Culture · Gulmarg, Kashmir
Meadow walk to the Maharani Temple and St Mary's
A gentle walk across the meadow links Gulmarg's two heritage buildings: the Maharani Temple, built by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1915, and St Mary's Church from 1902. It shows the meadow's history as a royal and colonial retreat, away from the gondola crowds.
Photo: Vinayaraj · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsThe Maharani Temple sits on a small hillock in the middle of the meadow, its red roof visible from most of Gulmarg. Maharaja Hari Singh built it in 1915 for his wife, Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia, and dedicated it to Shiva. A short climb on steps leads to the shrine and a view over the golf course and the Apharwat ridge.
From the temple, follow the meadow paths to St Mary's Church near the main road. Built in 1902 of grey stone with a steep green roof, it served the British families who spent summers here. It is often locked; you can still see the building and its setting among the pines. Respect services if one is under way.
On the way, you pass the golf course, among the highest in the world at about 2,650 m, and the old cottages that date from the colonial era. Late afternoon light on the meadow is soft and warm, and pony traffic is lighter. Wear proper shoes, because the meadow is muddy after rain.
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Trips through Gulmarg
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Each of these trips stops in Gulmarg. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Fulvio Spada from Torino, Italy · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Comfort
Classic Kashmir: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam
Private car with driver
Photo: Fulvio Spada from Torino, Italy · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Signature
Signature Kashmir: palace, meadow and river
Private car with driver and a private guide
Photo: Fulvio Spada from Torino, Italy · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Signature
Kashmir in winter: Gulmarg snow and Srinagar
Private 4x4 with driver and snow chains
Sleep nearby
Stays in Gulmarg
Photo: Skywayman9 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Luxury
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
Gulmarg's top resort, opened in December 2012, with rooms and private cottages looking over the meadow and pine fo…
Photo: Chongkian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
Hotel Highlands Park
A heritage hotel from the early 1960s on a rise above the Gulmarg meadow, with a main lodge and separate cottage-s…
Questions
Before you book
Is the Maharani Temple in Gulmarg open to all visitors?
Yes, visitors of all faiths may enter respectfully. Remove shoes before the shrine, dress modestly and avoid loud conversation. The climb from the meadow is short, with steps, and suitable for most seniors taking it slowly.
Can we visit St Mary's Church in Gulmarg?
You can see the building and its grounds from outside at any time. The church is often locked except for occasional services. Avoid climbing on walls or entering if a service or a private event is in progress.
Do I need a pony for the Gulmarg meadow walk?
No. The meadow is flat to gently rolling and easily walkable in two to three hours. Pony owners will offer rides; if you choose one, agree the circuit and rate against the official rate card before you set off.