Badyari Palace Houseboat is another of Srinagar's floating guesthouses, offering the chance to stay on the water in the style that has defined hospitality in the valley for generations. Houseboats of this kind are laid out lengthwise, with a veranda at the front, a lounge in the middle, a dining area and bedrooms along the sides, and they are decorated with the carved walnut, painted ceilings and woven rugs that Kashmir is known for. The appeal is atmosphere. You wake up to the sound of the lake, take breakfast on the deck, cross to the shore by shikara and return in the evening to a warm meal and a view of the mountains darkening behind the water. It is a stay for travellers who value character over modern fittings.
Boats like this are well placed for the main sights of Srinagar. From the lake you can reach the Mughal gardens, Hazratbal, the old city and the Boulevard in a short drive, and hosts often arrange tours or can recommend drivers for day trips to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. The houseboat is also a convenient place to rest between days of sightseeing, with tea and snacks served on board and a quiet deck for reading. Evening shikara rides are a pleasant add-on, usually arranged with the host.
Before you book, check which lake the boat sits on, how far it is from the nearest ghat, and what class of room you are getting, since boats vary widely in size and condition. Ask about heating in cool months, the supply of hot water, and whether meals are included. In summer the lake is warm and lively; in winter it is cold, misty and quiet, which some travellers prefer. Be prepared for the sights and sounds of a working lake, including boats, calls and the occasional hawker.
Keep valuables secure, agree on prices for extras in advance, and carry cash. This is a good option for couples, friends and small families who want a Kashmiri experience at a moderate price. Check your government's current travel advice and follow local guidance on conditions before you travel. Pairing a night on the boat with a night in a mountain hotel at Gulmarg or Pahalgam creates a balanced itinerary.
If you are comparing houseboats, look at photographs of the actual boat rather than the lake alone, read recent guest comments for details on cleanliness and service, and ask for the room plan. A small difference in position, such as being in the front row, can change the view and the noise level, and a short message to the host before arrival usually clears up any doubts.
Why stay here
- ✓Carved cedar interiors
- ✓Lake-view veranda
- ✓Home-style Kashmiri meals
- ✓Shikara transfers
- ✓Attached bathrooms
- ✓Sitting and dining rooms
- ✓Heating on request
- ✓Staff on board
Good questions
Where is the houseboat located?+
It is moored on the Srinagar lakes; confirm the exact lake and ghat when you book.
How do I get to the boat?+
You usually cross from a ghat by shikara, so pack light.
Does it have heating?+
Check this when you book, particularly for stays between October and March.
