Jaadooghar Srinagar (Sapphire) Jammu and Kashmir

Up to 48 Guests
03 House Boats
16 Rooms
Lakeside
Comfortable Beddings
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Add-On Experiences
Home Cooked Meals
Wi-Fi

THE SPACE

Set on the idyllic Dal Lake in the Kashmir valley and surrounded on all sides by snow-capped mountains, you will find this Jaadooghar property oozing of old-world Kashmiri charm. As you wake up to magnificent sunrise views and sip on your cup of kahwa, get teleported to a forgotten British era, dating back to the 1840s when the first set of homes were put up on the lake.

If you’re looking for an authentic Kashmiri experience, sample the state’s widely-known hospitality, mind-blowing cuisine, gorgeous handicrafts and the calming experience of living on the lake, then this is it. The interiors of the house boats have a strong British influence, retro-fitted with all modern facilities to ensure a comfortable stay.

JAADOOGHAR EXPERIENCES

Shikara Tour

The Dal Lake is known for its gorgeous sunrises, splendid mountain views and of course the world-famous Shikara (traditional Kashmiri boats) rides. Sip on your cup of hot kahwa, as you set out in misty Kashmiri mornings to witness the rising sun and end the trip with a visit to the floating market, where you can shop till your heart’s content without stepping off your shikara!

Special Kashmiri Buffet - Wazwan

For all you culinary enthusiasts, Jaadooghar Kashmir puts together Kashmir’s most traditional meal - the Wazwan. Wazwan is a ritual serving before the guests of all the food there is in the house. This taste of hospitality must in turn be fully appreciated by the guests, for the wazwan is not a simple meal but a ceremony. Hours of cooking and days of planning go into the making and serving of a wazwan. Normally restricted to occasions of celebration at homes, the wazwan experience includes table settings for groups of four on the floor where dish after dish are served, each made from fresh produce of the region and garnished with aromatic herbs. Choice delicacies such as Methi and Tabakmaaz, Roganjosh, Rista, and a variety of kebabs and vegetable preparations are served. The meal concludes with the Gushtaba, a very exclusive dish, and one that is never refused, Phirni for dessert and a cup of kahwa, the green tea flavored with saffron, cardamom and almonds.

Note: Wazwan is prepared only on special order with at least 2 days prior notice and is a chargeable experience directly payable at the property. Since a lot of effort goes into its preparation, it is recommended that this be ordered for groups of 4 and more with special care taken to ensure there is minimal wastage of food. Therefore, it is recommended to sample the wazwan, armed with an empty stomach and a voracious appetite!

Fishing/Angling Trout

With the abundance of snow & spring-fed streams in the Kashmir valley, it makes for an interesting spot for fishing/angling trout. There are over 61 beats open for anglers throughout the season, and one could easily enjoy an entire day fishing. The streams are stocked with German Brown and Rainbow trout, introduced by British at the peak of the British Raj in India.

Interestingly, your host at Jaadooghar Kashmir is a Brown Trout record holder in Asia and would love to show you around. If you don’t have your fishing gear, the property can provide you with all equipment, fishing permits, guides, food and excellent transport with experienced drivers.

Note: This is a seasonal activity from April to September and is chargeable with direct payment at the property.

Wildlife Experience

Kashmir is home to a rich diversity of wildlife supplemented by an equally rich variety of floral vegetation. The sight and sounds of some of the rarest species in the world can be found here, such as the majestic Kashmir Hangul, brown bears, snow leopard, Ovis Ammon, Musk dear, Markhor, blue sheep & ibex. Observing them in their natural habitat is an unparalleled experience in and of itself. The immense heritage of wildlife in Kashmir comprises of more than 6 different valleys and Dachigam National Park in particular. On request, a special one or half day tour to Dachigam National Park can be arranged.

Note: This is a chargeable experience directly payable at the property.

River Rafting

Other than the quiet and soothing Shikara rides, Kashmir is also famous for its white water river rafting in some mountain streams like Lidder (Pahalgam area) and Sind river (Sonamarg area). The best season for this activity is August to September when the water flow is suitable for rafting. Since the gradients are not steep, these waters are excellent for first timers. On request, river rafting experience can be arranged.

Note: This is a chargeable experience directly payable at the property.

Lake Tours and Water Treks

Kashmir also boasts of highly engaging yet offbeat outdoor activity - water trek tours on gondola/ shikara boats with 3 oarsmen paddling the boat. These tracks are very relaxing but also quite adventurous. Treks start from the Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, via the famous Anchar Lake (bird watchers’ paradise), via the main river of the Vale of Kashmir (downstream) known as Jhelum, then Manasbal Lake (famous for water lilies & lotus flowers) and finally reaching Wular Lake (the largest fresh water lake in Asia famous for growing water chestnuts and local fish), typical farmer villages like Bandipora, Watlab, the famous Sufi Shrine at the bank of Wular Lake known as Baba Shukur-u-Din Sahib. These treks can range from one day to even as long as 5 days with accommodation in tented camps with sleeping bags, kitchen and cooking staff etc. One can also return from any of the places by car.

Note: Details and costing of these treks can be provided by the host upon request after booking.

Sufism and Shrines Tour

Kashmir is the land of saints and Sufis. It is bestowed with religious wealth in the form of numerous shrines and places of worship enjoying reverence and allegiance of people from all manner of faiths. There are numerous sepulchres (mausoleums) of saints which have enchanting environs. Some of the shrines have a historical importance attached to their inception, in addition to their religious importance. The shrines belong to both Hindus and Muslims and are visited by thousands of devotees. You can book a paid tour to some of these shrines with your host at Jaadooghar Kashmir.

THE HOUSE BOATS

2+1 Guests (In Each Room)
Bath Tub
Toiletries & Towels
Prices start at : ₹5790.18 per night (includes taxes and fees)

The house boats have British-inspired interiors, authentic to the times they were introduced and built in. Each house boat has a beautiful patio overlooking the lake, an intricately curated living room, dining space for all meals and ensuite washrooms in all rooms. The guests will have complete privacy and if required the caretaker is only a call away. Please note that the prices mentioned are for up to 2 guests per room (extra bed charged separately).

LOCATION KNOW-HOW

Located at a distance of about 22 kms from the Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport in Kashmir, the property is right at the city centre in Dal Lake and can be reached by getting a local taxi from the airport. It can also be reached via road from Delhi or Chandigarh, which are at a distance of about 800 kms and 580 kms from Srinagar respectively.

HOUSE RULES AND THINGS TO NOTE

Please note that these houseboats are structures on the lake and are connected to the main land via boats only. Due to this, sometimes it can also take longer to arrange things here.

Shikara crossing is provided by the property to and fro the houseboats to the main bank.

There is housekeeping staff that manages the property and lives close by. Meals provided on the property are simple north Indian meals. Tariffs include breakfast and dinner. Lunch may be ordered separately on the property.  

Your hosts are a family of Kashmiri natives, managing and successfully running these houseboats and other businesses in Kashmir for 4 generations now. They have immense experience in travel and tourism in the area and are capable of organizing various tours, including many offbeat activities such as trout fishing, in and around Kashmir.

CHECK-IN TIME: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

CHECK-OUT TIME: 11:00 AM

PETS NOT ALLOWED

SMOKING NOT ALLOWED