Houseboats in Kashmir, India were built in the early 1900s and are still being rented out to tourists. These houseboats are made of wood and usually have intricately carved wood paneling. They are of different sizes, some having up to three bedrooms apart from a living room and kitchen.

Houseboat was modernized by Europeans along with the boatmen of the day, who improvised its adaptability as per the environment and customer need over the centuries. It is believed that in early times the foreigners in Kashmir as per law of the rulers were not allowed to stay in residential houses, Sarais or hotels, this caused the creation of the floating houseboats by the Englishman with help of boatman of the day. The construction of a luxury houseboat costs around whooping 3-5 crores (30-50 million) as per the reports. The interiors of the houseboat can be compared with a palace or a modern boutique hotel. A stay in houseboats in Dal Lake & Nigeen Lake is always a

memorable experience for every tourist, not-to-be- missed. Houseboats are known for their unique luxury, mostly having 2 to 6double bedrooms with modern facilities. Designed with Walnut and Deodar wood work, the base is made of a special wood that makes it float for decades. The wood work is done by master craftsman from Srinagar city (down town). The front deck of the boat is most fascinating place to watch the water life in the lake. On the top of the boat a balcony is used for sun bathing and to relish a cup of Kehwa while watching the magnificence of the surroundings.