The Karan Mahal estate and villa which was constructed in the 1920’s is located on a saddle at the foot of the Shankaracharya Hill on Gupkar Road, Srinagar. The prominent location of Karan Mahal renders a unique double view for its visitors and residents. In the north it overlooks the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan mountain range, and in the south, it looks across the vast valley up to the Pir Panjal mountain range. In 1936, Karan Mahal became the establishment and residence for the Crown Prince of Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Karan Singh, the son of Maharaja Hari Singh. Subsequently, when Dr. Karan Singh became Head of State and Governor for nearly two decades, the residence also served as the ‘Raj Bhavan’ or the ‘Governor’s Residence’, which witnessed the swearing-in ceremonies of Prime Ministers and later Chief Ministers of J&K.

The Karan Mahal villa overlooks the vast private orchard of the estate adjoining the hillside and lakeside, which offers walking trails amidst rich flora and fauna including hundreds of fruit trees, cedar forests, chinar and walnut trees, wildlife and birdlife. Guests can relish the richness of fresh fruits served from our very own orchard