The LaLit Grand Palace Srinagar

Nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountains that rise close to the shimmering eastern expanse of Dal Lake, The Lalit Grand Palace in Srinagar embodies the grandeur and mystique of Kashmir’s regal heritage—a timeless retreat where the echoes of royalty still linger. This palace, where natural beauty meets historical opulence, was constructed in 1910 by Maharaja Pratap Singh. Known then as Gulab Bhavan, it served as the royal residence for Maharaja Hari Singh. Spread over 50 acres of exquisitely landscaped gardens, the stately property retains its imperial charm and glory and feels like an oasis of tranquility and splendor. Even as autumn begins to tint the lawns in shades of gold and brown, the vast gardens, filled with fountains and flower beds, remain breathtakingly beautiful. Rows of apple and other fruit trees flank the path from the grand entrance to the main palace. One feels instantly transported to an era of royal elegance, from the surrounding greenery to the architecture, with every detail exuding sophistication. A charming horse-drawn carriage was always waiting by the entrance. The palace itself is a tribute to Kashmir's rich cultural heritage. The lobby, with its ceiling crafted in the intricate Khatamband style—a geometric marvel created without nails is a sight to behold. This traditional Persian-inspired, rare, and meticulously done woodwork speaks volumes about the region's artistry. Such details, found only in a few places like heritage houseboats, envelop us in the legacy of Kashmiri craftsmanship. Central to this heritage is the iconic Chinar tree in the palace courtyard, a silent witness to history. Under its wide, majestic canopy, Mahatma Gandhi met with Maharaja Hari Singh and Maharani Tara Devi in August 1947, when India was on the cusp of independence. This tree, whose leaves shift from deep green in summer to rich shades of amber, crimson, and gold in autumn, symbolizes resilience and beauty—qualities that Kashmir itself embodies. Dining under its branches brings an unparalleled sense of serenity and timelessness. The impeccable service throughout our stay added to the hotel’s charm. A standout in this regard was Mr. Pinto, the front desk manager, whose attentive presence enhanced our every interaction. When I mentioned, almost as an aside, that I had faced breathing issues in Gulmarg, which led to the cancellation of my fully paid reservation in Pahalgam, Mr. Pinto went above and beyond. Without my asking, he took it upon himself to call the Pine & Peak Hotel in Pahalgam, explaining my situation with remarkable empathy. To my surprise, he managed to secure a credit note for my canceled booking—an unanticipated kindness that left a lasting impression. Such thoughtful gestures transform a stay from enjoyable to unforgettable. The entire staff at The Lalit deserves commendation. The valets, front office team, and security personnel were courteous and efficient. The gardeners worked tirelessly to maintain the gr

Truly beautiful property nestled among hills with tall pine trees and with sprawling green gardens, and a view of the Dal Lake across. Staying here is a vacation in itself. Excellent hospitality, had memorable experiences with the staff, especially the Restaurant Manager Mr Ankit and Kirti.

GRAND CLASSY Depicts Warmth Colonial Expanse Parikshit Sir & Team Love The Palace Hotel LIKE Their OWN YES ITS Heritage BUT Yet Th VASTNESS TH Grandeur The Gardens THE Horse CHARIOTT The Warm Internal Pool The Evening Outdoor Dinner Miss IT ALL Being a senior Travel consultant, our eyes are always looking for the genuine For edge above the normal THE Way Independence Day Was Celebrated The Staff The G.M Himself THE Dignitaries THE KASHMIRI Fervour HAS ETCHED A MEMORY OF A LIFETIME DO EXPERIENCE ‘LALIT’ IF YOU LIKE YOUR TOUCH OF LUXURY ! ARTI CHAWLA

Amazing stay. Lalit has such a grandeur attached to it that one just watches it at l awestruck, the first time he or she visits it. Such was the case with my wife, though it was the third visit of mine to this amazing hotel. We loved every bit of our stay, which included not only the warmth of their sumptuous food but also the hospitality. We would specially like to thank Mr. Ankit Dwivedi from F&B who went out of the way to take care of the minutest of our needs.