ST MARYS CHURCH

About St. Mary’s Church

Explore one of the most beautiful attractions of Gulmarg as you visit St Mary’s Church with Gulmarg honeymoon packages. A stunning example of Victorian architecture, the church lies close to the Gulmarg Golf Course and is a popular sightseeing attraction. The structure dates to 1901 and looks like a cosy chapel in a far-off countryside region, making it popular among visitors.

Grey stone walls, a green roof, and intricately designed wooden interiors are classic features of this well-maintained church. Although mass is not conducted here anymore, the church remains a central part of Gulmarg’s history and cultural traditions. With a backdrop of snow-clad mountains, lush green meadows, and tall pine trees, St Mary’s Church offers incredible photography opportunities. You can either hike around the nearby Golf Course or enjoy a pony ride as you visit the church. From multicolour lights to a warm ambience that reflects its heritage, St Mary’s Church is a must-visit for all.

1. Opening Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM on all days

2. Prime Day and Hours: Sundays; early morning

3. Suggested Duration: 30 minutes

4. Tickets: Free entry

5. Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi, 297 kilometres away

6. Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport, 58 kilometres away

7. Nearest Bus Stop: Gulmarg Bus Stop, 7 kilometres away

Why Visit?

• St Mary’s Church is among Gulmarg’s trinity of holy sites, which also includes the iconic Mohinishwar Shiva temple and Masjid Shareef.
• The stained-glass artwork is one-of-a-kind as it is inspired by medieval churches, making it one of the best places to visit in Gulmarg.
• As one of Kashmir’s rare surviving British-era structures, St Mary’s Church gives a glimpse into the colonial history of the region.
• While the church was once an important place of worship, regular prayers are not conducted anymore, so it is a tourist attraction now.
• The postcard-like views change from lush greenery to snowy paradise in different seasons, so any season is perfect for a visit.

Must-Try Experiences

1. Hiking – One of the most popular ways to reach St Mary’s Church in Gulmarg is to hike across lush green meadows and the golf course. During winter, the landscape is full of snow, which adds more excitement to the experience.

2. Pony rides – If you are not up for a walk, you can enjoy a fun pony ride with your loved ones when visiting the church. From crossing snow-covered meadows to admiring the views, this is one of the top things to do in Gulmarg, especially for those with children.

3. Sightseeing – St Mary’s Church lies at an incredible location from where you can easily visit two of Gulmarg’s iconic holy sites. The century-old Maharani Temple was built by the King of Kashmir and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the other hand, the Masjid Shareef is over five decades old and a stunning example of modern Kashmiri architecture. You can also visit other Gulmarg attractions, like the Gulmarg Golf Course and Gulmarg Gondola, from here.

St. Mary’s Church Highlights

• Explore one of the oldest churches in Jammu and Kashmir as you visit the cosy St Mary’s Church in Gulmarg.
• Admire the charming Victorian architecture of the century-old church and its grey stone walls, green roof, and intricate wooden interiors
• Witness the unique multicolour lights of the church that add a vibrant touch to its old-world charm.
• Enjoy a hike or ride a pony to explore nearby attractions like the Lord Shiva temple and the mosque in Gulmarg from here.
• Learn about the fascinating history of the church and how the locals have made preservation efforts over the years.

How To Reach St. Mary’s Church

1. By Foot: St Mary’s Church is around 1.5 kilometres away from the centre of Gulmarg. On foot, you can cover this distance in around 20 minutes via Heevan Retreats Road.

2. By Pony Rides: Ponies are available around the town centre and mainly near the Gulmarg Golf Course for those who wish to avoid the walk. The ride takes around 10 minutes to reach the church and is a good option for local sightseeing tours.

Best Time To Visit St. Mary’s Church

1. Peak Season (October to March)

• Weather insights: Pleasantly cold weather, snow-covered landscapes, heavy snowfall
• Things to do: Photography, hiking, pony riding, skiing

2. Shoulder Season (April to June)

• Weather insights: Pleasant weather, sunny days, lush greenery
• Things to do: Hiking, pony rides, photography, golfing

3. Waning Season (July to September)

• Weather insights: Comfortable weather, frequent chances of rainfall
• Things to do: Photography, pony rides

St. Mary’s Church Other Essential Information

Know Before You Go

1. St Mary’s Church is open from 7 AM to 5 PM, so plan your visit to not miss out on exploring the century-old attraction.

2. Wear comfortable walking shoes if you wish to hike to the church as you will need to walk quite a bit.

3. Dress up in modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders out of respect for local traditions and customs.

4. Although regular mass is not conducted on the premises, you are welcome to offer personal prayers here.

5. Visit in the late evening hours to watch and click pictures of incredible sunset views of this cozy little church.