| Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, | | | | also known for its lush green golf course, which is |
| Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues | | | | the highest in the world. A must is a fun filled ride in |
| with the season. The Mughal Emperor, Babar when | | | | the gondola lift through the pine-clad slopes. |
| describing Kashmir wrote, “If there is heaven on | | | | Sonamarg – the ‘meadow of gold’, is |
| earth, this is it, this is it!” | | | | situated in the Sindh Valley. The drive to Sonamarg |
| Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are | | | | presents yet another spectacular facet of |
| realised – Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, | | | | countryside in Kashmir. Highly recommended is a pony |
| water-skiing in the lakes or simply drifting down the | | | | ride to one of the glaciers for some fun in the snow |
| willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in | | | | and ice. |
| gorgeous houseboats. | | | | Pahalgam – the ‘valley of shepherds’ is |
| The main cities to visit are Srinagar, Gulmarg, | | | | situated on the confluence of streams flowing from |
| Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Katra. Srinagar is located in | | | | river Lidder and Sheshnag Lake. It offers wonderful |
| the heart of the Kashmir valley and is spread on both | | | | treks, skiing, mountaineering and camping sites. |
| sides of the river Jhelum. Its waterways with their | | | | Katra is the base camp to visit the famous shrine of |
| own quaint lifestyle, the unique ‘Houseboat’, | | | | Mata Vaishno Devi. The cave shrine of Mata |
| the blossoming gardens, water sports activities, | | | | Vashnodeviji or Trikuta Bhagwati has been a beacon |
| shopping for lovingly hand-crafted souvenirs and the | | | | of faith and fulfilment to millions of devotees from all |
| nearby resorts make it a cherished spot for a | | | | over the world. Popular belief holds that anybody |
| memorable holiday. | | | | who walks the Himalayan trail to her abode to ask |
| Gulmarg – the ‘meadow of flowers’, is | | | | for a boon, rarely goes back disappointed. |
| an apt term indeed for this idyllic flower-laden | | | | Don’t wait any longer, check out They have |
| meadow. An equally popular destination in winter, it is | | | | some amazing offers especially for the Monsoons. |