Take a trip to Dal Lake and treat yourself to a pampered stay at the Sukoon Houseboat.
Float Away On The Luxurious Sukoon Houseboat In Kashmir
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What Is It?
If you’re headed up to Kashmir, then you’d be missing a trick if you weren’t aiming for one of the many beautiful lakes for which the state is famed. Dal Lake, where you’ll find Sukoon Houseboat, is the second largest of Srinagar’s lakes and you’ll be hard pushed to find a more beautiful place to wile away a lazy afternoon. You can even paddle round the lake aboard a traditional shikara or get off and amble round one the city’s many public gardens.
The Boat
Carved walnut furniture, satin silk furnishings and cedar panelling are a stunning alternative to the traditional style of the region, drawing on the influence of Kerala, where the owners of Sukoon have another houseboat.
The boat is by no means large, but there is a roof-deck that provides some additional space to relax in, whilst providing stunning 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding countryside. There’s unlimited Wi-Fi should you need to escape for a while, but as soon as you drop your bags, we reckon the thought of scrolling through social media will be far from your mind.
The Rooms
It’s a boat, not a building, so this is not an expansive set-up, boasting just four deluxe rooms and one suite. The lovely deluxe rooms all have a king-size bed, ensuite bathrooms and writing tables. There’s no TV, which can be a drawback, or a draw, depending on your point of view. The suite is the largest of the five rooms and includes a lounge area to relax in.
If you’re concerned that hot water on a houseboat might be at a premium, then worry no longer. Plenty of hot water in the bathrooms, coupled with high-end toiletries and a beautiful bath, add to the high comfort factor here.
The Food
Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are included, and are served on the roof deck, or in the stunning dining room. A healthy breakfast spread of seasonal fruits, cereals, eggs and local bread, plus a good selection of teas, will help you start the day just right. Lunch and dinner are à la carte and include local specialities, north Indian cuisine and a smattering of western dishes. Alcohol is also served, though the selection is limited.
Where: Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
Price: INR 9,100 {deluxe rooms}, INR 10,950 {suite}
Contact: 0194 2500450
Find out more, and book your stay at Sukoon Houseboat here. A longer version of this article first appeared on Tripzuki.