Many of us have been to Kashmir and stayed in a houseboat on Dal Lake. But how many of us have given it a second thought? We often go there as a tourist , enjoy the scenic beauty , click some nice pictures as memories and leave. Known as “floating houses”, these houseboats are iconic of Dal Lake.
The beginning of houseboats…
As we saw in the history of Srinagari or Srinagar, the region was under several regimes at various points in time. These included Emperor Ashoka, The Mughals, The Afghans, the Sikhs and the Dogras. Most of the rulers used the place as a summer resort due to its salubrious climate. The Europeans particularly the British were also interested in having their summer resorts here .But a law prevented outsiders from buying land in Kashmir.The Europeans cleverly circumvented this by building house boats. And that saw the birth of the houseboats on Dal Lake.
After independence, the Kashmiri Hanjis built, and maintained these houseboats, started cultivation on the lake ,created floating markets and thus it slowly became the centre of their livelihoods. Today, houseboat tourism is big business in Kashmir with a stay on a houseboat becoming an essential part of a Kashmir itinerary of the tourist.
Where are they?
The houseboats on Dal lake are stationary unlike their namesakes in the backwaters of Kerala. They are moored to the western edge of Dal lake and most houseboats have their own utility boats for ferrying guests to and from ashore. They typically have either European names or Indian names. There are wooden passages built to go from one houseboat to another.
A typical Kashmiri houseboat
Rubbing shoulders here are one European named and one Indian name houseboat
The wooden passages between houseboats
Features of a houseboat
The houseboats are vibrant examples of Kashmiri artistry and woodcrafting. Cedar wood which remains healthy even after prolonged stay in water is used to build these houseboats . Intricately carved wood paneling with a porch for guests to relax and enjoy the views of Dal lake are some of it’s salient features. Most of them however appear a bit dated and in need of repair and restoration.
The porch with intricate carvings on the wooden walls
They are like proper houses with a deck, porch, living room, dining room and then the indivudual guest rooms behind . A typical one would have around 4 to 6 rooms each with a double bed, attached bath and toilet. The porch and dining area is common. The caretakers also typically live beside the houseboat and food is cooked by the caretakers.
Furniture in the houseboat is made of walnut wood and that also is intricately carved. Wall to wall carpets with typical Kashmiri designs adds to the interior beauty.
The intricately carved furniture and typical Kashmiri carpets.
There are houseboats of varied capacities. This arrangement works well for all types of guests, be it families, honeymooners, friends groups or even senior citizens. There are very expensive luxury houseboats, mid range ones and even budget boats to suit every pocket.
A typical room in a houseboat.
The corridor on the houseboat from where you enter the rooms
Sitting in the porch and observing the shikaras go by can be very soothing.
Enjoying the views of Dal lake from the houseboat
As you sit on the houseboats, shikaras and ferry boats approach the houseboats with wares to sell.
Fruits for sale!!!
Shikaras
Shikaras are another iconic feature of Dal Lake. They are slender, shallow boats with a roof that is often very ornate and colourful. The interiors of the shikara are cushioned and decorated in typical Kashmiri colours and designs. These are reminiscent of the gondolas in Venice but are more decorated, colourful and having roofs.
Shikaras await tourists on a placid Dal lake
Shikara ride
A shikara ride is “must do” on a houseboat holiday.These are rowed by a boatman with oars and they literally glide on the waters of the Dal Lake making the shikara ride a surreal experience!! Shikaras have a romantic charm about them
Steps to board the Shikaras from the houseboat
On a shikara ride
The shikara sails on Dal lake (click on video)
The Shikaras take you through the narrow channels of Dal lake where the floating markets are located . Traditional kashmiri arts and crafts, shawls and snacks are available here and one can indulge oneself as one floats along…
Sailing along the floating markets on a shikara
As one sails along on the shikara, various other sights can also be seen like the Sankaracharya temple on the hillock,the moghul gardensetc.
You have now virtually stayed on a houseboat and taken a shikara ride on Dal lake. I hope you enjoyed this trip. See you next week in the gardens of Srinagar….another amazing experience indeed. Till then, do give your feedback and comments..
Travel-along.in 