What we say

The approach gives nothing away. An incongruous little road, and then a traditional shikara takes you across the lake to the boats. One clambers aboard and then the doors open and, wow. Hand-carved walnut panelling of such extraordinary craftsmanship that one stops in one’s tracks, and the team, who have clearly been doing this for a very long time, never tire of that guests’ first reaction. It doesn’t stop there. Continue on to be shown your bedroom and the word regal springs to mind. The interiors, every inch worked by local craftsmen, are frankly flabbergasting.

And then there is the food. A feast doesn’t quite do it justice, and that was just breakfast. There’s lunch, afternoon tea of Kashmiri Kahwa, delicate and delicious, or gulabi chai sweetened with rose petal honey. One could stop there, but there’s supper to be exalted over.

Sit out on the deck with the Zabarwan mountains ahead, Chinar trees lining the shore, and the lake shimmering between them. The shikara men hear of your arrival and come to trade their wares, and given the hard years this community has endured, who can blame them. The kitchen is supplied each morning from the floating shops of these same lake dwellers. It is easy to see why the British loved this life quite so much. I found it hard to leave. Four days minimum, if not a week, is what I would recommend.

Our three words:

Crafted | Committed | Extraordinary

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Mascot Houseboats is a distinguished family-owned heritage accommodation offering 137 years of Tuman family hospitality, peacefully moored on the tranquil waters of Nageen Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir.⁠
The Tuman family represents over 150 years of tradition in Kashmiri hospitality, established in the late 19th century as pioneers of Kashmir’s distinctive houseboat culture. When luxury water accommodation was evolving, the Tumans built intricately carved cedar-wood boats, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and finest Kashmiri artisanship traditions. From hand-carved walnut panels to detailed interiors, every element reflects artistry passed down through generations, with testimonials dating to the 1880s.⁠
⁠
Their guiding principle offers a sanctuary where history lives, beauty endures, and guests experience warmth of hospitality rooted in tradition. This approach preserves timeless charm of Kashmir’s floating hospitality while supporting local artisans and cultural heritage.⁠
Each houseboat showcases artistic opulence through finest Kashmiri craftsmanship, featuring intricately carved woodwork, elegant furnishings, and preserved heritage detailing. Nine unique accommodations include premium rooms, suites, and themed quarters, utilizing sustainable local cedar construction and traditional climate-friendly techniques.⁠
⁠
The property demonstrates exceptional environmental stewardship through maintaining over two acres of original landscape, annual tree planting, comprehensive birdlife support, and preserving reeds and water lilies for aquatic species. Complete local food sourcing from floating gardens, minimal single-use plastics, and comprehensive local employment support lake-dwelling communities.⁠
⁠
Guests enjoy uninterrupted views of Nageen Lake and Zabarwan mountains while experiencing authentic floating residence life. Local experiences include Mughal Gardens visits, heritage walks, shikara rides, and dawn floating vegetable market tours, while the family actively advocates for lake conservation and preservation rights.⁠

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 55/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 9
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 5 
  • Wastewater Recycling: 1
  • Natural Materials/Heritage Building: 10
  • Single Use Plastic: 10
  • Local Staff: 10

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Active advocacy against the concretisation of Nageen Lake
  • campaign for the rights of lake dwellers
  • Two acres of family land maintained in natural form with trees planted annually
  • Reeds and water lilies preserved in canals for aquatic birdlife.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 55/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 9
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 5 
  • Wastewater Recycling: 1
  • Natural Materials/Heritage Building: 10
  • Single Use Plastic: 10
  • Local Staff: 10

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Active advocacy against the concretisation of Nageen Lake
  • campaign for the rights of lake dwellers
  • Two acres of family land maintained in natural form with trees planted annually
  • Reeds and water lilies preserved in canals for aquatic birdlife.

EXPERIENCES

Visit to Srinigar Mughal Gardens
Heritage Walk in the old city
Shikara Ride
Early dawn visit to floating vegetable market
Hiking in Pahalgam Valley
Visit Shankaracharya Temple

HOW TO REACH HERE

By Air: Sheikh ul Alam International Airport, Srinagar, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Leh.

By Rail: Srinagar Railway Station with connections from Delhi, Jammu and Katra.

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Srinagar Airport 22 Km 1 Hours 10 Minutes
Gulmarg 55 Km 2 Hours
Pahalgam Valley 80 Km 2 Hours 35 Minutes