A few low-slung buildings lie scattered around an orchard of plum, pear, cherry and apple trees. The Zabarwan Hills and Dachigam National Park loom behind. In front lies the shimmering sprawl of the Dal—a view to die for. Have I indeed died, because this is paradise for sure. I arrive at Qayaam Gah, Srinagar’s hottest hotel opening of the year, at the magical hour of dusk. As I step out of the 4WD that has transported me up the pebbled dirt track, the cold makes its undeniable presence felt. Autumn, Kashmir’s most beautiful season, is giving way to winter. Can my Delhi lungs handle the crisp-as-an-apple mountain air, I wonder?
With just seven keys, Qayaam Gah is as exclusive as it gets. For proprietor Altaf Chapri—who also runs the Sukoon Houseboat in Srinagar and the beachside Neeleshwar Hermitage in Kerala—Qayaam Gah has been, quite literally, a labour of love. It was eight years in the making—and planned for even longer—progress coming to a standstill several times due to the socio-political upheavals that Kashmir is no stranger to, not to mention the Covid pandemic. Altaf has weathered it all with Sufi-style detachment.
Indeed, Sufism is the very raison d’être of Qayaam Gah. “In the spiritual symbolism of Sufism, qayaam signifies the highest mystical state,” says Chapri, “First comes sukoon, the unshakeable peace, then with time this matures into qayaam, the ultimate station. Qayaam is the experience of unity with everything, the conscious and unbroken enjoyment of the oneness of life.”
This story is from the December 05, 2022 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 05, 2022 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BJP's Big Paschim Test
On paper, the BJP-RLD tie-up is a winner for the NDA in west UP, though the INDIA bloc thinks otherwise. The BSP's entry with mixed candidates can unsettle both alliances
Why Gen V Matters
The Way The 210 Million-Strong Generation Viksit Bharat Casts Its Vote Will Determine The Outcome Of This Election As It Has In The Past
Heart Stopper
Cushions with tales of beauty, serenity, art and nature
THE NIPPON NARRATIVE
Say konnichiwa to good design and sayōnara to bad aesthetics, as this apartment in Bangalore is a lesson in how to use Japanese design effectively
RURAL RESPLENDENCE
This second home in a small village in Uttar Pradesh brings to life the beauty and simplicity of locally sourced materials
Curves in the Right Places
Arches may be taking over interior design, but how and where you place them in your home can make or mar the look of the room
Marvels in Mud
Here's how this humble material is changing the way we look at eco-friendly homes in India
DESIGN FOR THE AGES
Five homes, five distinct design styles that help decode how to curate age-appropriate spaces
TAKE FIVE
FROM RUGS TO CUSHIONS, THESE DECOR PIECES WILL GIVE YOUR INTERIORS AN INSTANT MAKEOVER THIS SEASON
TRENDY TABLESCAPES
At the turn of the season, three fashion labels throw a soiree that is stylish, suave and sophisticated