Originally reported and written in June 2023, this story has been republished as part of our archival content.

On the eastern outskirts of Srinagar, there lies a town where the phrase ‘heaven on earth’ seems almost true. Hailed for its well-manicured lawns sprawling for miles, the Nishat Bagh, which is the second-largest Mughal garden in Kashmir, is a true paradise. 

Describing the beauty of this town is almost like trying to interpret a postcard. Nestled amid the backdrop of the glorious Zabarwan mountain ranges, it holds a fascination for every traveller who makes their way here. Aamir Khanyari recalls that when his grandfather arrived here in 1965, he was no exception. 

He was so taken up with this land, its beautiful orchard, and its charm, that he decided to purchase it and build a home for the family. This quest eventually led to ‘My Kashmir Home’, a tranquil homestay that is today run and managed by Aamir. 

The happiest memories 

Speaking to The Better India, Aamir, now in his forties, recounts that a lot of his passion for travel and the world stemmed from the growing years his family spent in Nishat and Shalimar. 

“Childhood was filled with the sweetness of the peaches, plums and apricots that we would get from these trees in the orchard,” he says. The home that Aamir’s grandfather had beautifully constructed for them was a place of laughter, chatter and stories — ones that for some of his happiest memories. 

“My grandfather was assisted by two renowned Indo-French architects, who later became best family friends. The aim was not just to build a house, but rather to create a home,” shares Aamir.

His favourite memories growing up were the lush green gardens that expanded across the driveway, and........

© The Better India