kashmiri culture – What's Next?

Welcome to the valley where cricket meets Kashmir’s calm. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) in Srinagar is the region’s first-ever franchise T20 cricket tournament, taking place at the iconic Bakshi Stadium Srinagar. Having begun on 25 October 2025, this event isn’t just about boundaries and wickets, it’s about blending Kashmir’s scenic charm with world-class cricket. Whether you’re a die-hard fan looking for IHPL Srinagar 2025 tickets or a traveller seeking the best staycation near Bakshi Stadium, this guide will help you plan the ultimate itinerary—where to stay, what to see, and how to make your Kashmir trip unforgettable.

What is the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL)

The IHPL Srinagar 2025 is the first T20 cricket tournament of its kind in Jammu & Kashmir, held at Bakshi Stadium in the heart of Srinagar city. The season runs from 25 October to early November 2025, featuring eight teams competing across multiple match days.

It’s a unique initiative designed to merge local Kashmiri talent with national and international cricket stars, turning Srinagar into a new hub for sports and tourism. Fans can now enjoy Kashmir’s cricket tournament while exploring the region’s landscapes, cuisine, and culture.

Why You Should Visit as a Cricket and Travel Enthusiast

Watch live T20 cricket matches in Srinagar at a newly refurbished stadium surrounded by mountains.
Combine your match schedule with Srinagar sightseeing and Dal Lake experiences.
Stay at SaffronStays villas and houseboats near Bakshi Stadium for the perfect cricket travel experience.
Use this IHPL Srinagar travel guide to find the best villas, houseboats, and cottages for your stay.

IHPL Teams and International Players to Watch

The IHPL 2025 players list includes an exciting mix of stars:

Chris Gayle (West Indies) – Pulwama Titans
Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – Uri Panthers
Shaun Marsh, Richard Levi, Peter Trego, Owais Shah, Thisara Perera, Devon Smith, Malinda Pushpakumara, Chris Mpofu
Indian domestic pros: Rishi Dhawan, Saurabh Tiwary, Gurkeerat Singh Mann

Whether you’re searching for the IHPL international players list 2025 or the IHPL schedule and tickets, this guide links your passion for cricket with your love for travel.

Where to Stay Near Bakshi Stadium Srinagar

Looking for where to stay near Bakshi Stadium for IHPL matches? Here are the best villas, houseboats, and cottages, all mapped by drive time from the venue.

1. Badakshan Bliss – 16 mins away
Located in Rawalpora, Srinagar, this 5-bedroom villa blends modern comfort with traditional Kashmiri design. Just 10 minutes from the airport and 16 minutes from Bakshi Stadium, it’s perfect for cricket fans attending IHPL 2025 who want quick access and quiet luxury.

2. Awakening – 18 mins away
A heritage villa in Srinagar built in 1938, featuring Khattamband ceilings and cedarwood interiors. Enjoy tranquil mornings near the Jhelum River before heading to match day. Ideal for those seeking a Srinagar villa near Bakshi Stadium with cultural charm.

3. Prince Of Kashmir – 21 mins away
A luxury Dal Lake houseboat offering lake views, carved walnut interiors, and shikara rides from your doorstep. It’s the best choice for visitors searching for Dal Lake houseboat stays near cricket stadium Srinagar.

4. Kingori Houseboat – 22 mins away
Anchored at Ghat 14, Dal Lake, this houseboat offers peace and privacy for couples and small families. Ideal for travellers looking for a houseboat near IHPL Bakshi Stadium with premium comfort.

5. King Mahal – 32 mins away
A 7-bedroom luxury villa near Dal Lake Srinagar, known for being a shooting location for the series Pashminna – Dhaage Mohabbat Ke. Perfect for large groups and families combining IHPL matches with a longer Srinagar staycation.

6. Cheese Cottage, Tangmarg – 70 mins away
Located in Tangmarg, this boutique 2-bedroom cottage offers Himalayan views and riverside picnics. Perfect for fans wanting an offbeat Kashmir experience after attending IHPL matches in Srinagar.

3-Day Quick Itinerary: Match + Stay + Explore

Day 1

Arrive at Srinagar Airport and check in at Badakshan Bliss or SaffronStays Awakening.
Explore nearby cafés and take a calm evening walk by the Jhelum River.
Dinner and rest before your IHPL match day.

Day 2

Morning: Visit Shalimar Bagh or Chashme Shahi Mughal Gardens.
Afternoon: Reach Bakshi Stadium Srinagar one hour before match time.
Evening: Return to your villa or enjoy dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant for authentic Wazwan cuisine.

Day 3

Move to a Dal Lake houseboat stay (Prince of Kashmir or Kingori) for a relaxed morning.
Take a shikara ride at sunset, sip Kashmiri Kahwa, and plan the next leg of your Kashmir travel itinerary.

5-Day Powerplay Itinerary: Full Kashmir Experience

Day 1: Arrive and check-in to your SaffronStays villa in Srinagar
Day 2: Watch IHPL matches at Bakshi Stadium
Day 3: Second game or city exploration – Spend your day watching another match or explore the city
Day 4: Shift to a SaffronStays houseboat on Dal Lake for a relaxing stay
Day 5: Drive to Tangmarg and check-in to SaffronStays Cheese Cottage to experience offbeat Kashmir.
Day 6: Departure from Srinagar Airport

Stadium 101: Match-Day Tips for Visitors

Venue: Bakshi Stadium, Wazir Bagh Srinagar
Arrive 60 minutes early for easy entry
IHPL tickets available online (official booking portals)
Carry light bags and IDs
Use your villa’s driver or local taxi service for stadium transfer
Bring a light jacket for evening matches

5 Must-Visit Spots in Srinagar (Tour + Food Mix)

Dal Lake and Shikara Ride – Ideal for sunrise or sunset.
Mughal Gardens – Visit Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi, and Pari Mahal.
Shankaracharya Temple – Offers panoramic city and lake views.
Hazratbal Mosque and Market – Perfect for Kashmiri handicrafts and local culture.
Ahdoos Restaurant – Enjoy authentic Wazwan food in Srinagar.

Practical Travel Tips for IHPL Visitors

Best time to visit: Late October to early November (matches + fall scenery)
Airport: 10–20 minutes from most IHPL Srinagar villas
Payments: UPI and cards accepted; carry small cash
Clothing: Layer up, evenings are cool
Book early: IHPL hotels and houseboats fill fast during the league
Respect culture: Dress modestly, be courteous

FAQs: IHPL Srinagar 2025

1. What is IHPL?
The Indian Heaven Premier League is Kashmir’s first T20 cricket tournament, hosted at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar starting 25 October 2025.

2. Where is Bakshi Stadium?
In Wazir Bagh, near Iqbal Park Srinagar, surrounded by hotels and villas within 15–30 minutes.

3. How do I get IHPL tickets?
Buy IHPL Srinagar tickets online via the official league portal.

4. Which are the best stays near Bakshi Stadium?
Badakshan Bliss, SaffronStays Awakening, Prince of Kashmir Houseboat, and King Mahal are top-rated.

5. What else to do in Srinagar during IHPL?
Take a shikara ride on Dal Lake, visit Mughal Gardens, and explore Tangmarg Cheese Cottage post-match.

Your IHPL × Kashmir Travel Game Plan

The IHPL Srinagar 2025 is your ticket to explore Kashmir, experience Kashmiri hospitality, and stay at the best villas and houseboats near Bakshi Stadium. Whether you’re traveling for the IHPL schedule and matches or for Kashmir’s scenic beauty, plan your stay smart—villa for match days, houseboat for relaxation, and Tangmarg cottage for your grand finale.

The soul of Kashmir isn’t found only in its lakes or gardens—it lingers in the steam rising from a cup of tea. Along Boulevard Road in Srinagar, skirting the shimmering Dal Lake, a quiet ritual has endured for centuries: the art of sharing chai and kahwa.

Kahwa: Golden Hospitality in a Cup

Legend has it that kahwa traveled to Kashmir with traders along the Silk Route, carrying with it the essence of Central Asia and Persia. Over time, Kashmir made the drink its own—saffron from Pampore fields, almonds from local orchards, cardamom and cinnamon arriving through ancient trade. Today, a cup of kahwa is more than refreshment; it’s a gesture of welcome, offered to guests at weddings, during winter gatherings, and to weary travelers pausing by Dal Lake.

Floating on the lake, the SaffronStays Prince of Kashmir houseboat mirrors this warmth, its intricate woodwork catching the morning sun while snow-kissed Pir Panjal peaks glimmer in the distance. Nearby, the Kingori Houseboat, moored in a quieter stretch, allows time to slow, the gentle lap of water against cedarwood marking each serene moment.

Chai as a Daily Pause

While kahwa embodies ceremony, everyday chai anchors the rhythm of Kashmiri life. Roadside stalls along Boulevard Road invite locals to sip strong, sweetened tea in small glasses, debating politics, cricket scores, or the day’s market chatter. These spaces aren’t about luxury—they’re about belonging. To stop for chai here is to slip into the city’s heartbeat, where the lake reflects the shifting sky and conversations spill as freely as the tea.

A little beyond the bustle, SaffronStays Sun Villa stretches across gentle hills, offering panoramic mountain views and cozy bonfires. Evenings linger long, laughter echoes across the lawn, and chai becomes a quiet language of connection—a moment to pause and savor the surroundings.

A person in traditional attire pours tea from a kettle into a cup, with a plate of snacks nearby, set against the backdrop of a serene lake and wooden railing.

Travelling further north, the valleys of Tangmarg unfold in rolling meadows, dense pine forests, and snow-capped peaks. Here, the pace slows, and the air carries the crisp scent of Himalayan streams and wildflowers. Set against the misty slopes of Tangmarg, the Cheese Cottage collection offers three distinct stays, each blending Kashmiri warmth with alpine allure. The Snow Pods redefine luxury camping with their cozy, glass-domed design that opens to sweeping mountain views, perfect for stargazing on clear nights. A short walk away, the Olive Chalet charms with its bold interiors, handcrafted wooden details, and garden breakfasts framed by pine forests, while the main Cheese Cottage stays true to its roots—a rustic homestay where home-cooked wazwan meals, crackling fires, and mountain quiet bring you closer to the soul of Kashmir.

Sunrises spill golden light across the mountains, breakfast is served in lush gardens, and riverside treks reveal nature’s quiet grandeur. Every corner of the Saffronstays Cheese Cottage resonates with the warmth and hospitality that tea represents across Kashmir—a seamless continuation of the ritual first glimpsed along Dal Lake.

Teahouses Along Boulevard Road

Back in Srinagar, Boulevard Road is dotted with spaces where tradition and modernity meet through tea:

Chai Jaai – A heritage-style tearoom that bridges past and present, where a cup of kahwa feels like stepping into a living story.

A serene outdoor setting featuring a person sitting on a colorful rug with a teapot and a cup of tea on a tray, alongside an open book.

Books & Bricks Café – A creative hub, where chai accompanies vibrant murals, stacks of books, and the energy of Srinagar’s younger generation blending global influence with local warmth.

Lake View Tea Corners – Modest, soulful stops where wooden benches and a whistling kettle invite pause, the backdrop of Dal Lake turning every sip into a meditation.

Further inland, SaffronStays King Mahal continue this thread of Kashmiri hospitality—stately architecture, plush interiors, and the quiet joy of sipping tea while the Jhelum glides by.

More than just a cup

What makes Kashmir’s chai and kahwa trail unforgettable is not just the taste, but the stories that swirl within each sip. A cup of tea here is both history and hospitality—an echo of the Silk Route, a wedding toast, a pause amidst lakes and mountains. From the houseboats of Dal Lake to the sunlit gardens of Tangmarg, tea becomes a meditation on connection, beauty, and the enduring grace of Kashmiri culture.

Experience it firsthand at SaffronStays’ curated homes in Kashmir —where every stay begins with a cup of kahwa and ends with the feeling of home.

Tag: kashmiri culture

A Complete IHPL Srinagar 2025 Guide: Tickets, Schedule, Best Stays & Travel Guide