Srinagar’s lakes are a great source of livelihood due to the shikara business and the vegetables that are grown on tiny floating gardens on the lake. However, it’s the houseboats that are the biggest tourist attractions since they offer a whole new experience akin to a floating paradise. Here are some of the best houseboats to book for a memorable stay:

1. Sukoon Houseboat

With lotuses in the vicinity, Sukoon is an eco luxury houseboat on Dal Lake. The swanky deck chairs and top notch service will make the outdoor seating your favourite part of the boat from where you can watch the sun rise and set. Their spacious rooms will make your stay a comfortable one. Moreover, they serve authentic Kashmiri food and some amazing Kehwa in a fancy Samovar!

Where | Boulevard Road, Dal Lake
Book Rooms Online Here | http://www.sukoonkashmir.com/rates.html

2. Mascot Houseboats

Known for their hospitality and customized experiences, Mascot Houseboats is one of the oldest and most renowned groups of houseboats. The interiors include ornate woodwork and traditional upholstery. Watch the shikaras in action from the terrace and enjoy the cool evening breeze. They even arrange shikaras for you for early morning rides. The royal treatment makes you feel utterly special!

Where | Nigeen Lake
Book Rooms Online Here | http://www.mascothouseboats.com

3. The Mughal Palace Houseboat

With decades of satisfied customers, Mughal Palace Houseboats stays true to its name. This floating palace is blessed with elegant interiors that instantly transport you to a bygone era. Choose from their Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Kohinoor Suite for a regal stay. With it’s proximity to the famous Kabootar Khana, a shikara ride to the place will be a visual treat offering a stunning view of the mountains and Chinar trees.

Where | Dal Lake, Opposite Nunkun Restaurant, Near Rani Mahal
Book Rooms Online Here | http://www.themughalpalacehouseboats.com

4. Royal Houseboats

Richly embroidered curtains and bedspreads, detailed wood carving and shiny chandeliers; Royal Houseboats are majestic in every sense of the word. Close to Nehru Park, they are well connected with Srinagar’s markets and famous tourist spots. From the narrow corridors to the sprawling living room, every inch of the boat is amazing!

Where | Near Nehru Park, Dal Lake
Book Rooms Online Here | http://royalgroupofhouseboats.com

5. Akbar Heritage Houseboats

Sitting on the balcony, wrapped up in a shawl sipping a cup of freshly brewed tea/ coffee and a lovely view is just blissful! Homemade food served with love is a rarity and you’ll find it in abundance here. The houseboat group takes special care of your transportation, be it the shikara rides or airport pick and drop facility. The care taken personally by owner of all their customers is why the group has been one of the most successful in Srinagar.

Where | Shikara Ghat No. 1, Nigeen Lake
Book Rooms Online Here | http://www.akbarheritagehouseboats.com

6. Peacock Houseboats

Blending traditional designs with modern sensibilities, their interiors are damn pretty! They have a great lineup of houseboats, each equipped with a restaurant, wifi and LCD satellite system. Watch the shikaras float by with food, flowers and trinkets. In fact a little bargaining might even get you some good deals. Away from the humdrum of city life, it's the perfect place for a peaceful getaway.

Where | Ghat No. 1, Nigeen Lake
Book Rooms Online Here | http://www.peacockhouseboats.in

7. Naaz Kashmir Houseboat

This one’s a really long houseboat, so be prepared for lengthy corridors bedecked with exquisite rugs, sparkly chandeliers and embroidered curtains. Naaz Kashmir is a luxury houseboat serving its patrons since decades. Bright sofas and intricate carving on the dining table and chairs show a merging of the old and the new. You may ask them to prepare a traditional meal on the boat or order food from outside.

Where | Nigeen Lake
Book Rooms Online Here | http://www.naazkashmir.com/tariff.html

8. New Jacquline Heritage Houseboats

One of the most gorgeous group of houseboats on Nigeen Lake, they are located near Lal Mandi. The staff is affable and helps you out with booking taxis and shikaras. The rooms are spacious and well ventilated. The deck gives you an awesome view of the lake and mountains and is the perfect place to unwind after a long and tiring day of sightseeing.

Where | Nigeen Lake, Near Hazratbal Road
Book Rooms Online Here | http://www.newjacqulinehouseboats.com

9. WelcomHeritage Gurkha Houseboats

Moored in the calm waters of Nigeen Lake, these houseboats are luxurious up to the hilt. The grand woodwork in each of the rooms is breathtaking. Their food and service is excellent as the staff tends to all your needs. During winters, the view from the deck is ethereal with snow capped peaks around the lake. This will surely become your favourite spot on the boat!

Where | Nigeen Lake, Opposite Nigeen Club
Book Rooms Online Here | https://www.welcomheritagehotels.in/hotel-details/gurkha-houseboats-srinagar

10. Chicago Group of Houseboats

We’ve saved the best for the last! One of the most highly recommended houseboats in Srinagar, the Chicago Group is classy and modest at the same time. Every guest is given personal attention and the rooms are lavish. They even assist you in organizing trips in and around the city. With efficient tour guides on board, Srinagar will no longer remain a mystery to you.

Where | Golden Dal Lake

Book Rooms Online Here | http://www.chicagohouseboats.com

Royal treatment + the cool quotient; staying on a houseboat should definitely be on your list of things to do in Srinagar!

Editors