Vivanta Dal View, for spectacular views

The name says it all at this stylish property, gazing out over the mirror-flat waters of Dal Lake from a dreamy vantage point on the east shore, edged in by Mughal gardens. Rooms full of imperial fabrics and Kashmiri rugs are angled towards the lake, drawing eyes out over the waters. The best rooms have private terraces facing the lake, offering a tantalising hint of the lavish lifestyle of Mughal emperors.