Houseboat of Kashmir

The Britishers during the Raj were very fond of Kashmir due to its climate. They wanted permanent residence here but were not permitted by the Maharaja. They were however allowed to stay on the Doonga Boats on the lakes and rivers which they renovated to provide them the convenience and comfort they desired. This was the origin of the luxurious houseboats of today. Ever Since the houseboats has continuously undergone improvements to include a front verandah, a luxurious living room, an elaborate dining room, three or four comfortable bedrooms with attached bathrooms and an upper sun deck. The ambience is hard to believe.

Kashmir was originally a lake called Satisar. The earlier settlers were fishermen and hence there dwelling on the rivers was only logical and practical. Their boats which were covered by thatch roofs, were converted into the Doonga boats over passage of time. They were later also used by the great Mughal kings for excursions. They further renovated and developed them for their pleasure trips on the lakes during moon lit nights complete with music and other pleasures of life. It was however during the British period which converted these boats into luxurious floating palaces with all the conveniences of modern living on the one hand and the treasure house of the best handicrafts Kashmir has to offer. With carved walnut furniture, famous Kashmir carpets, embroidered soft furnishings, chandeliers and other luxurious fittings, the houseboats is like a floating jewel box.

Each houseboat has an attached cook boat at the rear from where the food is served to the visitor lodging in the boat. People outside Kashmir generally have the impression that houseboats are navigated from one place to another with the help of a motor and equipped with a kitchen with gas or electric cookers where he has to cook himself. But the case with a Kashmir houseboat is different. It is moored on the banks of the lake and remains floating but stationary. It is a home away from home. Where all the chores are taken care of and one is free to enjoy ones holiday as one pleases. The houseboat can, however, be moved to a place of choosing on the desire and expenses of the client which is done by means of poles and not by motor. This shifting to another location can be effected only when the visitor intends to stay at the particular spot for a couple of days or more because a houseboat needs proper anchoring, which is a tedious affair:

Every standard houseboat provides a balcony in the front, a lounge, dining room, pantry and 3 or more bedrooms with attached bathrooms. All houseboats not moored to the bank of the river or lakes provide a shikara as a free service from the houseboat to the nearest ghat (jetty). Virtually every houseboat in Srinagar has been provided with a municipal water connection.

Category and location of houseboats
The State Tourism Department has classified the houseboats into five categories - Deluxe, A, B, C and D, corresponding more or less to the degree of comfort and service of hotels. There are 1087 registered houseboats in Srinagar of which 702 are anchored in the Dal Lake, 173 in the Nagin Lake, 142 on the River Jhelum, 5 on the Dal Lake near Naseem Bagh, and the rest in other water bodies. Among these, 349 houseboats with a combined capacity of 1007 double rooms are in the Deluxe classand are mainly anchored in Dal Lake, Nageen Lake, and Naseem Bagh. In addition there are 129 A-class houseboats, 124 B-class houseboats, 134 C-class houseboats and 351 D-class houseboats. Detailed break-up of various classes of houseboats and their mooring location are as under: