Dal Lake Houseboats and Floating Markets – A Short Guide

Dal Lake is known for its beautiful houseboats made by Britishers. People especially came here to see the beauty of floating houses and markets in Kashmiri tourism. These well-carved houses are situated on Dal Lake situated in Srinagar.

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Srinagar is the Northern Indian City of India. The Himalayas is located in the northern area of India, so during your dal lake visit, you can get a pleasant view of the Himalayas also. You must make a plan to visit this peaceful place in Srinagar.

100 Years Old House on Lake (Houseboats)

Houseboats on Dal Lake are unique and offer an authentic Kashmiri experience. These boats were introduced by the British in the 19th century and were used as a way to explore the beautiful valley.

Over time, the locals adopted this concept and transformed it into a unique form of hospitality. Which is now an important part of Kashmiri tourism.

Today, the houseboats on Dal Lake are an integral part of the local culture, and visitors can experience the serenity of the lake while being surrounded by the local traditions and customs.

However, tourists are attracted to Kashmir because they experience a different way of living which is unique from other normal hotels in tourist places. Its intricate wood carvings, 100-year-old interior pieces, and stunning view of the lake stand out.

Tourists can reach houseboats by Shikara. Take a look at what Shikara means and how it can help you to explore the valley.

Shikara: A Way To Explore Valley

These are traditional Kashmiri boats, the only way to explore the dal lake. These boats can be rented for leisurely tours of the lake. Take a different experience while watching the locals go about their daily lives and get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas.

You will reach houseboats by floating down on the Shikaras. Here’s a picture of a boatman using a traditional spade-shaped oar in the evening on his way home.

Source: Unsplash

Many houseboats arrange shikara rides for their guests to get the surreal beauty of the lake to the fullest. Other than Kashmiri tourism, shikara is also used for transportation. To treat your eyes with traditionally decorated shikara, don’t miss out on this wonderful experience in your next Jammu and Kashmir holidays.

Luxury to Modest Houseboats in Dal Lake

Houseboats got their name from tourists coming from different countries to help other tourists to find the best boat. There are over 1200 houseboats in the lake, but here are a few mentions because of their excellent customer service.

Naaz Kashmir Houseboat

Living in Naaz is similar to living in a luxury hotel. Walnut wood furniture and wall carpeting give you traditional appeal with modern comforts. Start your day with a pleasant morning and bicycle ride, Kashmiri breakfast, a shikara ride, water skiing, and a buffet for dinner, a perfect way to spend a vacation in dal lake.

Guests will get access to:

• Airport Transportation

• Video library to watch any movie

• Newspaper

• Free Internet

• Currency Exchange

• Television with international channels

• Central heating for winters and cooling for summers

Address: Saderbal, Nigeen Lake, Sudribal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006

Price: INR 13398 per night (approx)*

Book Your Tickets: Official website

New Jacquline Heritage Houseboat

This beautiful boat is located near lal mandi which is 7 km from Srinagar. The houseboat offers a comfortable, relaxing stay with modern amenities. A lush garden all around the boat enhances the overall environment. Spend your mornings sipping kahwa (Kashmiri tea) and watching the Himalayas.

Tourists will get:

• Power back up

• Free Parking

• Housekeeping, caretaker

• Dining area, kid’s meal and bakery

• Pick up from the location

Address: Opposite Nagin Club, Nagin Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001

Price: INR 10513 per night (approx)*

Book Your Tickets: Official website

Badyari Palace Houseboat

Brown walls with contrast-adorned chandeliers, the Badyari Palace Houseboat is perfect for a royal stay. They built a restaurant, bar and waterpark for children in the houseboat itself. Also, get a private beach area for swimming in the lake. The cuisine has all the Kashmiri delicacies, so enjoy the authentic food of Kashmir.

Tourists will get:

• Free internet

• Car hire

• Pets Allowed

• Express check-in/check-out

• 24-hour front desk

Address: Boulevard Rd, Ghat No 9, Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001

Price: INR 3659 per night (approx)*

Book Your Tickets: Official website

Floating Market: Shopping and Serenity

In Dal Lake, floating markets and Meena Bazaar are the other attractions for tourists. You can find jewellery, eatables, dresses, dry fruits, Kashmiri handicrafts, unique birds, and amidst beautiful landscapes.

These markets are collections of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs on their boats. Vendors are shouting out their prices, customers are bargaining on the calm water of the lake.

Source: Unsplash

To experience the local culture the market is a perfect place to visit. Tourists can also enjoy different meals on their boats because vendors are selling things on their shikaras.

Things to do in Srinagar:

• Kahwa

• Dry fruits

• Pashmina shawls

• Traditional home decor

Tourists can visit the lake throughout the year but June to September is the best time because the weather is pleasant and no snowfall happens at this time. During winter the lake freeze and you can’t do shikara rides

Summary

Dal Lake houseboats offer one of the best kinds of experience. This place gives you memories that hold you for long. Use your time here to explore Kashmiri hospitality, and other things to do in Srinagar are swimming, canoeing, and boating. Pick the best aggregator platform, Carpe Diem, it makes your experience worthwhile.

FAQs

1. Is it worth staying on a houseboat in Dal Lake?

Absolutely, because hotels are everywhere but houseboats are only available in some places, and dal lake is one. Must stay to witness the peace of calm water.

2. What are houseboats in Dal Lake famous for?

Houseboats are famous for Kashmiri architecture and living on the calm water of a lake, an experience that tourists will not get anywhere in India.

3. Is India the largest floating market in the world?

No, Damnoen Saduak is the largest floating market in Thailand. This market is on the Damnoen Saduak canal connecting the Tha Chin and Mae Klong rivers.

4. What is special about the floating market?

Floating markets are special because everything can be found in these markets such as vegetables, clothes, eatables, etc.