Visiting Kashmir may not be any travelers highest priority, yet making the trip was worthwhile for Ms.Unnati Sudheesh.

One of the Great Mughal Prince has praised its beauty by calling it a ” PARADISE OF EARTH! ” When I was on return flight to Delhi I couldn’t agree more to it. I had doubts in mind about terror attacks n we all were in little fear, but I can assure that we received best of hospitality from Kashmir people.

We flown to Srinagar from Delhi in first week of January. That is the best time to visit Kashmir if you wanna enjoy snowfall. There are many flights in range of Rs. 2500/- to 4000/- upto 3 pm as post 4 pm airport goes in military custody until morning. We stayed in houseboat with all the facilities of five star with homely food. There are many houseboat hotels in Kashmir valley’s Dal lake and Nigeen lake. The houseboat stay costs nearly 3500/- to 5000/- per day including breakfast & dinner.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

There are places to visit like Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pehalgam & local visit to Gardens, Char chinar, Dal lake n Lal chowck market in Srinagar.

SONMARG:

Its situated 87 kms away from Srinagar at 2800 meters above sea level. Its Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.

GULMARG:

56 kms from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mts above sea level. It is called “Meadow of flowers”. One can have beautiful walk around in small town covered in snow. Gulmarg has the world’s highest green golf course in the world. There are cable cons that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mts. (Gondola). You can get taxi for gulmarg from airport costing 950 + 300(Taxi charges) or Houseboat/hotel management can arrange car on request. one has to go to snowy Gulmarg in chained vehicle as roads are covered in snow. Journey to top is like surrounded by Christmas trees on both sides of roads. Skiing experience for biginners is fun. Must visit place when u go to visit Kashmir. Cable cons or ropeway as its famous is another must do thing at Gulmarg.

PEHALGAM:

This little village is situated 96 Km east from Srinagar 2400 meters above sea level. Pehalgam is more famous for starting point for trekking to many inner mountains. Its more popular amongst adventure travellers. Its also famous for fishing as the town is situated along Lidder River banks.

SRINAGAR:

There are many gardens like Nishant bagh, Shalimar bagh. Gardens are crafted carefully n gives a panoramic view to eyes. There are local sites like Parimahal, Hazrat baal, Jamia masjid, shankaracharya temple, pathan fort situated on Hari parbat to visit.

There is huge lake named Dal lake in middle of Srinagar and it has got small section named Nigeen lake. In middle of Dal lake there is small place named Char Chinar.

It has four ancient trees in four corners of small land in middle of lake. Dal lake trip in Shikara is one of the most romantic trip. There is Shikara shopping, one of the interesting concept where local vendors come in their shikara to give you shopping experience in middle of Dal lake visit. Srinagar has one of the best kashmiri karigari factory n they produce beautiful handicrafts, punjabi suits, sarees, shawls with beautiful kashmiri work, must visit place for shopoholics.

Above all most we enjoyed is snow, snow n more snow. Snowed mountains, trees n snow filled houseboats view was one of the most memorable experience.

We enjoyed every moment we spent in Kashmir and I realised why it is called heaven of earth.

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