Vivanta Dal View

For all of south India’s urban and coastal attractions, the mountainous north has an exhilarating appeal all its own — and in the practiced hands of the Taj group, you can be sure of lofty hospitality standards to match. Vivanta Dal View takes full advantage of its environs, an embarrassment of snow-crowned riches comprising the Zabarwan and Gulmarg ranges in the blue distance and the titular lake in the foreground. Crucially, the lake separates you from the milling crowds of Srinagar proper; this hilltop enclave promotes silence and privacy when you need them most, preserving the option of a quick jaunt to the city on your terms.

The image of Dal Lake is central, as the name suggests, so ask for a room with an unobstructed view (and a private balcony) for that mystical sunrise and sunset magic. Indoors, the décor embraces the region’s heritage, espousing a comfy glow via copper accents, plush patterned textiles, and evocatively filigreed walnut paneling. The sizable rooms accommodate Kashmiri carpets and oversize bathrooms with ease, not to mention king beds with decorative jamawar motifs on the headboards. Clean lines and contemporary amenities balance the affect, but not so much as to overshadow the sense of timeless domestic comfort.

A tea lounge and patisserie sustain the serenity just off the lobby with padded low-slung seating and area rugs; we recommend kehwa, a local herbal tea with saffron and almond notes. More substantial global fare can be had at Latitude, especially on the terrace, or nosh on hip Szechuan plates in Jade Dragon’s sumptuous, gold-and-rose dining room. If those don’t satisfy your thirst for a view, we have a feeling the outdoor infinity pool is just the ticket.