you will generally be offered Kahwa (spiced Saffron Tea presented with Almonds) with fresh and tasty bread and eggs, depending upon the Houseboat. The dinner can either be served in an exquisite dining hall or on your own personal deck.
This is dictated by the individual Houseboat. Since the meals are prepared to order, you have the opportunity to request changes to the way they are made or inform your host of your dietary requirements.
Things to Do While Living on Dal Lake
Here are a few things that are must-dos while you are living on Dal Lake. This includes:
- Enjoy the beauty and culture of Kashmir with a morning shikara trip to the floating market to shop for local fresh food items and Kashmiri craftsmanship.
- Learn about the rich tradition of Kashmiri art by visiting carpet-weaving centres and walnut wood carving shops to watch them being made by artisans.
- When you return to your houseboat, you can enjoy the tranquil life on the lake while admiring the beautiful scenery created by the passing shikaras.
- Use the serene atmosphere of the lake to help you write, read or simply rest as it shimmers in the sunlight.
Best Tips for Houseboat Living
While you are at Dal Lake, to get the best experience, follow these tips. It includes:
- Make bookings for your stay beforehand. Various trustworthy sites offer great prices for houseboat stays.
- While making your bookings, take a close look at reviews and the surrounding areas.
- You are met with two options to either stay in either busy or quieter zones (like Nagin Lake), so go for what suits your preference.
- Shikara is going to be your main form of transport, taxi, and market, so make sure to know your driver, as they can be your local guide and might even offer discounts if you are good at bargaining.
- Sunset/sunrise view is a must-visit attraction, don’t miss it while you are at it. The 4 A.M. floating vegetable market is also a must-visit.
Final Thoughts
Houseboat living in Dal Lake is an opportunity to intimately experience and appreciate the culture, natural environment, and hospitality of Kashmir. The calming water below you, the immense mountains surrounding you, and the friendly nature of the local people provide for a strong connection which will continue to resonate with you long after your departure.
A houseboat stay provides you with an opportunity to not only enhance the romantic or solitary aspects of your life, but also provides a unique opportunity for cultural discovery. Something which can only be experienced while you are staying in Del Lake.
Related Post
