Kashmir is unique, like non other. Its people are warm, interesting, proud, and happy to talk to you. Before Kashmir became a state of India, the king of Kashmir forbade the English to own land, but they could own a houseboat. That's how all these wonderful floating palaces came to be. Intricately carved walnut walls, ceilings, and doors, sumptuous interiors and Indo-English Victorian furniture make this a truly special getaway.
Imagine Your Kashmir Vacation
Imagine your vacation on a Kashmiri Houseboat:
Arrive in Srinagar and be greeted by your car and driver, and be driven to Lake Dal.
Board a "shikara" (boat) and be paddled to the houseboat.
Rest and relax in splendor.
Watch the flower "shikara" (boats) come by, the small general store shikaras with their "cigarettes, toilet paper, chocolates." All the needs of the households... vegetables, meats, laundry, etc., are supplied by boats.
Eat 3 meals a day, specially prepared by a cook who knows Western style foods.
Tour the lake in a shikara.
Read a book.
Trek in the mountains.
Explore the nearby villages, such as Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, the Moghul Gardens, the old city.
Get acquainted with the houseboat owner and his family. Become part of the family.
Explore the mountains on a pony with the Gypsies. Have tea with them in their homes.
Or, just sit, read a book, and watch the activity on the lake.
Staying on a houseboat is like no other vacation you have ever had. All tours are geared to you and your personal preferences.
Prices range from $80+ a day for lodging, all 3 meals, transportation to and from the airport, and transportation around the city. Stay in a bedroom or reserve the whole houseboat. There is nothing like this anywhere!!! Contact Christine, or email Javed at javed@indiatravelliveshop.com, or check out his website at www.perfectholidaytravels.com, and click on "Kashmir Houseboats", for more photos.
