Welcome to Inshallah Houseboats for a glorious vacation and memorable stay. inshallah Houseboats are finest luxury houseboats in Srinagar owned by A. Salam Wangnoo , moored at famous Nageen lake, commanding a beautiful view of the lake and the snow capped mountains around. The houseboats made of fragrant cedar wood, are ornately carved and beautifully furnished with handmade carpets and walnut wood furniture. All the bedrooms of the houseboat have attached bathrooms fitted with all modern amenities. Verandah and sun deck of Inshallah Houseboats are ideal place to relax and watch sunrise, sunset and variety of bird life. We at Inshallah houseboats serve delicious food prepared under hygenic conditions both in eastern and western style. The Wangnoo's have been hosts to vistors in Nagin Lake for five generations and their guests include some very distinguished people. We continue to retain the best qualities of comforts and service. Our aim is to be your guide, philosopher and a friend so that you enjoy a completely carefree and memorable holiday in Kashmir. The houseboats provide you the perfect base from where you can travel to anywhere in the countryside including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Yousmarg, Pahalgam and visit famous Moughal Gardens, old city and also enjoy lake and canal rides (All kinds of tours and rides can be arranged on request at Inshallah houseboats). We look forward to your visit and assure you of a memorable stay.
Opposite Nigeen Club Srinagar, Srinagar 190006 India
Houseboat inshallah
234 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Riaz Wangnoo’s Inshallah Houseboat on Nigeen Lake, Srinagar in beautiful Kashmir. The houseboat is wonderfully carved and comfortably furnished with 3 large bedrooms, all ensuite. The food was delicious and freshly made, and the cook consulted with us each day as to what we would like the next evening. On occasion we decided fairly last minute that we would have lunch on the boat, and he catered for that as well. Nothing was too much trouble and Riaz really went the extra mile to make us welcome and to look after all of us. We appreciated the added touch that shikara rides to the nearby landing stage on the opposite side of the lake were included in the price of the houseboat, and that one of the staff would call for one whenever needed.
The area of Nigeen Lake where Riaz’s three houseboats are moored is peaceful and serene with stunning views of the mountains - yet within easy reach of Srinagar centre. There is abundant bird life and we saw a kingfisher really near to our boat three times within the first hour of us arriving, and numerous times after that.
Thank you, Riaz and staff for a very relaxing and happy holiday!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was an impromptu decision to visit Kashmir and as a solo woman traveller I was a bit hesitant. I didn't want anything in the commercial area of Dal lake but preferred to stay in the serene area of Nigeen Lake. My call to Owais Wangnoo of Inshallah houseboats put all my fears to rest from day one. Owais was prompt , honest , responsible and comforting. Any query or questions I had were answered patiently. When I entered the houseboat I was lucky to have it all to myself. They have shikaras on hand and the tide from ghat no 1 to the houseboat is free.
My houseboat had a completely antique and rich feel. This has been in his family for generations.Complete with wall to wall rich carpeting , beautiful picture memorabilia hanging on the walls the houseboat unit consisted of 2 bedrooms both with bath tubs , a massive antique four poster double bed and a smaller single bed at the side. My favourite place however was the balcony outside where I was happily perched watching the stillness of Nigeen lake for hours and drinking endless cups of tea sometimes reading a book. What I loved about this place was the homely hospitality. Every day Owais made it a point to ask me what I wanted for dinner and breakfast and served me that and more. Breakfast started with bed tea followed by eggs of your choice and another item on the menu. Dinner was a 4 course meal and if I said I wanted a particular dish it was either made by the cook or brought from one of the famous restaurants nearby. My favourite was the kulfi. If you visit ask for it. Every evening Owais father dropped in for a visit . At first a bit formal we then became friends and discussed everything from Bollywood to world politics and his Dad even gave me company for dinner so o didn't eat alone. The houseboat also has a back side connected to the road so you don't have to wait for the shikara to go out. For a shikara ride please ask for Abid arranged by Owais himself. Since the place is so quaint and silent no sellers disturb you and you are just left by yourself in peace. People often asked me how I stayed alone in the houseboat and wondered after my safety. But I felt the most safest and looked after here. I stayed for 8 nights in between trips to various places and happily returned each time to my second home. Even when I was traveling elsewhere Owais made sure to call and check on me. The evenings I was free I hopped onto his scooty for local market shopping. All in all I will definitely go back because for me Inshallah houseboats is my second home. Oh and did I mention that the person who works almost 24 hours smilingly , answers your queries and manages several houseboats is only 23 - Owais you definitely have far to go.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Houseboat Inshallah is located on nigeen lake away few kms away from the popular touristy dal lake. If you are in search of peace, tranquility to sink in to the beauty of a hoseboat stay in kashmir , highly recommend to book at nigeen lake.
Book the houseboat having the snow capped mountain view. To reach this houseboat you need a 15 min shikaara ride (arranged for free) . This is situated on the other end of nigeen lake.
A common living area and dining room greets you once you enter the verandah area of houseboat. Kashmiri decor gives the authentic feel of a houeboat stay. Each item has been carefully used to give a heritage feel to the houseboat.
We visited in March and luckily had the whole houseboat for ourselves. The attendents are punctual . Food served was basic (dal/chawal/roti , sabzi) but quality and tasty stuff.
Frequent visits by the kashmiri vendors to houseboats can be a bit irritating at times especially if your idea of vacation is just enjoying the natural beauty. vendors can visit any time (early morning /late night by 10), but thats how business works in here in any houseboat you rent.
Special tips:
take Riyaz bhais (owner)tips to go around srinagar Watch the sunrise enjoy quiet "me"time from morning 6-7 am (no vendors around then) Take the shikara ride from nigeen to dal lake (3 hours to and fro ride). Economical on your pocket than dal lake shikara ride and takes you through the village interiors where you can see the local floating vegetable plantations, fishing, exciting glares from the locals
Thanks to riyaz bhai , our houseboat stay treasures sweet memories of kashmir
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Choose the houseboat with the mountain view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is a beautiful houseboat floating on the Nigeen Lake, flaunting exquisite walnut furniture and carved deodar wood-work. The hospitality catered by Bilal ji is unparalleled. We wanted to try out local cuisine and he made sure our stomach was filled with scrumptious Kashmiri delicacies and soul filled with the wonderous history of the houseboat. I suffer from asthma and was doubtful whether the rooms would be ventilated enough, but the rooms are not only spacious but have large windows for ventilation. We cancelled all our day trips to stay put at the deck and enjoy the serenity of nature and walk through the garden behind the houseboat full of apple, walnut, pear, and pomegranate trees.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A long planned trip to Kashmir materialized after a very long lockdown period. We booked with Riaz who responded immediately after having received our booking and arranged a driver to pick us up from the airport and took us straight to the lake side where we got onto a gondola riding across the lake in the warm winter sun to the house boat where Riaz and his nephew Owasi welcomed us. As we were the only guests, we had the house boat (which has three bed rooms) for ourselves. Rooms were spacious and decorated in Kashmiri style. With temperatures going towards Zero degrees in the night, the fire places on the house boat (we had also one in our room) we felt always warm and cozy. On our request, we had Kashmiri style breakfast and dinner during our stay. Dishes were prepared well and the food was very tasty all the time. Riaz asked us daily for any special meal requests and prepared one night a very special request, roasted duck – I can only say so much, highly recommendable and a must when staying on the house boat. Owasi joined us during day time as tour guide, helped us with some special requests and took us around with passion and explaining us all the great places – and there are many - in and around Srinagar. The five days we spend in Kashmir and with Riaz and Owasi, all the times very helpful and assisting us with any need, were definitely too short and we are planning another trip to Kashmir and stay with the two gentlemen in the near future again. A big thank you to both of them.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Inshallah houseboat for about 4-5 nights in March/April 2021. It was a very comfortable stay. Very peaceful location, lovely food. Laundry was available too at a nominal cost. The house boat is decorated traditionally, rooms were very clean. The manager of the houseboat, Owais, was very helpful and just a call away if we needed anything!!! :-) The owner of the houseboat, Mr. Riyaz Wangnoo arranged for an airport pickup and other tours around and to Sonamarg at a very good price.
Thank you to the entire staff and management at Inshallah houseboat for making our trip a memorable one.
Regards!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We reached Srinagar on a flight from Mumbai. Riyaz bhai the houseboat owner made excellent arrangements to pick us up from the airport. The driver Firoze was right there waiting for us and very helpful. He stopped at various sites on the way and gave us good commentary on the various important places that we were passing by.
Again the arrangements to reach the houseboat from the Shikara were superb. The Shikara was waiting for us and without any delay we reached the houseboat where we met the very affable Riyaz bhai who made us feel very welcome on arrival.
The houseboat itself is very tastefully decorated with wall to wall carpeting lovely wall hangings exquisite decoration crockery sets add to the overall feeling of a comfortable houseboat.
With a separate drawing room, dinning area and 2 large bedrooms with attached bathrooms the houseboat is very comfortable for 4 people to stay in.
Coming to the food, it was homely and tasty. Wish some dessert could be added to the meals.
Finally the bedrooms were very comfortable and the bathrooms well equipped and adequate to use. The bedroom heating could be further improved and Riyaz bhai has just arranged for dual air conditioners to take care of that.
All in all a very enjoyable stay and highly recommended to anyone who wants to enjoy the peace and serenity of Nigeen lake as compared to the hustle and bustle of Dal lake.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If someone wishes to experience true Kashmiri hospitality, Houseboat Inshallah (HBI) is the place to visit. The houseboat is situated at a quaint location with no commotion, guest can enjoy the beauty in peace and solitude. The way the property is maintained is exceptional. Mr.Riaz ensures the guest are catered to the maximum, he is gem of a person and I do cherish the long chats we had in front of the bukhari with hot piping cup of kehwa. The boats are intrinsically designed with Kashmiri wood art, which would amuse you and at the same time you can't help admiring the hardwork that goes in making and running the property. The food that Mr.Riaz supplies from his kitchen is simple yet healthy, something very close to what we have at our homes daily, proportion is enough to fill the tummies. Visitors throng towards Dal for enjoying their houseboat experience but end up being disappointed because of the noise and commotion, to beat this it is highly recommended to stay at Nagin and if at Nagin then what place else than HBI.
Would always want to comeback to have a chat with Mr.Riaz and enjoy his hospitality.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I booked a package tour best of best with them, for the beginning of january. My experience with them has been wonderful, since the day I contacted them. After contacting I was given wide range of options to choose from. A well planned itinerary was drafted and I was always updated in the morning about my days exercise. The choice of hotels were excellent, the driver provided was driver cum guide who would advise you what to do and what to avoid. The stay at houseboat was excellent especially in this chilling cold, they made sure we do not feel cold. Over all a commendable job done by them.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where do we start? We were 3 friends staying at Houseboat inshallah during December 2019 and it was has down the highlight of our travels through mainland India. The hospitality offered by Riaz bhai, Owais and the caretaker Shareef was nothing but welcoming and top of the range!
During day time Riaz bhai arranged his nephew Owais to take us around Srinagar which he did with great enthusiasm, accompanying us all throughout our 4 day stay. The boathouse was warm during minus degree temperatures and the fodd was cooked according to our preference. The houseboat itself was a work of art!
Highly recommended! Exceptional! Will definitely return to you houseboat Inshallah!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Booking both rooms will grant the entire boat for yourself/family only
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Srinagar area.
PRICE RANGE
₹4,243 - ₹5,195 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
IndiaJammu and KashmirKashmirSrinagar DistrictSrinagar
NUMBER OF ROOMS
60
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
