Kashmir Man Turns Family Estate Into Dream Homestay

When Aamir Khanyari's grandfather fell in love with a piece of land near Srinagar in 1965, he couldn't resist building a family home there. Nestled against the Zabarwan mountain ranges near the famous Nishat Bagh gardens, the property became a sanctuary filled with fruit orchards and warm memories.

For decades, Aamir grew up exploring the walnut-furnished rooms and picking fresh peaches, plums, and apricots from the family trees. His grandfather worked with two Indo-French architects to create a space that honored traditional Kashmiri design while welcoming family and friends from around the world.

After his grandfather passed away in 1984, the home became a quiet vacation spot for Aamir's parents. Meanwhile, Aamir and his wife spent years backpacking through 50 countries, always returning to their beloved family estate during breaks.

In 2014, inspiration struck. Why not share this special place with other travelers seeking an authentic Kashmir experience?

Aamir faced unique challenges from the start. Nishat is classified as a green belt, meaning he couldn't make major structural changes to the original 1965 building.

He worked within these constraints, transforming the existing home into My Kashmir Home. Each suite earned a gemstone name that reflected both his family's jewelry business history and gave rooms their color themes.

Why This Inspires

What makes My Kashmir Home special isn't just the stunning location or the 10,000 square meter property. It's how Aamir honored his grandfather's vision while creating something new.

The three super luxury suites (Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald) and five semi-luxury rooms maintain the traditional Kashmiri carpets, handicrafts, and walnut furniture that Aamir remembers from childhood. Guests wake up to orchards stretching across the property and mountains framing every window.

Traditional Kashmiri meals, modern amenities like WiFi and heating blankets, and the warmth of a family home create an experience hotels can't replicate. The kitchenette in every room and the property's kitchen garden connect visitors to local food traditions.

Since 2014, travelers from across India and overseas have discovered what Aamir's grandfather knew decades ago. Some places just feel like home, even on your first visit.

The name captures everything perfectly: "It was always my home since I've lived here since my childhood. I wanted it to be your home when you come here."