Winter in Kashmir Calling: Luxurious Kashmiri Retreats for a December to Remember!

Winter in Kashmir Calling: Luxurious Kashmiri Retreats for a December to Remember!

By Author

Published on November 17, 2023

As December ushers in, it brings with it the true essence of winter in Kashmir, transforming the valley into a breathtaking panorama of pristine snow and peaceful tranquility. There's something truly magical about this time of year in Kashmir—the way the snowflakes dance in the air, the quiet hush that falls over the mountains, and the warmth of a steaming cup of Kahwa against the chill. It's not just a winter getaway; it's an experience that touches your soul.I've handpicked five luxurious hotels where comfort meets elegance amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. Let's embark on a journey through these enchanting abodes that promise an unforgettable winter escapade.

1. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg: Your Luxe Winter Castle

Perched at a dizzying 8,825ft in the Pir Panjal range, The Khyber isn't just a hotel; it's an elevation to cloud nine! It's the only luxury five-star spot in Gulmarg, so you're literally on top of the world. Just a gondola ride away from the highest ski point in the Himalayas, this place is your gateway to a snowy paradise. After a day of skiing, thaw out with some steaming kahwa in the tea lounge and indulge in a wazwan feast. Trust me, the view of snow-draped peaks from here is the only drama you need!

Room Rates: Doubles start at Rs 23,488. Your wallet might feel lighter, but your soul will thank you!

2. WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels, Pine N Peak Pahalgam: Where Tradition Meets Tranquility

Sitting pretty on the Rajwas plateau, this luxury abode features rooms that whisper tales of Kashmiri artistry. With three in-house restaurants, your taste buds are in for a royal treat. Imagine grilling kebabs under a blanket of stars or sipping noon chai as you soak in the serenity of the Liddle River, just a stone's throw away. And don't miss the winter spectacle at Betaab Valley, just 8km from your cozy nest.

Room Rates: Starting at a cool Rs 11,600 for doubles. Worth every penny for those star-spangled nights!

3. Vivanta Dal View, Srinagar: A Kaleidoscope of Seasons

Perched on the Kralsangri hill, Vivanta Dal View offers a visual feast. It's like Mother Nature's favorite canvas, with each season painting a new masterpiece. Winter wraps the Zabarwan Range in a snowy embrace, offering you the perfect backdrop for your kahwa and book rendezvous. Dive into the infinity pool with valley views, or treat yourself to a Kashmiri wazwan dinner. It's not just a stay; it's a journey through the seasons!

Room Rates: Doubles from Rs 18,000. Your Instagram stories are going to be epic!

4. The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar: Live Like Royalty

Once a royal residence, The Lalit Grand Palace is where history and luxury waltz together. From Gandhi's historic meetings to majestic views of the Dal, this palace is a chapter from a fairy tale. Butler service, a temperature-controlled pool, and a royal feast await you. It's like stepping into a time machine, but with all the modern luxuries.

Room Rates: Starting at Rs 18,000 for doubles. For a taste of royalty, that's a steal!

5. Skyview by Empyrean, Jammu: Your Adventure Awaits

Patnitop's new gem, Skyview by Empyrean, is where adventure meets luxury. Nestled in the Sanget valley, each room offers a front-row seat to the Shivalik ranges and, wait for it, gondolas! Get your adrenaline pumping with ziplining and tube sledging, then wind down with Dogri delicacies under the stars.

Room Rates: A cool Rs 8,500 for doubles. Adventure and luxury? Yes, please!

So, there you have it, mountain lovers! Kashmir's calling with its winter wonderland, and these five star stays are your golden tickets to a December dream. Pack your bags, grab your cameras, and let the chill thrills begin!

Note: Room rates are approximate and subject to change; please check the official hotel websites for current pricing.


Urban Square Mall Brings Udaipur Together to Create 300-Foot Tricolour

Urban Square Mall Brings Udaipur Together to Create 300-Foot Tricolour

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2026

Urban Square Mall brought the people of Udaipur together for a unique Independence Day celebration, creating a 300-foot-wide Tricolour through the hand impressions of more than 10,000 people from across the city.

The community-led artwork was conceptualised and sketched by Urban Sketchers, led by renowned architect Sunil Ladha. Thousands of individual hand impressions came together to form one large Tricolour, turning the celebration into a shared expression of patriotism and community spirit.

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Measuring 300 feet in width and 15 feet in height, the artwork was divided into three 100-foot panels representing saffron, white and green. Each section was filled with the actual hand impressions of citizens, making the Tricolour a creation of the people of Udaipur.

The initiative saw participation from several community groups and organisations, including the Udaipur Pink Women Army led by Dr. Archana Shaktawat, BCI Tourism Group led by Shradhha Gattani and Mukesh Madhwani, Urban Sketchers, and schools including St. Matthew School, Prayas, Miranda and Royal Academy. Members of the Riverfront Nav Rattan community, RWAs such as Grace Crystal, customers and mall teams, along with social communities such as Let Us Hopp, also joined the initiative.

Adding to the meaning of the artwork, the mural featured visual references to iconic figures including Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, along with other freedom fighters. The artwork connected Udaipur's Mewar legacy with India's wider freedom movement, highlighting themes of courage, unity and national pride.

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Commenting on the initiative, Nandini Taneja, CEO, Bhumika Enterprises, said, “We are overwhelmed by the response and participation this initiative received from the people of Udaipur. What makes this Tricolour truly special is that it has been created by the hands of the community itself. More than 10,000 people came together, each leaving their own impression to create one powerful symbol of unity and patriotism. We thank every school, community, resident group, brand partner and individual who became a part of this celebration. At Urban Square Mall, we are proud to have provided a platform that brought the city together in such a meaningful and memorable way.”

The completed 300-foot Tricolour was displayed at Urban Square Mall, turning the destination into a vibrant Independence Day celebration and giving the people of Udaipur a shared symbol created by their own hands. The initiative captured a simple message: 10,000+ hands, one flag and one united spirit of India.


Godrej Home Lockers Teams Up With Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Ranveer Singh to Redefine Home Security

By Hariharan U

Published on March 21, 2026

Godrej has always stood for trust and protection in Indian homes, and its latest campaign makes that message impossible to miss. The Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprises Group has collaborated with the highly anticipated film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, featuring Ranveer Singh, to launch a co-branded digital campaign that puts Godrej home lockers squarely at the centre of the home security conversation.

The concept is a natural fit. Dhurandhar, as a word and as a character, carries weight: strength, resilience, and an unshakeable sense of dependability. Those are precisely the values Godrej has built its security portfolio around, and the collaboration uses the film's powerful narrative to bring that connection to life in a way that feels culturally relevant and immediately relatable.

A co-branded video featuring Ranveer Singh has been launched across digital platforms, blending cinematic storytelling with a strong product narrative that highlights the robustness and reliability of Godrej home lockers. The campaign is being amplified through YouTube, Connected TV, and Meta platforms, targeting audiences where the conversation about both entertainment and home safety is most active.

Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head of the Security Solutions Business at Godrej Enterprises Group, explained what drew the brand to this collaboration. "Dhurandhar: The Revenge as a concept represents strength, resilience, and dependability, values that are deeply embedded in our brand ethos. By collaborating with a cultural moment led by a dynamic personality like Ranveer Singh, we can bring alive the idea that true strength lies in securing what matters most. Our home lockers are designed to be that unwavering protector for Indian households."

The campaign arrives at a time when Indian consumers are increasingly thinking about both physical and digital safety at home. Godrej's Security Solutions Business has been responding to that shift with advanced home lockers that bring together modern technology and the kind of legacy trust that has been built over decades.

Positioning the product as the true Dhurandhar of the household is a smart and memorable way to make that case, and with Ranveer Singh delivering the message, the reach is guaranteed to be significant.


IHCL’s Gateway Brand Reaches 50-Hotel Milestone with Hyderabad Signing

IHCL’s Gateway Brand Reaches 50-Hotel Milestone with Hyderabad Signing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 16, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Gateway hotel in Somajiguda, Hyderabad. With this addition, the Gateway brand has reached a significant milestone of a 50-hotel portfolio. The upcoming property will be developed as a conversion project.

Speaking about the development, Ms Leah Tata, Vice President & Brand Leader, Gateway Hotels & Resorts, IHCL, said, “The re-imagined Gateway’s ethos is centred on the idea of creating a ‘Gateway to a Destination’, with hotels that are closely connected to the cultural fabric of the location. This strength of the brand has enabled it to rapidly scale to a 50-hotel portfolio, capturing the growth in business and leisure markets across metros cities, state capitals and commercial centres. With the addition of Gateway Hyderabad, the brand debuts in the city and we are delighted to partner with Mr. D. Siva Rama Raju and Mr. DVS. Soma Raju for this project.”

Located in the heart of Hyderabad, the 225-key Gateway Somajiguda, Hyderabad will offer a range of dining and recreational facilities. The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Leisure amenities will include a modern gym, health club, swimming pool and treatment rooms.

The property will also cater to meetings and events with extensive conference infrastructure. It will include 11 banquet halls, with the largest spanning approximately 10,000 square feet, supported by multiple meeting rooms, making it suitable for both corporate gatherings and social events.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr D. Siva Rama Raju and Mr DVS. Soma Raju said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL for this project. We look forward to bringing a refreshed hospitality experience to Somajiguda.”

Somajiguda is one of Hyderabad’s prominent commercial and residential areas, known for its corporate offices, retail establishments, and healthcare institutions. Its central location makes it a strategic destination for business travellers as well as leisure visitors.

With the addition of this project, IHCL will have eight hotels in Telangana, including three currently under development, further strengthening its footprint in the region.

Mr D. Siva Rama Raju, an entrepreneur from Andhra Pradesh, began his professional journey in agriculture and civil contracting before establishing himself as a leading real estate developer and hotelier in Hyderabad. He is also recognised for his philanthropic and religious contributions.

Mr DVS. Soma Raju, an MBA graduate from the University of Dubuque in the United States, has gained hands-on hospitality experience both in the U.S. and India. He previously led the development and operations of a hotel in Hyderabad and later co-founded a large-scale 999-bed medical tourism project.

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