Taking a trip to Kashmir and staying on a houseboat? That’s exactly the way it should be done. So, if you are planning the itinerary and are looking to book houseboats, you have landed on the right page. In this blog, we will share with you everything you need to know about these houseboats. Moreover, we will also discuss some of the most beautiful houseboats in Srinagar. Keep reading to know more about these.
Kashmir - Why Visit Here?
Prior to getting into the specifics of houseboats in Srinagar, let us first discuss why you should visit Kashmir. Well, primarily, there is a reason why it is called ‘Paradise on Earth’. The beautiful valleys, breathtaking sceneries, stunning mountains, dense forests, and green meadows will all make you feel like you have entered heaven. And irrespective of the number of days you spend here, you will just not be able to get enough of the place. Each and every view, feeling, and experience will be engraved in your memory forever.
Whether you are travelling with your family during the holidays or with your spouse for your honeymoon, this version of Switzerland will be worth every moment. The Gondola Cable Car Rides, the morning coffees by the lake, the dinners under the night sky full of stars - each adventure will leave you stunned.
Why Stay on a Houseboat?
In order to experience a certain place, you have to do certain things in a specific manner. And to experience Kashmir the right way, you must stay on a houseboat at least for a day during your vacation. If you are not sure what houseboats are, these are houses on the lake and are also referred to as floating houses. As a matter of fact, the houseboats on Dal and Nageen Lakes are one of the many famous attractions of Kashmir.
If you are still wondering why you should stay on a houseboat, here are some reasons. First of all, you will be experiencing the actual Kashmiri culture, considering the medieval artwork on these boats. And these houseboats are usually still, which means you get to gaze at the beautiful sky throughout. Not to mention the enchanting mountains that will surround you.
Features of the Kashmiri Houseboats
Have you heard of Shikaras? These are flat-bottomed wooden boats that are popular in the Kashmiri region. While some of these are utilized as floating houses, others are commonly used for tourist purposes. This means that when you stay on a houseboat in Srinagar, you can begin your day with a Shikara ride to get the vibe of the state’s on-lake lifestyle. And you can also watch the astonishing sunset with your partner sitting right next to you. How romantic would that be!
Can you think of anything other than viewing mountains and the mesmerizing lake during your stay on the houseboat? Well, there are several other things you can do. For instance, the floating vegetable garden is something to look at. In fact, some of the best photographs of Kashmir are those of the floating vegetable vendors. Isn’t that astounding?
This might stun you but you can also go shopping at one of the floating shops on the lake. From jewellery to papier mache, you can buy anything from here to take as a souvenir or gift for your friends and family.
Now let’s talk about what your houseboat will really look like. Oftentimes, houseboats in Srinagar consist of a few rooms with a dining space, ensuite bathrooms, and a common area where everyone can collect and interact. Each room has some kind of arrangement that keeps it cosy and warm, considering the extreme weather temperatures. Moreover, you can look at the crystal blue waters of the lake right from the window of your room. One of the most attractive features of the houseboat is the small verandah where you can sit while watching the spectacular scenery.
Most Beautiful Houseboats in Srinagar
Srinagar has some of the most beautiful houseboats where you can stay during your vacation in Kashmir. If you are looking for modern facilities like Wi-Fi and services of Shikara rides and sumptuous meals, Naaz Kashmir is where you should stay. On the other hand, if you wish to drip in luxury while also getting the views of Naseem Bagh, the 400-year-old Mughal Garden, Butt’s Clermont Houseboat is ideal for you.
Are you on a budget stay and still wish to spend a night at a houseboat? In that case, you should consider staying at the Mughal Sheraton Group of Houseboats, Savoy Group of Houseboats, or Young Bombay Group of Houseboats. In general, these will cost you between INR 3,000 and INR 5,000 per night. However, if you opt for the luxurious ones mentioned previously, they cost around INR 15,000 to INR 18,000 per night.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir
Now that we have discussed the most beautiful houseboats in Srinagar, let us see when the best time to visit Kashmir is. Ideally, people tend to visit from March to October. Post-October, the temperatures tend to touch zero degrees Celsius. Moreover, the period from March to October is when the flowers are in full bloom, which makes visiting the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden and national parks even worthier. From March to early May is the spring season and then till late August, it is the summer season. And if you are wondering if you will get to see the snow-capped mountains during these months, yes, you will.
In fact, some regions of Kashmir have mountains covered in snow throughout the year. One of these places is Gulmarg or the Meadow of Flowers.
The Bottom Line
Kashmir has a beautiful on-lake lifestyle. From floating houses to floating shops on Dal and Nageen Lakes, the state’s capital offers amazing experiences. So, during your stay in Srinagar, we recommend you stay at one of these exquisite houseboats. After all, it will all be wholesome in the end.
