India Palace

India Palace is a lovely luxury Houseboat on Nageen Lake. We spent 5 days there after a long and tough motorbike trip and we found the perfect place to take some rest and relax. The Houseboat is not in the Dal Lake, that is the main one, but on Nageen lake that is much more peaceful. All the "crew" was nice and helpful. The rooms are big, clean and well equipped. The food was really fine (and this is not so usual). Prices are absolutely reasonable. Next time in Srinagar we will be surely staying there.

10 years ago

We flew to New Delhi and endured the heat for two days before flying up to Kashmire.||||We arrived in Srinagar in pouring rain and much cooler temperatures, and drove to Nagin Lake to our houseboat. Because of the rain we scurried down the walkway between boats to board ours. Our first impression was disbelief! Every surface of the walls, ceilings and furniture was beautifully handcarved. The curtains and bedspreads were covered with hand crewel embroidery. The floors were covered with carpets which took the chill off our feet.||||Before dinner the houseboat owner took us to a factory where wood furniture and knick knacks were carved. Everything was beautiful. He then took us to a carpet factory where men were weaving beautiful wool, cotton and silk carpets. After dinner on the houseboat, I was a bit put-off by a man coming aboard in the evening trying to sell us different types of handmade articles. I understand this is part of the Indian culture, but to come aboard where we were at our "home away from home" was intrusive.||||The houseboy was very accommodating and served meals which were delicious and timely. He waited on us hand and foot, yet was quietly in the background.||||Early (while still dark) the next morning we enjoyed riding in a Shikara to the vegetable market, where we watched the farmers bring their vegetables and sell them off their boats.||||We arrived a few days before the biggest Muslim feast of the year. We were invited to watch as lambs were sacrificed. Being Christians, we were interested in seeing firsthand part of their festival. Our houseboy explained everything very thoroughly to help us understand what and why things were done in a specific way.||||There was only one family on the boat during the first night we were there. That added to our impression of the boat being "ours" for our relaxing get-away. The wifi was down while we were there, but there was so much to do and see that it was not a great inconvenience.

8 years ago

Very welcoming, friendly and informative owners and staff. If you're looking for a taste of old empire furnishings and surroundings with stunning views of Nigeen lake and the old fort then look no further. Take a relaxing ride on a shakara and bask in the tranquility with only the sounds of the water below and the eagles above. The owners also run a tour and adventure company so let them help you arrange some things to do around the city or further afield into the countryside and mountains. Ejaz, Bilal, Sandy and Farooq will ensure you have a great stay and make the most of your trip to Kashmir. Thanks gents for your hospitality.

7 years ago

My mom and me were here for three nights during the course of our stay in Kashmir . Loved the ambience . The fact that the lake is super peaceful and the location is very accessible makes this option even more worthwhile . ||Waking up to birds chirping and sipping cups of chai on their deck that overlooks the lake is something that you will cherish .||Don’t miss their sunset shikara ride through the lotus garden . It’s great!||The hospitality was wonderful and I would definitely recommend this place to all . ||If this place is unavailable then you can stay in the houseboat next door (New Jersey or Lilly of the world ) , the decor and ambience is almost the same except that India palace is bigger . We stayed at india palace for two night and in Lilly of the world for one night.||Sharing a few pics as well|

6 years ago

stayed for two nights in 2012 (and not July 2015 - I had to select some date for my review to go through). exciting experience, something new which we had never done before. Beautiful atmosphere, amazing views, great photo opportunities. The room which we got (each boat has multiple bed rooms and a common space (with TV, library, seating arrangement and access to a balcony) was ok. The smell emanating from the bathroom was not pleasant. It seems that the lake has not been cleaned for years and hence all the human wastage, food wastage which finds its way in the water is the root cause! Otherwise location is good, as compared to the overcrowded Dal Lake. Also next to the Nagin club and some road side eateries. Good parking space. Be aware that local vendors can access the houseboat anytime via the balcony so do not be surprised if one of them climbs up through the stairs (while you are enjoying the view or breakfast) to sell their local handicrafts......quite persuasive! You need access to a rick/cab to visit local sight seeing options. Nothing is walkable from here. Else you take a shikara.||||Lastly, since the houseboat was empty (with no other booking done after our checkout), we requested to hangout in the houseboat, till our departure time. We were willingly told to do so till we want including keeping our luggage inside the room. When we started moving out, the surprise erupted with the "owner" asking for extra money for the "extended stay". He disagreed with his "care takers" stand taken of allowing us to stay slightly more time. Since I said no to payment, he held on to my bags which, after a brief "fight" got released. Else overall pleasant!

8 years ago

Our stay in this boat house was amazing!!!. It is located in Nagin lake and is not as crowded as Dal Lake. The view from the boat house is great!!. It was calm & serene. Hospitality & food was great!! Boat house is very well maintained and is clean and tidy. It is a great place to stay.

9 years ago

Yeah ! thats what the owner of this house boat told us....seemed genuine. And why not...it is worth every minute you spend here. Bathrooms need to be refurbished as with time ..it should better, keeping the traditional charm alive. All your stress will be relieved once you lay chair and sit facing Nigeen lake.

8 years ago

The house boat was very well maintained and food was very home like, service presented by bilal bhai was very good.||||The house boat had very scenic view around.||||Wifi signal could've been better though.

3 years ago