Best Houseboats in Srinagar

October 24th, 2017 by Garusha Katoch

An expansive vault of jewel blue cut sharply by the sky-spearing mountains, while, Jhelum flows calmly through the enchanting valleys. This is Srinagar for you; a tinted blend of nature’s beauty and harmony.

Its breath-taking beauty has often been epitomized in memoirs and films, yet none of it is comparable to what you see with your own eyes.

And the best way to experience Srinagar’s magical charm? Taking abode in the colorful houseboats floating on the shimmering waters of the Dal Lake, against the backdrop of misty Pir Panjal peaks.

Our collection of cozy and comfortable houseboats in Srinagar will help you experience and explore the Kashmir Valley in a way that you will remember forever.

1. OYO 6410 Amina Houseboat

Best Houseboats in Srinagar

With intricate wooden carvings on the walls and ceiling and a warm ambience, OYO 6410 Amina Houseboat is your cozy abode near Shikara Ghat 9, Dal Lake.

Welcome the new day on the sun-kissed wooden deck of the boat while lush green hills surround you balancing the sharp glow of the sun. Enjoy a hearty meal in the in-house restaurant while planning your day ahead.

Head out to the famous Shankaracharya Temple on the Zabarwan Mountain to get a peek into the cultural and historic past of Kashmir. The temple complex also offers a panoramic view of the Kashmir valley.  Enjoy a nice stroll on the Boulevard Road leading to the famous mid- 20th century Nehru Park, offering a clear view of many major landmarks of Srinagar. Sip on a cup of hot brew in the park restaurant while gazing at its pristine surroundings.

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2. OYO 5056 Batkoo

Best Houseboats in Srinagar

Resting on the waters of the eutrophic Nigeen Lake is the OYO 5056 Batkoo. Surrounded by willow and poplar trees, the houseboat has artistic floral motifs in its walls and drapes while the ceilings have intricate patterns on wooden panels.

Plan your daily itinerary here over a scrumptious complimentary breakfast.

Visit the nearby famous Hazratbal Shrine. Hailed as Kashmir’s holiest shrine, the Dargah houses a very ancient relic that was lost but recovered in 1964 after the Government appeal.

Hike up to the lush hills of Hari Parbat. Overlooking the valley, it is the site of many famous temples and shrines like the Sharika Devi temple dedicated to goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati who is regarded as the presiding deity of Srinagar city. Get in touch with your spirituality at Hari Parbat. You can also wander through the hallways of the incomplete Durrani Fort on the hill to trace Srinagar’s history.

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3. OYO 3910 Mughal Houseboat Sheraton

Best Houseboats in Srinagar

Located close to the Nehru Park, OYO 3910 Mughal Houseboat Sheraton is one of the best houseboats in Srinagar’s Dal Lake offering a picturesque view.

The houseboat has many key attractions in its vicinity, helping you explore Srinagar seamlessly. Visit the Khanqah-e-Moula, the mosque and shrine of Said-ul-Auliya Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. Built-in 1395 AD, it is one of the oldest mosques in the Kashmir Valley. The Jamia Masjid also lies close to the houseboat.  Constructed in Persian style, the mosque bears striking similarities to Buddhist pagodas and is a must-visit for art and history lovers.

Do visit the Pari Mahal, famously called ‘The Angels’ Abode’. Overlooking the city, this seven terraced garden exhibits rich Islamic architecture and is located atop the Zabarwan range.

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4. OYO 6008 Houseboat Manila

Best Houseboats in Srinagar

A perfect blend of modern and traditional setting, OYO 6008 Houseboat Manila is an ideal place of stay to explore Srinagar in all its authenticity.

Kick start your mornings with a delicious complimentary breakfast at the boat while the lake water fills the air with its rippling music.

Get in touch with your spirituality at the nearby Shankaracharya Temple on the Zabarwan Range. Head out to the famous terraced lawns of the Chashme Shahi Garden. Built by Shah Jahan in 1632, the gardens have undergone several renovations over the centuries. With vibrant fountains fed by a natural spring and colorful floral beds, it is one of the most beautiful gardens of Kashmir.

Swing your golf clubs at the Royal Springs Golf Course as dense foliage of Chinar trees casts a hue of red on the horizon. The golf course also harbors the rare groves of cork oaks making it a delight for nature lovers.

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5. OYO 5577 Houseboat Gemini

Best Houseboats in Srinagar

Located on Ghat 3 of Dal Lake, OYO 5577 Houseboat Manila is an ambient lodging with pristine surroundings.

Wake up to the sound of water ebbing and flowing through the valley. Enjoy a hearty complimentary breakfast while basking in the sun on the houseboat deck before you set out to explore the ‘Paradise on Earth’.

Admire Srinagar’s beauty at Chinar Bagh. Developed to showcase Kashmiri traditions and culture to the travellers, the park is a must-visit.  Three islands with musical fountains, swings and an open-air theatre are within the park confines, making it an important cultural hub of the city. Enjoy fishing and swimming competitions held in the park on your visit. If you are lucky, you may witness a cultural programme in the evenings.

Head out to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden to get awe-struck by its floral abundance and beauty. Situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Range, the garden lies on a sloping ground in a terraced fashion with species like tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus swaying by the gentle touch of chilly wind.

Walk along the Boulevard Road as evening approaches to catch the sunset over the Dal Lake, casting a rich orange hue over its water making for a sight you will never forget.

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Get ready for an experience like no other. Give a different spin to your vacation and live in a houseboat to explore the ever-enchanting Srinagar. After all ‘Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast’ (if there is ever a heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here).

 

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About Garusha Katoch

A journalist by education, a writer by passion and a film buff by night. When I am not offering an insight into the many treasure troves of your favorite travel destinations, I like to get my dose of Truffaut and Resnais. You can catch me in quaint cafes finishing my latest book or transforming every thing that happens in a moment into ink.