Houseboat Royal Lodge

The host's personal care made a big difference for my wife, son, and me during our two nights on Dal Lake. The houseboat is run by a dedicated father who manages things himself, and his warmth, attention, and genuine concern made us feel welcome despite a few room issues. The rooms were decent and basically comfortable, but cleanliness and upkeep fell short of what we expected. The curtains looked dusty, and the room didn’t feel as neatly maintained as it could have. It wasn’t a major inconvenience, though it’s an area that could be improved. Food was satisfactory, nothing special, while breakfast was enjoyable with the lake views. The setting was serene. Waking up on the still water, surrounded by scenery, was refreshing and gave us a glimpse of Kashmir’s traditional lifestyle. Our son especially loved the novelty of sleeping on the water. We’d wanted to try this unique houseboat experience during our trip to Srinagar, and the two-night stay was worthwhile. Despite the room shortcomings, the service and distinctive setting made it memorable for our family. It’s something to try at least once.