"Kashmir is a garden of eternal spring, a delightful flower bed, and heart expanding of heritage for dervishes. Its pleasant meads and enchanting cascades are beyond all description".
(Mughal Emperor--Jehangir)

The houseboats of Kashmir's Dal Lake have been famous since they were first built by the British during the latter decades of the last century. Prevented by the Maharaja from buying land in Kashmir to build their houses, the British came up with the solution, as only they could, and built their houseboats-little bits of the "old country" floating on the serene, crystal clear waters of the Dal and Nagin Lakes in Srinagar. Used in those days by only their owners and their friends, the houseboats and Kashmir's wonderful climate were both an escape from the heat of the plains and welcome respite from the rigours of life in Delhi. Over the years, the houseboats have become more and more elaborate and luxurious in response to market demands, to reach their present heights of opulence.

NEI is pleased to be able to offer the chance of a visit to our very own houseboat at Golden Point, the most sought after area in Dal Lake, as it is away from the noise of the city and commands the most stunning views of the lake, the surrounding hills and the Pir Panjal range in the distance.

"Houseboat Neil Armstrong Group " are large boats, constructed of cedar wood- the scent from which gently pervades all the rooms with a soft subtle frangrance-with elaborately carved walls and ceilings, hung with glittering cascades of crystal chandeliers. The boats have large verandas, sitting rooms, dining rooms, twin bedrooms, each with its own fully fitted bathroom and an enormous sun decks, where you can sunbathe away from the gaze of others and also escape the attentions of the Shikara traders, selling their goods and hailing you as they glide up to the houseboats.

Here you can relax and unwind as your every need is taken care of by the houseboat boys and the rest of the expert staff. Your Shikara is always at your command to paddle you, unhurriedly, across the waters of the Lake, to go shopping in the city, or, just for a trip around the sights of Dal Lake and its backwaters of floating gardens.

Many excursions can be arranged from the houseboat, to places like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, the Mughal Gardens of Shalimar and Nishat, or to the top of Shankaracharya Hill, with its Hindu temple dedicated to the lord Shiva and with a stunning vista of the vale of Kashmir stretching out below. A visit to the old city situated on the river Jhelum is very enriching to see its old mosques, traditional houses and charming people.

Our houseboat holiday is one during which you relax and unwind and is certainly not for those looking for a "busy" holiday. There are many walks and rides you can take through the hills and valleys in this area and all this can be arranged locally.

But to add a little excitement, we can also include some days Safari tour to the Buddhist Kingdom of Ladakh. Where you can do sightseeing of ancient monasteries aswell as trekking and rafting in the Indus river valley.