1. Mahatta Homestay The ambience, food and decor are inspired by generations of the Mahatta family who own the homestay and have been living in Kashmir since the 19th century. Address: C 26, Raj bagh, Srinagar, Kashmir – 190001 Contact: 9796079747 Price: Rs 4,000/night onwards

2. Ikraam Inn The majority of the tourist spots — the historical Mughal Gardens, Botanical Garden, Shankaracharya Temple and Dal Lake — are within half an hour’s drive from the inn. Address: Rajbagh Extension, Hurriyat Road, Srinagar, Kashmir – 190008 Contact: 9797067897 Price: Rs 4,000/night

3. SheenWynds  Homestay The owner Shaan ji is more than happy to spend time with guests, telling them stories of Srinagar. Breakfasts are served outdoors in the fruit orchards, making for a charming scenic view. Address: Mehtab House, Magarmal bagh, Magarmal bagh chowk, Srinagar, Kashmir – 190001 Contact: 9103092526 Price: Rs 3,696/night onwards

4. Shangraff Mountain House Residents of the Shangraff Mountain House can wake up to a breathtaking view of the hills every day. Don’t miss out on a trip to the Dachigam forest, which is home to the endangered Kashmir stag. Address: 1, Syed Baba Rd, Rainawari, Srinagar, Kashmir – 191123 Contact: Here Price: Rs 12,000/night onwards

5. The Cottage Nigeen “The Cottage is filled with memories of our yesteryears and our children who have moved on in life. It was thrown open to guests just to share the joys of having lived in a Kashmiri house,” says the host, Riyaz. Address: Mirza Bagh Nigeen Hazratbal, near Nigeen Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir – 190006 Contact: +9697985515 Price: Rs 6,000/night onwards

6. My Kashmir Home The story of this homestay traces right back to the 1960s when the Khanyari family settled down here. Seekh kebabs, Kashmiri pickles, and Kashmiri harissa (a traditional mutton curry) are a few of the favourites on the menu. Address: Gulshan Gousia, next to B.S.F. Camp, Ishber Nishat, Srinagar, Kashmir – 191121 Contact: 9822128675 Price: Rs 8,000/night onwards

7. Mountain View Villa A boutique homestay located a kilometre away from the famous Nishat Garden, the Srinagar Homestay is taken care of by Yasmin Ali. This is a nature lover’s paradise with activities like boating, bird watching, forest walks and more. Address: Nishat Mountview Villa Uphill Lane, Srinagar, Kashmir – 191121 Contact: 9797211919 Price: Rs 10,000/night onwards