1. What are Houseboats in Dal Lake Srinagar?

Houseboats are beautifully carved wooden boats from the famous Chinar tree in Kashmir. It is designed in a way that every modern amenity is ensured to be present in the restrooms inside the beautiful houseboats. Additionally, some houseboats come with air conditioners installed for fresh air in the summer season.

Every piece of furniture displayed the excellent craftsmanship of Kashmiri craftsmen. The Kashmiri wood craftsmen are doing excellent work with their hard work and also contributing much to the tourism sector. These people depend on this trade to fulfill their families daily needs. Finally, I can say that there are very tough days for these people in Kashmir.

2. Houseboats in Dal Lake Srinagar

Once you arrive in Srinagar, the beautiful houseboats will attract you to spend at least one night on the renowned Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, or Nagin Lake. Dal Lake is in between the city of Srinagar. Nigeen Lake is also famous, where you can take some time to enjoy the beautiful nature surrounding you because this lake is not as busy as Dal Lake.

Houseboats in Dal Lake Srinagar are the best source of income for Kashmiri people. Kashmiri people drive houseboats with the best skill and also use them for local trade. The trip on the houseboats in Srinagar Dal Lake is joyful for everyone, and no one will skip this while on his journey to Kashmir.

3. Experience Houseboats in Dal Lake Srinagar

While arriving in Srinagar, board a Shikara, which will bring you and your belongings to the big houseboat. As soon as you enter, the Kashmiri tea, or Kashmiri Kahawah, will be served beautifully. The houseboat will provide the stay and will help you to move around the Dal and experience all things like vegetable vendors selling fresh vegetables, Kashmiri handicraft items, bangles, and other tiny items made of paper mache. Kashmir has a lot of products manufactured in Kashmir only.

4. Book Shikara to Houseboats in Dal Lake Srinagar

While booking a shikara, you will be taken in to enjoy the lake’s sunset. In winter, the water will be cold, very icy, and chilly. So it will not be possible to play around with water. But in summer, the water will be hot and the temperature will be around 30-35 degrees, so you will get a chance to play with the water. While roaming on the houseboats, you will enjoy the neighboring environment and floating gardens.

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5. What items are available in the houseboats in Srinagar Dal Lake?

Kashmir is famous for its handicraft items around the globe. While you ride in a houseboat, you can purchase phirans, Kashmiri saffron, paper mache goods, silver jewelry, and other jewelry items. Kashmiris consume lotus flowers very much throughout the year.. These flowers are cooked in every house in Kashmir as a special food, especially in our marriage ceremonies. These lotus flowers are taken from Dal Lake only. Inside the houseboats in Dal Lake Srinagar, you can get a cup of Kahwah inside the houseboat as well.

Every visitor enjoys taking photos. Here,, photography is always allowed in and around Dal Lake. You can hire a photographer who can take magnificent photos of your nears and dears with you and will provide them within minutes at a low cost. Either way, you can take the photos yourself. But the best option is to hire a photographer so that you keep yourself enjoy yourself with your friends.

 

6. History of Houseboats in Srinagar Dal Lake

The British are always given credit for introducing the idea of houseboats in Dal Lake Srinagar. In ancient Kashmiri literature, the word boat in the lakes of Kashmir Valley is mentioned many times. So this can be said it be a very old tradition and job of Kashmiri people. The only thing was there they were using the Boat riding for their own purpose to reach from one place to another rather than for tourists and for earning purposes.

British immigrants were not permitted to purchase land when they arrived in the Kashmir Valley. So they constructed boats as an alternative. They were left parked in the vast lakes, where people lived. These boats, initially stationed in Srinagar on the borders of the lakes, eventually became the main tourist draw in Kashmir. Today, all that we can see in Dal Lake when viewed from the Shankaracharya temple is a city of floating boats.

7. All about Houseboats in Dal Lake Srinagar

The row of houseboats in Dal Lake Srinagar that are parked along the edges of lakes like Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake create the impression that the lake is surrounded by a small community. Typically, they feature a dining area, a few private rooms, and a common space where guests can unwind and socialize. Each room is equipped with a heating system, and the windows overlook the icy waters of the lake.

Never forget waking up early and enjoying a cup of tea and a Kindle outside the beautiful city of Srinagar and its floating markets. The early morning may be foggy, and you may feel a little cold, so be prepared with a warm sweater. The Shikaras started selling flowers and other handicraft items giving a look to the lake in the morning.

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8. Practical Tips for taking a ride in Houseboats in Srinagar Dal Lake

1. Verify the ownership and age of the houseboat you are riding with the Jammu & Kashmir tourism website.
2. Check that the driver has the required documents and insurance.
3. Check with the boat owner the pickup and drop station. 
4. Fix the rate before you board the houseboat and start the journey. 
5. Check the total time he will give with you for the dayand the total cost for that.