Kashmir witnesses a beautiful play of changing seasons and its salubrious climate ensures that the State is attractive to visitors round the year. Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, spreads on both sides of River Jhelum.
We found plenty of accommodation in and around Dal Lake. We hired a houseboat for ourselves. These houseboats are equipped with modern facilities with beautiful Indian, Islamic or Persian architecture and design.
The Nagin Lake is separated from Dal Lake by a causeway. We visited three main islands on the lake, each a popular tourist point — the Silver Island at the northern end of the lake, the Golden Island at the southern end and the Nehru Park at the end of the main stretch. The locals informed us that shows, dances and festivals are often held during summer at Nehru Park.
Kashmir was a favourite destination of the Mughal emperors who visited it as often as they could. They planted gardens with stepped terraces and flowing water courses. The largest of these Mughal gardens is the Nishat Bagh which presents a beautiful sight between the Dal Lake and the Zobarwan Hills. The Shalimar Garden was built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Noorjahan. The Cheshmasahi Garden is the smallest of the Mughal gardens. The natural springs in these gardens are said to have medicinal properties.
We also visited the sacred temple of Shankaracharya located on top of the hill. It is a famous tourist destination of Kashmir. Here people come in large numbers to have a glimpse of the lingam.
We also tasted the famous Kashmiri cuisine, the traditional wazwan consisting of non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes, including the Kashmiri pulao with saffron. The most important of all is a cup of kahwah (Kashmiri tea) which every visitor to Kashmir should try without fail.
Craft items from Srinagar make for perfect souvenirs — especially woollen shawls and cricket bats. Srinagar produces the finest cricket bats in the world. Kashmir is renowned for its silk carpets too.
Gulmarg is considered to be one among the most picturesque hill resorts in the world. Gulmarg is a lovely valley situated in the uplands of Kashmir. It is surrounded by snow-covered peaks from all sides and the Alpather Lake is a captivating, icy lake, which remains frozen till the middle of June. In Gulmarg, we enjoyed the uphill trek to Khilanmarg, which was blooming with flowers during the summer season. The whole journey offered us a unique view of the widespread mountains, flowing waters of Wular and other lakes.
Patnitop is located on the Jammu-Srinagar highway at 2,024 m of height. It is a peaceful hill station with beautiful picnic spots. A long and enjoyable drive through the wooded forest trail was the most exciting part of our holiday here. The residents of Patnitop informed us that the best way to get to know this beautiful town is by walking on its quiet roads. It is a pleasure to explore this town all year round. Autumn and summer seasons are wonderful here with deep blue skies and wild flowers. The monsoons are a good time too — this is the time when the town is at its quietest, not too many tourists, only gentle rains and mist and the most awesome of sunsets. I'm sure you will lose yourself in its charm.