SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

THE SUKOON HOUSEBOAT, KASHMIR

THE SUKOON HOUSEBOAT

COMPLETE WITH MODERN LUXURIES

One of the most stately and regal ways to journey around Kashir’s beautiful Lake Dal must surely be aboard The Sukoon; a traditional Shikhara houseboat, complete with modern luxuries.

You cruise so smoothly and quietly that it’s possible to imagine you aren’t moving at all – that the lakeside forests, with their picturesque trees and colourful birds, are gliding past you, rather than vice versa. The locals in their tiny fishing villages pause in their daily tasks to wave as you sail past. Shopkeepers smile at you from their waterside stores. Busy markets call out to you. Merchants’ boats draw alongside selling Kashmiri embroidery, jewellery and leatherwork. And when you land you’re free to browse through ancient gardens originally created by Mughal emperors and still bursting with colour and resounding with birdsong. You’ll venture along forest paths that give way to unchanged villages in shaded clearings. You’ll discover hilltop temples, deserted except for the ghosts of their gods, and ancient forts perched high above rolling plains.

KASHMIR, INDIA

TRADITIONAL SHIKHARA HOUSEBOAT

Be sure to keep your camera charged; the forts will present you with wide angle views of the spreading countryside. The lake at its most tranquil will mirror the life on its banks. The forests always suggest chance encounters with wildlife, birds and a profusion of flowers. Small wonder the word ‘Sukoon’ is found in Sufi poetry and means the equivalent of spiritual awareness.

OVERVIEW

THE SUKOON HOUSEBOAT

At a Glance

Traditional Shikhara Houseboat, recreated to offer luxurious modern amenities
Five spacious cabins including one suite
All with contemporary en suite bathrooms
Charming Kashmiri-style décor and furnishings throughout
Large windows giving superb views over the lake and passing banks
Capacious, traditionally furnished living room with gleaming wooden floors and observation-size windows
Dining room with carved walnut furniture, serving authentic Kashmir, Indian and international food
Sun deck offering 360˚ panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside – perfect for relaxing with a sundowner

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“BEAUTIFULLY ORGANISED AND PERFECT RECOMMENDATIONS. ”

“What a fantastic trip organised by Ultimate. They listened to what we wanted and set up perfect destinations for us. Everyone was friendly and professional from the office in London through to on-the-ground support. The organisation of pick-ups, connecting flights and so on, went like clockwork.”

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“MY FIRST PORT OF CALL FROM NOW ON. ”

“Efficient, friendly and helpful throughout. made everything a million times easier, Ultimate Travel Company will by my first port of call from now on.”

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“FANTASTIC!”

“Sophie went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic honeymoon. We had 0 stress relating to planning and everything was taken care of from the moment we stepped off the plane. Sophie anticipated what we wanted when we didn’t even know ourselves. We will certainly be booking with Ultimate again.”

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“PROBLEM FREE EXCELLENCE.”

“Efficiently organised, everything went like clockwork. This is all the more remarkable since the tour involved considerable complexity.”

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“AN EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE COMPANY.”

“We have continued to ask Ultimate Travel to make our distant overseas travel arrangements for many years and they have always given us great service.”