Our family business has a rich history that dates back to 1840, when the British Raj was at its peak. During this time, the Maharaja of Kashmir made a significant decision: while the British would retain dominion over the region, he imposed one condition: no fixed buildings could be constructed by non-natives. In response, the British adapted by creating homes on the water — among the earliest of these houseboats was built by John Lockwood Kipling, the famous British artist and writer. Aziz Goroo, my great-grandfather (1808-1892), became Kipling’s caretaker and managed this iconic houseboat. After about four decades, Kipling sold the houseboat to Aziz Goroo, marking the beginning of our family’s deep-rooted involvement in Kashmir’s hospitality industry.