Kashmir Tourism offers you details about houseboats that are a special tourist attraction for everyone who visits the state of Jammu and Kashmir. These houseboats have their own traditional appeal. These houseboats are usually anchored on the banks of the Dal Lake. Each houseboat is fully furnished and every houseboat has an attendant boy. These houseboats have small boats called shikaras that take tourists to the flower markets.

These houseboats are furnished in a grand style, with carved furniture and woolen carpets with intricate work on them.

The main idea behind the concept of a houseboat is the fact it provides a haven for those who like to spend a quite holiday, away from the noise and bustle of the cities.

The British started the tradition of houseboats as the Kashmiri rulers forbade them land ownership, so they had no option but to build dwellings that float on waters.

Most of these houseboats have all the amenities of a five star hotel.

These houseboats have everything from spacious bedrooms, sun decks washrooms with the latest amenities, electricity and plumbing etc.

Houseboats are categorized as deluxe to D class, depending upon the availability of facilities and the budget of the tourist.

One is actually transported into a different world while shopping from the floating flower and handicraft markets, while staying in houseboats in Kashmir.

Culture of Jammu and Kashmir