The House Boat in fact being a novelty type of accommodation has in fact initially been introduced by British as an alternative to the existing law of the times , the process of modification went on till it attained the present shape ( photographs will explain the design and make of a House Boat ) . It is usually made out of Cedar Wood which sustains the brunt of moisture (Being on waters) for a very long time. Its construction is designed and made by highly talented Carpenters who are supposed to versatile technocrats It is considered to be a floating home away from ones own home and comprises of the following :- Drawing cum sitting room with latest modern facilities i.e. furniture ( Walnut Made) and fixture A full fledged Dinning room ( Walnut made furniture dinning table and Chairs) with latest modern cutlery and crockery. Pantry with latest modern utensils etc. The House Boat consists of 2 – 5 Bed rooms with walnut wood made beds , Dressing table , peg Tables and Bed Side Tables along with latest modern mattresses , pillows , bed covers and other required linen , besides having attached bath with latest modern sanitation and other accessories ( geysers etc.) . One has running hot and cold water in the respective bath rooms. Since Hotel accommodation is available world over , but Kashmir can boast on having Deluxe House Boat like Novelty accommodation available on finest world famous natural lakes within the city , which certainly makes a difference. A Novelty to Stay “ A Floating Castle/Palace” The British in fact initially introduced House Boats for living purposes as a substitute to the then existing law which restricted people other than the locals to have immovable property to be owned by them. At the initial stage the look of the House Boat was Quite different than that of what you have at present. With the passage of time the making of House Boat went through enormous changes from time to time till it reached the final shape in which you have the present House Boats available now. It is indeed a home away from home, Though moored on shimmering waters of the Lakes and River Jehlum. The house boat is usually made out of Cedar wood which sustains the would be damages through water as the wood is got seasoned before using for such construction. One has to spend lavishly on the construction of a house boat with modern amenities and facilities available like , Corridor , Drawing room , Dinning room , Pantry , 02 to 07 bed rooms with attached fully sanitary fitted bath rooms with hot and cold water running. The accessories usually are Carved out of Walnut wood and to add to the beauty of house boats , these accessories are put in various rooms and even the doors and windows have walnut wood carving touch and also provides Sun Deck to have an experience of Sun bath. The interior furnishing is palatial which covers Carpets, Crewel Curtains , Embroidered Bed Sheets ,foot mats etc. Thus House Boat is a Novel type of accommodation available in Kashmir as you have Hotels available throughout the world but unlike a House Boat being available in Kerala which is totally different and hence cannot prove to compatible to what we have in Kashmir in any respect. Living on a house boat experiences a fun and real joy for those who experience such stay and always carry cherishing moments along with as a memory for the entire life time. The Staff at service on a House Boat comprises of a Captain, Room Boy, Chef , besides attached Shikara with Shikara wala [ rower of shikara] for To and Fro Crossings and other Shikara Rides. Thus one feels homely atmosphere while one’s stay on a House Boat |