Houseboats in Kashmir are a British invention. They came into life around 1880- as a British solution to a land purchasing prohibition imposed on foreigners. The Maharaja of that time allowed foreigners to love on the lakes and rivers only. The British took on the challenge of creating luxurious floating houses using the best handicrafts Kashmir could offer. Cedar is the wood of choice for boat construction. The rooms have wooden walls and carved ceilings, walnut furniture, Kashmir handcrafted rugs, embroidery & curtains.

Lily of Nageen is a family-run houseboat moored on Nageen Lake and have been hosting tourists for over fifty years. Ghulam Nabi Karnai is a second generation houseboat owner building his own business from scratch taught him every aspect of the trade from managing a houseboat, to leading treks & tailor-making itineraries. With our roots firmly planted in the riverine soil of the Kashmir Valley & our wide experience of living, working and travelling in Europe & Asia, we are able to anticipate guests needs before they arise. We promise personal service, insider information and deep knowledge of Kashmir specifically India generally.

Place where you can find peace with vibrant air blowing around at all times. Access to Lily of Nageen find you walking in a park full of variety of flowers and lush green grass. Chinar trees can be seen also depends on what time of the year you catch sight of it as it happens to change in all 4 seasons that Kashmir has to offer. All the boats in area are attached to the park which means no Shikara (boats) is required to reach Lily of Nageen unlike in Dal Lake, which also gives a lake view from every room. Taking a walk to white mosique will introduce you to life in Kashmir. Perhaps early morning floating market on Lake performed by local farmers, on return relaxing on the front porch looking over lake & sight variety of birds fetching their morning meals. It is basically photographers paradise. One can spot Hari Prabat Fort from Lily of Nageen on the west side over the lake and on left side we've got the the huge Zabarwan Mountain (Good Forest) which belongs to Himalayan Range of Mountains.