R.I.E. heritage Group of Houseboats is Online Division of Royal India Expedition & Sub.  Division of Shelter Houseboats, is in Travel Trade Business from the times immemorial, as our ancestors have been Legendry Pioneers in the Travel Trade Since 1880 with just one barrage (Water Transportation) as there were no means of automobile transportation in Kashmir and in fact the trade route was through rivers only and also the Carts were also the sources of transportation as well, but it took long time to bring things from one place to another. It was also difficult to use carts during winter times because of our winters the roads used to remain snow bound for months together. The Barges were being used to carry Provisions, other stock items of daily use through rivers, lakes & streams. This unique Kashmiri tradition of gracious waterside living originated with the first British residents of Kashmir. In order to prevent them from assuming power, the Maharaja of Kashmir forbade the British to own land; their solution was to build their residences on water, with the houseboats evolving from modest floating homes to veritable floating palaces. These hand-built houseboats, boasting all the amenities of 5-star hotels, are one of Srinagar's stellar attractions.