Olympias Athena is a family-run, owner-operated houseboat property on Dal Lake, Srinagar — two boats, Olympias and Athena, moored at one of the lake's most established addresses, run personally by owner Saif ul Rehman Guroo for over 15 years. This guide covers everything a first-time booker needs to know.
Quick Answer
Olympias Athena is a premium owner-operated houseboat pair at Ghat No. 13, Boulevard Road, Dal Lake, Srinagar, offering 15+ hand-carved walnut rooms from ₹8,000-15,000/night, all-inclusive with unlimited Shikara rides and optional Wazwan cuisine. Book direct via WhatsApp at +91 9596431735 — no third-party fees.
📍 Location
Olympias Athena sits at Ghat No. 13, Boulevard Road, Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir 190001 — a sheltered, well-established stretch of the lake with clear views of the Zabarwan range.
- From Srinagar Airport: ~14–16 km, about 30–40 minutes by road
- From Srinagar Railway Station: ~12–14 km, about 25–35 minutes by road
- Access from the ghat is by Shikara — arranged as part of your booking, no separate transfer needed
🛶 The Two Houseboats: Olympias & Athena
Named for Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great, and her daughter Athena, the two boats sit side by side and share the same standard of hand-carved walnut craftsmanship, hospitality, and included amenities. Between them, the property offers 15+ rooms, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, and larger family or group bookings that need multiple rooms under one roof.
🛏️ Room Categories
Each room is individually hand-carved in walnut, but they differ in size, layout, and included features:
Couple Room
Intimate, ideal for two →
Deluxe Room
More space, same craftsmanship →
Super Deluxe Room
Extra comfort and lake views →
Family Room
Built for groups and families →
Luxury Suite
Separate sitting area, top-tier →
Exact rates and current availability are best confirmed directly with the owner, since these vary by season and length of stay.
✨ What's Included
- Unlimited Shikara rides — floating gardens, sunset routes, and local markets, no extra charge
- Hand-carved walnut interiors — ceilings, bed frames, and window lattices, done by local artisans
- Sundeck access — for morning tea, evening meals, or simply watching the lake
- Direct owner hospitality — questions answered by Saif ul Rehman Guroo himself, not a call center
- Wi-Fi and modern comforts — balanced with the traditional houseboat aesthetic
🍽️ Food & Wazwan
Authentic Kashmiri Wazwan — Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and other traditional dishes — is available as an optional meal plan, cooked fresh rather than pre-made. Portions and spice levels can be adjusted for children or dietary needs with advance notice.
Read next: guest experiences from a first-time stay, a family trip, and a honeymoon — or the full history of Dal Lake's houseboats.
📞 How to Book
Booking is direct with the owner — no third-party platform, no booking fees added on top.
- 📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91 9596431735
- ✉️ Email: guroosaif6@gmail.com
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many rooms does Olympias Athena have?
15+ rooms across the two boats, spanning Couple, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Family, and Luxury Suite categories.
How do I book?
Directly via phone or WhatsApp at +91 9596431735, or by email at guroosaif6@gmail.com.
Are Shikara rides included?
Yes — unlimited Shikara rides are included in every stay at no extra cost.
Is food included?
Authentic Wazwan is available as an optional meal plan alongside your room booking.
How much does it cost to stay at Olympias Athena?
Rates typically range ₹8,000-₹15,000/night depending on room category and season, all-inclusive with meals and unlimited Shikara rides.
What's the difference between Olympias and Athena houseboats?
They're two side-by-side houseboats under the same ownership and craftsmanship standard, together offering 15+ rooms — useful for larger groups needing multiple rooms. Curious how they were built? Read how Dal Lake houseboats are made.
Is Olympias Athena suitable for families?
Yes — Family Rooms are designed for groups, and meal spice levels can be adjusted for children with advance notice. Want the bigger picture on Dal Lake itself? See our guide to Dal Lake.
💬 What Guests Say
"Booking directly with Saif made everything simple, and the hand-carved rooms were even more stunning than the photos suggested."
— Meera & Arjun Nair
"Unlimited Shikara rides genuinely meant unlimited — we lost count after the fourth sunset trip across the lake."
— James & Charlotte Wells, UK
⭐ See What Guests Are Saying on Google
Ready to check availability?
Reach out directly — no booking platform, no middleman.
View Olympias Houseboat → 💬 Ask on WhatsApp