Kashmir - Gar firdaus bar-rue zamin ast, hami asto, hamin asto, hamin ast.

One can reach Srinagar by flight from Delhi. Kashmir has been described as heaven on Earth and Hotel Lalit reinforces this belief. The Maharaja's palace which has been converted into luxury hotel is worth every penny spent. The sprawling gardens overseeing the Dal Lake is a treat to the eyes. And this is what you see from the room so it is like being amidst nature even within the cosy environs of room. Food was good and their open air restaurant from where one can enjoy the lush greenery of the pruned lawns and the Dal Lake is excellent. It makes the meals memorable. The staff is extremely cordial. We were also shown the Maharaja's palace which is used only by the royal family. The place is a unique combination of having historical value as Mahatma Gandhi met Raja Karan Singh (then Yuvraj) in 1948 - the place being marked by a signage. Variuos films - old and new like Kaalia, Student of the Year etc. have been filmed here. And why not such beauty nobody would like to miss.

One can go for evening Shikara ride in Dal Lake. The shikara ride on Dal Lake is on every travelers' list. The swirling of waters disturbed by the movement of oars, the calmness of the lake and the beauty of the mountains surrounding it is not to be missed. Although, shikara rides are available all through the day and till late at night, its best to take it during sunrise or sunset. We had the opportunity to see the sun setting in the Dal Lake - a view which we will forever cherish. It also has a floating market wherein boats with merchandise would come close to the Shikara and sell. There is also provision of tea and snacks in the shops inside the Dal Lake. An amazing experience all together.

Its best to visit religious places like Hazrat Bal and Shankaracharya Hill early in the morning. Visited the former at 6 am . A white enthralling structure in the middle of the city. Even though we visited on a Friday but since it was 6 a.m., there were hardly any people. It has segregated space for men and women to offer prayers. I liked the calmness of the place which was often broken by the flutter of innumerable pigeons. WE proceeded to Shankaracharya Hill. A calm and quiet pave atop a hill. We had visited early in the morning at 7 so there were few souls to be seen. the tranquility of the place added to the divinity of Lord Shiva's shrine. Only tip is that it entails walking up 100 steps on a hill. So, it may be troublesome for some but the view from the top is worth every drop of sweat. During day time when can visit the various gardens at Srinagar like Chashme Shahi etc. The Chashme Shahi is actually a natural spring which gives fresh and sweet water. Beautiful gardens have been built around it to add to the beauty of the place. The flowers, greenery etc. are a visual treat. The high rise Chinar trees don the landscape. Visited it early in the morning so was particularly cam and quiet. Relished every moment spent there.

One may travel to Gulmarg the next day. The place is extremely beautiful with lot of flowers even on the roadside when one approaches the city especially the Outer Circle Walk.It gives an opportunity to have a memorable experience...the beauty of the lavender and white flowers, the green grasslands and the backdrop of snow clad mountains. One could not ask for more. Many bollywood films have been shot here. The temple where the popular song Jai Jai Shiv Shankar was shot with Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz as protagonists was shot here. Overall, it is an exhilarating experience. It also justifies the name Gulmarg for this place.

One of the most important thins to do at Gulmarg is the Gondola ride to Apharwat peak. The Gondola ride can be easily accessed from Gulmarg through tickets. It has two phases. We went for both phases costing Rs 1690 per head. The views from the gondola cars are awesome. The views at the end of Phase 2 i.e. Apharwat peak are worth every penny you have spent to reach this place. In summers, one can see the green meadows reminiscent of the yesteryear Bollywood films while in winters, the snow clad slopes give an awesome view.

Apharwat peak is probably one of the best places not only in Kashmir but in the World. The views from the peak are magnificent. It can be reached by the Gondola ride. After getting off at the Phase 2 of the Gondola ride, a trek up the mountain. We went during summer season, so there was no snow. However, it did give us views of the green meadows.The rocks surrounded by beautiful flowers were a welcoming site. Although it was a tough trek, but the views were awesome. Not recommended for old people or people having trouble in walking. But they can easily access the second stage of Gondola ride. The winters provide for excellent snow and hence skiing options too. A must visit place if visiting Gulmarg.