Author Archives: tourmet mayuri

5 Hotels that Define Luxury in Srinagar

With their unique charm, considerate service, personalised touch and stylised interiors, these Srinagar hotels offer guests a luxurious base to settle into while exploring the Kashmir valley. From five-star chains to heritage properties; check in for a stay that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

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Taj Vivanta

Vivanta by Taj – Dal View is the most luxurious hotel in Kashmir. Perched on Kral Sangri hill, offering panoramic views of the Dal and surrounded by the majestic Zabarwan mountains, this stunning hotel has added an element of style to the surrounding landscape. Showcasing a contemporary design aesthetic, it manages to stand apart in its individuality while embracing the essence of the valley. The exterior of the hotel features warm and earthy shades, and is accented by elements of copper and locally-sourced carvings. Just a short 20 km drive from Srinagar International Airport and accessible by a dedicated road leading up from the Boulevard.

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Almond Villa

Hidden amidst stunning fruit orchards on the eastern slope of Shakaracharya Hill, this former abode of the erstwhile Dogra royalty offers the most ambient and cosy lodging in Srinagar. Run by the former Maharaja’s granddaughter, Jyoti Singh, the property consists of the red brick and stone Almond Villa and the smaller Walnut Cottage a five minute walk away. Expect plush bedrooms with large bay windows that look over the Dal Lake and the orchards. Food is absolutely top-notch and prepared from organic produce grown on the grounds.

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The Lalit Grand Palace

Located right in the heart of Srinagar, the Lalit Grand Palace in Srinagar is a luxury hotel set against the backdrop of the Zabarwan mountain range and overlooks the Dal Lake. Built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1910, it was originally known as Gulab Bhavan and served as the residence for the ruling family of Kashmir. The hotel has played host to heads-of-state, diplomatic delegations and glamorous international celebrities and was voted the Best Hotel in the Heritage Category by India Today Travel Plus magazine. The two-storey heritage property is surrounded by sprawling lawns and century-old chinar trees, and has now been meticulously restored to its full glory. It encloses 113 rooms and suites, along with 10 cottages, 4 restaurants and a luxury spa.

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Hotel Broadway

This hotel offers guests a range of well appointed rooms and suites, all of which have been recently refurbished and equipped with all the latest facilities. Blending smart architecture with design aesthetics, this property strikes the right balance and is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Enjoy some delectable world cuisine including authentic Kashmiri at their in-house restaurant Taffree, spend an evening at the poolside bar, and when you’re not relaxing, engage yourself at the swimming pool, billiards room, retail stores and the golf course just next door.

Hotel Dar-Es-Salam

Offering both exclusivity and luxury, this is the perfect getaway for those who value some privacy and tranquillity. An embodiment of the valley’s graciousness, the hospitality offered to guests here is exceptional. Once a stately home, Dar-Es-Salam has the distinction of being the only hotel perched just aside the beautiful Nageen Lake, with easy access to the heart of the city. Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, this hotel is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The 14 elegantly appointed double rooms including two suites are luxuriously furnished and beautifully decorated. The hotel is also centrally heated, making it a preferred option in the snowy winter months.

Budget stays in Srinagar

Budget accommodation in Srinagar is not hard to come by and centred around the Dal Gate, Lal Chowk area. Here are our top picks.

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Hotel Kohlees

This mid-ranger is attractively located just a short distance from Lal Chowk yet escapes being in the middle of all the chaotic traffic near Dal Gate. There’s a variety of rooms and basic suites. Ideal for those who don’t have their own transport but want to explore the city on foot.

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Hotel Swiss

Located in the shadow of Shankracharya Hill, just a hop-skip-and-jump from the Dal Lake, Hotel Swiss is a moderate sized property popular among budget travellers looking for comfort at a bargain. Sequestered in one of Srinagar’s most sophisticated and quiet suburbs with a lush green garden out front, it’s perfect for some peace and quiet after a busy day of sightseeing.

Hotel-JH-

Hotel JH Bazaz

Top Attraction In Srinagar

Srinagar is a famous tourist sightseeing for all the visitors from all around the World. Tourmet offers you list of top attractions in Srinagar.

1. Dal Lake

Dal Lake is famous not only for its beauty, but for its vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in the world. The houseboat and shikara communities have lived for centuries on the Dal, and so complete is their infrastructure on the lake, that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors, and bakers – you’ll see them all in tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable gardens and acres of lotus gardens.

2. Shalimar Bagh

Shalimar Bagh was constructed by the great Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1619 for his beloved wife Nurjahan, the sprawling garden with four terraces, imposing fountains, well laid out manicured gardens, tall trees & fresh mountain air is one of the must visit places while in Srinagar. Located 15 km from the city the easiest way to reach the gardens is by taking a Shikara ride from Dal Lake. The Mughal Gardens layout taken from the Persian gardens has three terraces with fountains & lined with Chinar trees. Each of the 3 terraces carried distinct importance, the first one being the public terrace; called the Diwan-e-Aam. The second terrace called the Diwan-e-Khas was accessible only to nobles or guests of the court. And the third & the highest terrace called as “Abode of Love” was reserved for the king and the royal ladies. Nishat Bagh and Dal Lake are some adjoining attractions to Shalimar Bagh.

3. Houseboat

Houseboat stay is sure to make you feel pampered and facilitated with all the amenities for a luxury holiday. No trip to Srinagar is complete without staying on one of the several luxurious houseboats. Anchored along one of the largest lakes in India, the Dal Lake, these houseboats are complete with vibrantly furnished bedrooms, a drawing room, kitchen & bathroom. Charges: Rs 4,500 for a deluxe category per night to Rs 5,500 for a super deluxe category including breakfast & dinner.

4. Mughal Gardens

Mughal Gardens is a major attraction for tourists coming to Srinagar, built in the Mughal period. A fine example of Mughal style architecture, the garden is a combination of the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Gardens & Chashm-e-shahi. All of these gardens are located on different sides of the picturesque Dal Lake & hence provide great views of the lake. The most prominent feature of the gardens its long stretches of cascading fountains makes this a must see for every traveler.

5. Shikara boat

Shikara boat rides offer breathtaking the water bodies of the Kashmir. The joy of smoothly gliding over the water with the crisp sound of the paddle indeed is a feeling to be imbibed. Dal & Nagin lakes offer joyous shikara boat rides in Srinagar city. While on a shikara boat, the view of Zabarwan hills is just thrilling and with rhythmic tossing of water waves with the boat making the experience of the boat ride a pure fascination. The flower and boutique vendors on the shikara boats make the voyage more charming. Sightseeing of Dal and Nagin lakes on a shikara ride makes the trip adventurous particularly the inside Dal lake boat rides. The joy is unlimited and experience unforgetable. There are several shikara boat ghats alongside the Dal lake banks of Boulevard road. There are main 3 ghats of Shikaraboat, besides other small ones, which include Dalgate, Nehru Park, Nagin Lake, Hazratbal, Gagribal.

6. Nagin Lake

Nagin Lake of Kashmir is an offshoot leading from the Dal Lake. The Nagin Lake is located to the east of the city, at the foothill of the mountain Zabarwan. On the edges of the Nageen Lake are a number of willow and poplar trees. The reflection of these tees in the water of the lake lends it a beautiful view. Surrounded by Shankaracharya hill (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari Parbat on the west, the Nagin Lake of Kashmir presents a charming sight. Shikaras, ferrying people to and from the lake, are a fascinating feature of the lake. Bathing boats as well as water-skis and motor launches are also available for hire at the lake.

7. Hari Parbat Fort

Hari Parbat Fort is located to the West of the Dal Lake, is the Harbat Parbat Hill overlooking Srinagar. An ancient Mughal Fort, the Hari Parbat Fort is assumed to be built during the 18th century by an Afghan Governer, Atta Mohammad Khan. A long stretch of walls is seen around the hill and it was constructed in 1590 by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort is accessible by taxis or on foot. Maintained by the Archaeological department, the fort is an attractive historical monument of Srinagar. State Archaeological Department issues the required permission to visit the fort. Other attractions nearby are Lalmandi Square and Sharika Devi Temple.

8. Burzahom

Burzahom is a major historical site of Kashmir carrying great archaeological importance and is located on the north-west side of the famous Shalimar Gardens. It was discovered that the area was occupied by a Neolithic settlement between 3000 and 1500 BC. The ancient houses found here were semi-subterranean pit houses, partially excavated into the ground. After 2000 BC, houses here were made of mud-bricks and above ground level. The word Burzahom in the local language stands for ‘place of birch’. The place was named so because burnt birch trees were discovered here in huge numbers during the excavation of this site. This proved that birch trees grew here in abundance during the Neolithic Age.

9. Sinthan Top

Sinthan Top is perhaps one of the best natural beauty area in Kashmir. The new highway is so clear and safe and easily takes you to Sinthan Top. Most of the tourists are unaware of this place and even the cabbies will not take much pain or even botheration to inform you about this place. Sinthan Top…12000 ft above sea level is one of the best experiences . Reaching there may take a lot of patience for those who are short on time but it is a must see. Tourists are generally not suggested this place for reasons better known to them, but in a way its good because if the place get too crowded, it may lose its charm.

10. Jamia Masjidis

Jamia Masjidis an ancient mosque, which was destroyed and restored several times over the centuries. It is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The present mosque, an impressive building without an opped dome, was built in 1674. Situated at Nowhatta, in the middle of the old city, the mosque’s main attraction is the prayer hall, which contains 370 wooden pillars; each one made with a single piece of deodar trunk. The compound is constructed in the style of a Mughal Garden, with two wide paths. This spacious mosque can accommodate 30,000 people at one time during prayers. Taxis can be hired to reach the shrine. Rozabal shrine is a nearby attraction that can be visited.

Coffea Arabica

Location : M.A.Road, Broadway Hotel, Srinagar.
Contact No : 0194 245 9001

Open : 9am -10.30pm

This bistro behind a half-timbered façade, is very spacious and sports a new blend of cuisines in a city like Srinagar. Pizzas, Momos, Cakes, Milkshakes all are available here. A nice place to hangout.

Lhasa Restaurant

Location : Lane 2, Boulevard Road, Srinagar.

Contact No : 0194-2500517

Open : 9:30am-9pm

Located near the shore of majestic Dal Lake, Lhasa is a convivial walled garden or a low-ceilinged oriental dining room with the elements of Buddhist design and style. It serves the best Chinese and Tibetan dishes in the area and is a hot favorite among the youth.

Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

Location : Near the Dal Gate opp HP petrol pump on the Jammu Highway .

Contact No : N.A

Open : 8am-10.30pm

Krishna Vaishno Dhaba serves very authentic Indian food near the Dal Gate opposite HP petrol pump on the Jammu Highway. A perfect place for the bag packers or even tourists to enjoy some lip smacking vegetarian preparations.

Cafe de Linz

Location : Street Court Rd, Srinagar.

Contact No : N.A

Open : noon-10.30pm

With a very unusual cozy ambiance, dim light, this is a semicircular restaurant and serves typical range of Indian and Chinese dishes. Try Rogan josh here.

Rogan Josh

Location : Local eateries in Srinagar .

Contact No : N.A

Open : N.A

Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine is primarily famous for its non-vegetarian dishes and Rogan Josh is its signature dish. This spicy red lamb-based curry is ideally eaten with saffron rice.

Yakhni

Location : Local eateries in Srinagar .

Contact No : N.A

Open : N.A

This lamb dish is cooked in curd based gravy which adds the delicious creamy texture. Don’t forget to finish the delicious meal with a cup of Kashmiri kahwah.

Dum Aloo

Location : The Chinar Local eateries in Srinagar .

Contact No : N.A

Open : N.A

A favourite amongst vegetarians, Dum Aloo is a typical Kashmiri dish which gets its name as it’s cooked under pressure or dum. Some add dry fruits to enhance the flavour of the dish as well.