Set against the backdrop of Shankaracharya Hill on Srinagar’s serene Gupkar Road, this charming European-style villa is gaining traction for all the right reasons. Overlooking the vast private orchard of the estate leading to the Dal Lake and a 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains, this property is owned by Maharaja Hari Singh. Let’s take a closer look at this spectacular villa.
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Inside Karan Mahal
Built by Maharaja Hari Singh, Karan Mahal is a beautiful royal residence-turned boutique hotel that features European architecture. A decade later, it became the residence of his son, Dr Karan Singh, the Sadre-e-Riyasat of the princely state and the first Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. This stunning villa became home to Vikramaditya Singh and Chitrangada Raje in 1988. However, the trouble in the valley pushed the valley to stay away from it. However, after 2011, Vikramaditya and Chitrangada decided to revamp the place. It took around 10 years for the restoration to be completed, and it finally opened its doors to visitors in 2011.
From wooden ceilings to crystal chandeliers
With five beautifully appointed premium rooms, three luxurious suites divided between the ground and first floor, this villa is one of the most luxurious holiday homes for guests. Each guest room has its own private balcony that offers a view of the sprawling garden. The interiors of the villa are adorned with vintage Kashmiri carpets, handcrafted wooden ceilings, crystal chandeliers, art deco furniture, and exquisite artefacts.
{{/usCountry}}With five beautifully appointed premium rooms, three luxurious suites divided between the ground and first floor, this villa is one of the most luxurious holiday homes for guests. Each guest room has its own private balcony that offers a view of the sprawling garden. The interiors of the villa are adorned with vintage Kashmiri carpets, handcrafted wooden ceilings, crystal chandeliers, art deco furniture, and exquisite artefacts.
{{/usCountry}}The colour combination of the entire villa was kept muted in a way to ensure that it feels soothing to the eyes. From Osler chandeliers to Lalique light fittings, leather dining chairs to burnished tables, and cabinets, it was ensured that the restoration would not take away the vintage charm of the place. The art of handcrafted wooden ceilings, called Khatamband, enriches every single room in the property. All the designs that exist in the history of this local wood work are present in the house.
Amenities offered
Each room of the villa is equipped with modern amenities, including free wifi and breakfast on the tariff. The private forest and orchard of the estate are open morning and evening for complimentary escorted nature walks. The royal kitchen of the Karan Mahal is kept alive with age-old recipes of the royal family, offering a plethora of traditional Dogram Nepalese and Kashmiri dishes. This villa is exclusively open for resident guests only. Dal Lake, Tulip Garden, Mughal Garden, Royal Springs Golf Course, and Srinagar city are barely minutes away from the estate.