Floating Dream
Short Stay - Dal Lake (Kashmir)
About THE FLOATING DREAM
Staying on a gorgeous houseboat set on the Dal Lake is a unique experience, one you won’t find anywhere else in India. Sitting on the front porch with a chai or beer while the sun reflects off the water ripples in your face and the soothing sounds of softly splashing peddles, kingfishers and other birds envelope you.
The all-wooden houseboat is kept afloat by century-old massive deodar (cedar) logs. The intricate wood carving, the khatamband celings and the plush, deep red upholstery of the nineteenth century furniture evoke a long bygone era. The property is a heritage houseboat, with the third generation of the family now involved in its upkeep and management. The extremely accommodating and hospitable hosts live in a cozy boat right by the houseboat and are always around if one needs anything.
Region
Kashmir (India)
Best Time
March - May & Sept. - Nov.
No. Of Days
Minimum 3 days
Trip Character
Short stay with activities
Altitude
1585m
Price
INR 3000/ $ 41
per double room, half board
For WHOM?
The houseboat is set at a little distance from the main hustle and bustle of the Dal Lake market and unlike other houseboats, does not face the main road. Hence those who enjoy a calm and peaceful space will appreciate this. The place is ideal for nature enthusiasts, couples, families, and small groups will find solace here.
WHAT TO EAT
One can expect fresh, home cooked traditional Kashmiri meals. Although Kashmiri food in general is quite rich, the houseboat family are very careful with your (western) tummy and use little oil and spices. On the boulevard, that is just a 10 minute peddle away from the houseboat, there are several restaurants where you can experience the elaborate Kashmiri wazwan, a meal that consists of several non-vegetarian dishes such as gushtaba, rista, and tabak maaz. The Kashmiri pulao is a must try! There are also several bakeries that serve the famous Kashmiri walnut fudge, which is also a must try for dessert lovers.
WHAT TO DO
The main thing to here is: laze on the front porch, with or without a book, watch the shikaras glide by and the kingfishers dive for fish. Slightly more active, but still utterly relaxed, is going out on shikara rides. One can take a shikara to visit the early morning floating market, or go further to other corners of the lake.
The southern side of the lake is a maze of canals, floating gardens, houseboats and houses on stilts that is very much worth exploring. You can do an even longer shikara ride to Nigeen Lake where one can take a swim (it is not advisable to swim in Dal Lake). The houseboat owners can even organise a multi-day shikara trek from Dal Lake to Wular Lake.
The owners can arrange excursions by car to visit nearby sights, or even to Pahalgam or Gulmarg.ABOUT THE PLACE
Your favorite place to hang out during your stay will be, no doubt, the houseboat’s outside deck (front porch). Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or the local tea called kahwah and marvel at the extraordinary and serene views of the lake.
Inside there is a living room that is tastefully designed using local Kashmiri ornaments and artwork. Next comes the dining room, with cabinets full of crockery handed down from generations. After this one walks into a narrow corridor along which there are two spacious, beautiful bedrooms. Each bedroom has an attached bathroom with western toilets, a bathtub and hot water. The rooms have large sliding windows that can open to let the sunlight in. The houseboat is open all year round.HOW TO REACH?
The houseboat is located approximately 20 kms from the Srinagar airport. Accurate details will be given at the time of confirmation. Local transport can be arranged.
