As early as in 1890, during the British occupation, Abdul Rahman started his service of renting out Houseboats in Kashmir. With hard work, he managed to gain five houseboats, which were situated at the Dal Lake nearby Srinagar. Kashmir was during a long period a centre of the Sanskrit culture and rich in literature, sculpture, music, dance, painting, Handicraft and architecture. Abdul Rahman hoped his houseboats would provide a good stay for them who wanted to enjoy culture and the beautiful nature of Kashmir. His son, Ahmadoo (Karnai) Ratta, took over the business 1918. In his days, during the British occupation, Kashmir was a large principality, already famous for his hospitality. Ahmadoo Ratta took the rental business to a higher level. He changed the houseboats into floating palaces and he took care that his guests were treated like kings. From all over the world, the rich and famous visited his houseboats and, after the second worldwar, the High officials of the United Nations were regular guests. They also had their share of famous people, especially since the Bollywood movie industry had discovered Kashmir as a good location for their movies. Actors like Prithvi Rajkapoor, Raj Kapoor, Deelip kumar, Ashabhosle and Mufat Lal stayed at the houseboats.
