Royal Springs Golf Course
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. design opened in 2001 above Dal Lake in Srinagar, set in the foothills of the Zabarwan range. A par 72 of about 6,985 yards, regarded as one of the most picturesque courses in Asia.
Photo: Shah Zakir via Google.
The verdict
Royal Springs Golf Course may be the most beautiful golf course in India. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 2001, it sits in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range near the Chashme Shahi gardens, overlooking the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. Snow capped peaks, the lake below, and stands of chinar and pine give it a setting that few courses anywhere can match.
It is no mere scenic novelty. The course plays to a par of 72 over about 6,985 yards and has been rated the number one course in India by Golf Digest, a genuine championship test laid across dramatic mountain terrain. For a traveling golfer it is a bucket list round, and it pairs naturally with the historic hill country golf of Naldehra Golf Club on a Himalayan focused trip.
Royal Springs Golf Course at a glance
- Opened
- 2001
- Designer
- Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Type
- Mountain championship course
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,985 yds
- Green fee
- Public, indicative
Designer, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the course and leading databases. Royal Springs was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., opened in 2001, and plays to a par of 72 over about 6,985 yards, roughly 6,387 meters, in the Zabarwan foothills above Dal Lake. Green fees for this state run course are indicative and change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Robert Trent Jones Jr. routed Royal Springs to make the most of an exceptional site, with the fairways rising and falling through the Zabarwan foothills and Dal Lake glinting below. At about 6,985 yards from the back it has championship length, and the elevation changes, mature trees and water in play give the round genuine strategic bite to go with the views.
The mountain setting shapes every shot: holes play uphill and downhill, the air is cool and clear, and the backdrop of snow dusted peaks is a constant distraction. The greens are well built and the conditioning is strong for the region, supporting the course's reputation as a serious test rather than a scenic curiosity.
For a visiting player the appeal is the rare combination of a respected Robert Trent Jones Jr. design and one of the great golf landscapes on earth. Ranked at the very top in India, it is the round to centerpiece a Kashmir golf trip around, weather and access permitting.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public, state run course; open to visitors, with clubs and caddies available to hire |
| Green fee | Indicative public fee, often differing for residents and visitors; changes by season and year (2026) |
| Booking | Arrange ahead in the summer season; access can be affected by local conditions, so confirm before traveling |
| On the day | Caddies and equipment hire available; layers for the mountain air; sturdy footwear for the terrain |
| Getting there | Near the Chashme Shahi gardens above Dal Lake, a short drive from central Srinagar and the airport |
| Best months | April to October, with the warm, clear summer months the most reliable; deep winter brings snow |
Access and seasonal opening verified June 2026; mountain and regional conditions change, so always confirm directly before planning a visit.
Where to stay nearby
Srinagar offers lakeside hotels, the famous Dal Lake houseboats, and resort stays in the hills, several within easy reach of the course. A base by the lake puts the Mughal gardens, the shikara rides and the golf within a short drive of one another.
Royal Springs is the centerpiece of a Kashmir golf trip and pairs well with the historic hill country round at Naldehra Golf Club near Shimla, and with the great courses of the plains such as the Delhi Golf Club on a fuller India tour. Our team can arrange the tee times, lodging and transfers.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Royal Springs Golf Course.
Build a Kashmir golf trip
Royal Springs is a state run mountain course where access depends on the season and local conditions, so a round takes planning. We arrange the tee times, build the itinerary, and book the lodging and transfers around them. Tell us roughly when and who is traveling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Royal Springs Golf Course questions
Who designed Royal Springs Golf Course?
Royal Springs was designed by the American architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 2001, set in the Zabarwan foothills above Dal Lake in Srinagar.
What is the par and length of Royal Springs Golf Course?
The course plays to a par of 72 over about 6,985 yards, roughly 6,387 meters, across mountain terrain.
Is Royal Springs really ranked number one in India?
Royal Springs has been rated the number one course in India by Golf Digest, and is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque courses in Asia.
Can visitors play Royal Springs Golf Course?
Yes. Royal Springs is a public, state run course open to visitors, with clubs and caddies available to hire. Confirm seasonal opening and access before traveling.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the course and leading databases; indicative green fees verified June 2026 and change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.