Live Like a Royal at Sukoon Houseboat
Unwind like a Sufi in Kashmir
If you have ever imagined contemplating Arabian Nights or reading Rumi in solitude under a Prussian blue night sky, look no further. 'What you seek is seeking you' — welcome to Sukoon Houseboat, a haven for peace, wisdom and contentment, as its Sufi meaning suggests.
Discover tranquil journeys over opalesque waters with a vibrant panorama of the Kashmir valley and stunning sunsets while exploring ancient Hindu and Mughal marvels along the shore of Dal Lake.
A warm welcome with cold towels, kahwa (local tea) and a monogrammed pashmina shawl (woollen scarf) awaits you at Sukoon, quietly moored in a serene corner of Dal, resting upon enchanting lotus blooms with a vantage of the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountains.
Unique Activities
Say Hello to the Neighbourhood on a Shikara
Explore Dal Lake - interconnected canals, byways and backwaters on an immersive shikara ride. Purchase souvenirs from waterside shops or florists on shikaras. Visit local vegetable gardens and explore lakeside villages.
Voyage onto the quieter Nageen Lake, surrounded by poplar and willows. Visit the Hazratbal Mosque, a divine vision in white, considered the holiest Muslim shrine known to preserve a relic - Moi-e-Muqqadas, the blessed hair of the Prophet Muhammad. A Sukoon staff member will accompany and guide you throughout the journey.
Take a Sukoon Old City Walk
Introduce yourself to a bygone era of Srinagar. The Zaina Kadal bridge leads you to the old quarters of Srinagar. Soak in the narrow streets of old-world art, architecture and food. The Zaina Khadal Market may transport you to a rural Middle Eastern market out of the movies.
Smells and sights are unique here - dry spices, fruits and nuts. See coppersmiths beat copper sheets into souvenirs you can collect. Dine locally. Stroll uphill to the ancient Shankaracharya temple for a spectacular aerial view of the valley.
Join a Nourishing Nature Retreat
This five-day program delivers an immersive journey of your food — from sourcing your produce to cooking it. You can pre-book cooking sessions at Sukoon for the next day. Accompanied by the chef, your culinary quest begins in the morning by bartering on vegetables from the floating markets. Enjoy fishing by the shore and learn traditional recipes from local households.
Pick fish from trout farms en route to the Sukoon Safari Camp, set amidst lush deodar forests, where you will cook your dinner. You will receive a handout of recipes at the end of the trip.
Lodging
Live Life King Size
The houseboat, restored to its traditional old-world appeal, possesses a refined mystical Sufi charm. The creaky pinewood floors, chandeliers, ornate ceilings, colonial-style walnut furniture, cream linens, silk drapes and apparent Persian-style wood-carved panels and corridors are suggestive of an old-world Persian court.
Luxury meets comfort here — the rooms have antiques, extravagant tan-toned furniture and decorative carpets but with modern amenities, contemporary bathtubs, rainforest shower panels, organic toiletries and more.
The property has five rooms (all poetically named) - the Shalimar (garden of pleasure) suite and Nishat (garden of love), Pari Mahal (palace of fairies), Mehtab Bagh (moonlight garden) and Chashma Shahi (royal spring garden) as deluxe rooms.
Dining
Feast with Nature
Unwind with a private al fresco breakfast, lunch, sundowner or dinner on Fizaa (ambience) - a sun deck with a 360-degree view of the valley. Make a trade with the floating markets passing by — kaleidoscopic shikaras stacked with roses or delphiniums, Kashmir’s famous papier-mache handicrafts, groceries and more.
The dining deck inside serves Indian, Kashmiri and Continental cuisine. Harissa breakfast, Girda (local bread) and Kashmiri Wazwan (a multi-course vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal) are must-tries.
Sustainability Story
Sukoon, being a part of ABChapri Retreats, is determined to pursue its purpose of 'supporting the well-being of people, society and the environment' through sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. The houseboat operates by employing 95 per cent of residents and vendors from local communities. It curates immersive local experiences for its guests.
Being a pioneer in operating a bio-tank, discharged water is recycled and treated to compost the land. Filtered drinking water is procured through reverse osmosis. They also observe a no-plastic policy— only biodegradable products or metalware are used for serving.
Sukoon is a haven for the quintessential sensitive traveller. The lakes and the atmosphere here reflect a rare ephemeral quality. A personal transcendental experience with nature lies at the heart of the Sukoon experience.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at Sukoon Houseboat
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