The Martin's Group of Houseboat

It was our 4th visit to Srinagar. We have tried different hotels & houseboats in our previous trips, but ... no satisfaction! And finally this time, we found what we were looking for. Serene landscape of Nigeen lake, beautiful decor, clean & cosy rooms! But what touched us the most is the amazing hospitality of the owner Farooq-ji. He himself serves his guests, not by any staff. This informal gesture made us feel like 'home'. He took great care of us by constantly supplying hot water bags so that we did not get cold. They served delicious homemade food. Farooq-ji himself caught fish from Nigeen Lake and his cook made masala fried fish for us. They arranged Palak Nadru (lotus-root), a local delicacy in dinner as we were keen to taste local food. Even Farooq-ji himself bought good quality Nadru for us which we have brought to our home. Farooq-ji arranged a shikara for us. The shikarawala (his name is also Farooq) took us to the villages and old town ***** Nigeen & Dal lake, homes and factories of local artisans. We experienced how people live and earn their livelihoods on the lakes. This was a very non-touristy approach of exploring Srinagar. Usually in Srinagar, most of the people related to tourism push the tourists constantly to buy any product or service from someone they know, so that they can get commission. This is what I hate about Srinagar. But here, both the owner of Martin houseboat and the shikarawala never tried that. We will stay here again in our future trips.