Rah Bagh is a luxury boutique resort and an ode to Kashmir, the brainchild of – Nazir and Katherine Rah. Rather than succumbing to the allure of constructing a sprawling hotel with a multitude of rooms, the Rahs opted for a more intimate approach, prioritising quality over quantity. Rah Bagh boasts a modest 41 rooms, each meticulously designed to provide guests with an unparalleled experience of luxury and tranquillity.
– Prashant Nayak
Rah Bagh is a scenic new retreat on the outskirts of Srinagar, set against the mighty Himalayas. It sits in the lap of nature and captures the beauty of the Kashmir valley in its entirety. This luxury boutique resort has a distinctive character with its Alpine chalet-style units and cottages set over four acres within an apple orchard, sprawling gardens, and picturesque views of the Dal and Nageen lakes, framed by towering poplars and the Zabarwaan mountains as the backdrop. Rah Bagh offers an authentic escape, eschewing malls and swanky buildings for the serenity of apple orchards, lakes, and mountains.
Luxurious Escapes Amidst Rustic Spaces
For those looking for an ultra-luxury escape with the spectacular vistas of the Dal and Nageen lakes in sight at all times, the Royal Attic Suite at Rah Bagh is the perfect place to be. These chalet-style units have a 12-foot ceiling and wall-to-wall window, a spacious master bedroom, a separate living area, and expansive balconies that open up to views of the constantly changing landscape of the city and the lakes.
The Garden Cottages, clad in pine with sloping roofs, exude a rustic charm and offer an exclusive and private setting. Each cottage, with its beautifully furnished bedroom, comes with a king-size bed and an ensuite large bath with a Jacuzzi. The private sit-out area allows you to enjoy the vibrant hues of the rose garden, the delightful presence of apple trees, or a captivating view of a cascading waterfall. The newly built Mountain View Cottages are perfect for families with kids who need a bit more space. Also available are Queen and Twin Deluxe Rooms, as well as Garden Suites.
A Fusion of Global and Kashmiri Flavours
Guests at Rah Bagh can savour meals and beverages from around the world as well as indulge in local Kashmiri flavours through a selection of dining options. Wan Posh, the all-day restaurant with a live kitchen and a wood-fired oven, offers sumptuous buffets and a la carte fare from across India and the world, as well as dishes from Kashmir. Café Sky, the terrace deck restaurant, is an ideal place to catch the sunrise, have an indulgent breakfast or a high tea, or sample the freshly grilled food directly from a live grill.
Nazir Rah, Managing Director, Rah Hotels and Resorts, specially mentions, “Much of the local produce served at Wan Posh is sourced from our own kitchen garden. If you order any local dish, be it Haaq Saag or Tamatar Chaman, don’t be surprised that the fresh collard greens, tomatoes, and kohlrabi have been freshly plucked from the garden to create these delicious dishes, often part of the elaborate Kashmiri Wazwan or wedding feast.”
Memorable Experiences: In and Out
For a relaxing and wholesome experience, Rah Bagh also boasts an open-air pool as well as a hot tub to chase away the blues. By the pool is the Urban Nirvana Spa, offering a tranquil retreat to indulge in a variety of modern and traditional relaxation treatments. There are enough cosy corners across the property to curl up and read a book, especially under the fruit trees. One can also simply take a stroll in the gardens and sip on a hot cup of cappuccino or Kashmir’s famous Kahwah. For fitness enthusiasts, there is also the gym or nature’s bounty for a bike ride or a hike to explore the surrounding mountains.
Talking about beyond the resort experiences, Nazir says, “The well-known tourist spots like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pampore are just a few hours’ drive. A must-visit for nature and wildlife enthusiasts is the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, just about a 10-minute drive. Golfing enthusiasts can tee off at the Royal Springs Golf Course nearby. And of course, there is the charming city of Srinagar, where one can experience many curated excursions to discover the old architecture and heritage as well as enjoy shopping for Kashmiri handicrafts.”
A Perfect Gathering Place
Rah Bagh offers more than 2000 sq. ft. of conferencing, banqueting, and event space, including a large pre-function area, balcony, and alfresco areas. The indoor area can accommodate up to 80 people. It is fully equipped with modern conference facilities and Wi-Fi access and has ample parking facilities for visitors. The hotel has hosted many dealer meetings, conferences, and corporate events.
Inbound Challenges and Domestic Tourism Opportunities
Kashmir has the potential to become the global market for adventure tourism, says Nazir. However, the state is lacking in infrastructure to attract high-end tourism, and he feels that the government must address this concern. “We also need to proactively promote Kashmir as a safe travel destination to attract more international tourists. A lot of foreign tourists do not visit owing to travel restrictions. Even if they want to visit, they are not covered by travel insurance companies,” states Nazir.
But, it is encouraging to see that, in recent years, Kashmir has once again positioned itself as a hot favourite among domestic tourists. “We have a regular stream of travellers from the major metros as well as tier-two towns in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Recently, we have also seen demand from the southern states. However, it is all season-wise. We work closely with all our trade partners and also attend trade shows regularly to network and increase our market base,” mentions Nazir.
