Rah Bagh: This Off-Grid Retreat Will Take You To A Corner of Kashmir You Haven't Heard of Before!

Nestled amidst Zawarban mountains and pine forest in the outskirts of Srinagar, Rah Bagh is a retreat in every sense of the word. Here guests go through a blissful immersion in nature. Architecture takes the form of alpine-style chalets built with minimal disruption to its pristine environment. Rimmed by high mountains and centred on an apple orchard, the rural chalet vibe fuses with modern amenities such as a swimming pool, spas and a sky cafe. It makes you want to stay and take it all in Rah Bagh.

What makes this alpine chalet special?

Natural timber fills up the interiors. There are six chalets–three-storey structures having premium rooms and garden suites on the first and second floors. The top floor attic rooms are the preferred choice for luxe seeking travellers. Kashmiri decors such as elegant carpeted floors, hand-carved wooden furnitures, embroidered bed throws and linens beddings embellish the sprawling rooms. Timber-panelled vaulted roofs in the attic bedroom brings a cosy feel to the stay. Corner spaces like low attic seating with views of the forest, and drapes tucked into canopied beds celebrate high Kashmiri life.

At the end of the day, relax on a plush queen-sized bed with quality linen. Minimally dressed in an eclectic mix of modern and traditional furnishings, the room has been designed keeping unsullied comfort in mind. Each detail is thoughtful with elements like bamboo baskets containing goodies and glass water bottles kept bedside. Large windows frame the spectacular views of the outdoors and offer travellers an opportunity to soak in sunlight through the day. The room also has a Jacuzzi, which you can make the most of every night before going to bed!

Rah Bagh is also ideal for a workation, as it comes with the excellent Wi-Fi facilities and a study table in all the rooms.

Things to do in Rah Bagh

While the Zabarwan mountains and forest form the backdrop of this resort, the inside exhibits an open space within the apples orchard and water bodies. Every morning fresh apple juice from their orchard is always a good idea.

If the weather is not too chilly, you can enjoy a lovely candle-lit dinner. Even on occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, Rah Bagh's team will leave no stone unturned to make you feel special!

Other activities crafted for explorers

On an early morning at Rah Bagh, head out for a shikara ride at Dal lake's floating vegetable market. The lake is home to thousands of people living on its shores on stilt houses.

If a wildlife safari is your kind of adventure, go on a jungle trek to Dachigam National Park to sight the endangered hangul (Kashmiri stag), a rare animal only found in this part of the world. The national park is barely a ten-minute drive from Rah Bagh.

The team led by Gawher Rah also organizes a guided heritage walk in Srinagar's old city. Mountain biking around the slopes of Srinagar is also an option for you to explore. All these activities can be arranged with prior notice.

Enjoy traditional Kashmiri home food at Rah Bagh

Wan Posh, the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant is your gateway to experience some authentic Kashmiri dishes and other north Indian fares. I spoke with Chef Bakshi, who highlighted that specialty dishes such as rogan josh, mutton korma, and different kebabs are a must-have during my stay. Being a multi-cuisine chef, he dished out all the sumptuous kebabs, dals and curries on the day's spread.

My favourite dish was the rogan josh — a mutton curry braised in gravy flavored with aromatic spices like fennel, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon & ginger and many more. What made this special was the flavour-packed gravy, slow-cooked in lamb fat. I would also recommend the creamy and spiced white mutton korma. If you wish to explore, try the dish of the day.

The property aims to give experiences, be it in adventure, culture, or dining. Ditch the tourist trails and go deeper with the unique and off-grid adventures in and around Srinagar with Rah Bagh.

Before I left, Mr Nazir Rah, the owner of Rah Hotels, filled me in about planning a hike for patrons (with a picnic lunch) to the surrounding hillock, which boasts stunning views of Dachigam National Park. Perhaps another reason to return to this place for me, I told him.

To enquire more about the property, visit the Rah Bagh by the Orchard and speak with the team personally.

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