Maharaja Pratap Singh is fondly remembered in Jammu and Kashmir for modernizing and revolutionizing living conditions in the region. Via construction projects, he improved transportation by creating road networks, established accessible healthcare with government hospitals, and raised the educational levels of his people with schools and colleges.

Along the way, he also built Gulab Bhavan in 1910, a lakeside royal residence for himself and his family. His successor, Maharaja Hari Singh, expanded the palace during his reign, and converted it into a luxury hotel in 1956. Since it was acquired in 1998 by The Lalit Hospitality Group, it took on a new name as The LaLit Grand Palace Srinagar.

The LaLit Grand Palace Srinagar boasts a fusion of native Dogra, Kashmiri, and European architectural concepts. Its tiled roofs and symmetrical, white facade are notable hallmarks of Western design, reminiscent of French chateaux and Spanish paradores. Other design aspects include terraces and fountains fenced with lattice parapets, and heavy wheeled cannons now maintained as garden decor.

Guests who step into the palace will be impressed by the regal accouterments and embellishments. Displayed on the walls are portraits, paintings, and photographs of royal personages and their exploits. The floors are covered with ethnic carpets and rugs, including a treasured 300-year-old Iranian carpet used in the palace's banquet hall.

A traditional Kashmiri building technique called Khatambandh is used for constructing the ceilings of rooms and social spaces like the lobby. This process involves woodworking wherein smaller pieces are combined to create a greater whole, all without the use of nails.

The Chinar

Named after the local word for the Kashmiri maple tree, The Chinar offers menus that embody the diversity and richness of the region's cuisine. Aside from Indian and Jammu-Kashmiri cuisine, the restaurant also has international dishes available.

The Chinar Garden

Savor the fantastic recipes of The Chinar in an outdoor setting, where you can admire the beauty of Dal Lake and the Kashmiri Mountains along with your meal. The gardens are also a fitting place to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea.

Dal Bar

Although alcohol is limited in availability and access in Jammu and Kashmir, the Dal Bar openly welcomes guests to sit down and enjoy a drink. Choose from their selection of wines, malts, and other liquors from India and around the world.

Perfect for royal weddings filled with pomp and grandeur, The LaLit Grand Palace Srinagar will be happy to accommodate your matrimonial ceremonies and banquets. Make Dal Lake and the Kashmiri Mountains the magical backdrops of your vows. Choose from an outdoor venue surrounded by blooming flowers or an indoor hall that once hosted royal banquets and is lit by grand chandeliers.

Durbar Hall

A 2000 sqft (186 sqm) banquet hall where the Maharaja himself held his royal parties and feasts. The high ceilings and bright chandeliers create a dazzling venue, while royal paintings and antique carpets generate an air of splendor.

North and South Halls

Should you need a smaller venue, you may instead book either of these two halls. Each offers a capacity of 100 guests and features well-decorated interior spaces suitable for ceremonies and receptions banquets.

The Gardens

The palace gardens boast an expansive 40,000 sqft (3716 sqm) of outdoor greenery surrounded by Chinar trees, landscaped flowerbeds, and glistening fountains. Scale up or scale down your venue as you desire. Have the hotel host a grand royal ceremony similar to that in the Maharaja's time, or a humble gathering with your closest friends and family.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

When Maharaja Pratap Singh introduced improvements and reforms to Jammu and Kashmir, he envisioned a land where his people could live contentedly and happily. You can experience the fruits of the Maharaja's efforts in Srinagar by availing the tour packages offered by The LaLit Grand Palace Srinagar. Visit historic religious sites such as Jamia Masjid and Shankaracharya Temple. Hop aboard a shikara boat and cruise on Dal Lake, sightseeing as you admire the wildlife and nature, and shopping at floating markets. Via the lake, you can also check out the neighboring villages and towns to browse their crafts and try their cuisine.

Events and Other Celebrations

The LaLit Grand Palace Srinagar's indoor and outdoor venues are also available for corporate events and functions, such as seminars, retreats, and conferences. The banquet halls are perfect if you're expecting around 100 guests, though a much larger gathering would require the reservation of the much more spacious gardens.

For private celebrations, such as birthdays and anniversaries, guests can instead request a private table. Should they require a larger venue, they may also look into booking a smaller section of the garden, or one of the banquet halls.