Book a Dal Lake houseboat
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Srinagar is the heart of any Kashmir trip, built around the famous Dal Lake. Here is how to enjoy the city like a local.
Stay in a Dal Lake houseboat
A night in a traditional wooden houseboat is a Kashmir must do. These carved cedar boats have cosy rooms, a lounge and a sundeck right on the water. Waking up to mist over the lake and a Shikara bringing morning tea is an experience travellers remember for years. A standard shikara ride on Dal Lake typically costs around Rs 800 per boat for a short sightseeing loop, while a genuine Dal Lake houseboat stay generally runs from around Rs 2,500 to Rs 6,000 or more per night depending on the category, so always confirm the current rate and inclusions before booking.
Shikara rides and the floating market
A Shikara is the graceful canoe that glides across Dal Lake. Take a sunset ride past floating gardens, lotus beds and lakeside life. Early risers can visit the famous floating vegetable market at dawn, where traders sell produce from boat to boat.
Mughal Gardens
Srinagar is home to the beautiful Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi, laid out in terraces with fountains and chinar trees against the lake and mountains. Spring and autumn are especially photogenic.
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More to see in the city
Visit the historic Jamia Masjid and Hazratbal shrine, walk the old city and its craft workshops, ride the Chandigarh style boulevard along the lake, and shop for Pashmina shawls, papier mache and saffron. The Shankaracharya hill gives a fine view over Srinagar.
Plan your Srinagar stay
Happy Jacks Tours and Travels arranges genuine Dal Lake houseboats and city hotels along with Shikara rides and a private cab for sightseeing. Reach us on +91 94192 44962 or happy7jacks@gmail.com.
Srinagar in 2 days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, check in to a houseboat or hotel, sunset shikara on Dal Lake |
| 2 | Mughal gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Cheshma Shahi, Pari Mahal), Hazratbal, old city heritage walk, evening at the Boulevard |
Houseboat or hotel for your Srinagar nights?
A houseboat gives the classic Dal Lake experience, reached by shikara, with home-cooked meals. A hotel is easier for late arrivals, elders and families with lots of luggage. Many guests do one houseboat night and the rest in a hotel. See Dal Lake houseboat booking.
Visiting Srinagar in Winter?
Heated houseboats, misty mornings and snowy peaks.
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