"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 built 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.

"Lotus Retreat Group - Houseboat Neil Armstrong" are large boats, constructed of cedar wood - the scent from which gently pervades all the rooms with a soft subtle fragrance - with elaborately carved walls and ceilings, hung with glittering cascades of crystal chandeliers. The boats have large verandas, sitting rooms, dining rooms, five 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.

Here you can relax and unwind as your every need is taken care of by the houseboat manager and the rest of the NEI 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.

Many excursions can be arranged from the houseboat, to places like 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.

Our houseboat holiday is one during which you relax and unwind and is certainly not for those looking for a "busy" holiday.

Accommodation in Kashmir is on Full Board Basis; Delhi is on bed and breakfast basis only.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive New Delhi
Day 2 Delhi sightseeing. O/n hotel.
Day 3 Delhi - Srinagar fly. O/n Houseboat.
Day 4 In Kashmir - sightseeings & Excursions.
Day 5 Srinagar - Delhi fly.
Day 6 Delhi - Europe or USA.

Option - You can add on days as extension to visit Agra (Taj Mahal) and Jaipur (Palaces).

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