Jammu Kashmir Hill Station - Kashmir Valley and Dal Lake

Jayant and Kirti from Ajmer went to Kashmir for their honeymoon. They were aware of the serious security risk but since the Valley has been seeing a few tourists again, they decided to visit India's famous 'heaven on earth'.

Highlights:

Dal Lake - the famous lake which has been the spot for so many romantic film scenes, never fails to disappoint you. Surrounded by the mountains and red-gold chinar trees, going for a shikara ride on the lake is a highpoint of Kashmir. You could even stay on a houseboat instead of a hotel.

Nagin Lake is another lake where you can stay on a houseboat, if you wish to avoid the tourist crowds in the peak season. However, it is a bit further out of town.

Chasmashahi, Shalimar and Nishat Gardens - these are three beautiful terraced gardens laid-out by the Moghuls and replete with fountains, flowerbeds and ornate trees and shrubs.

Hazratbal Mosque - this is Shrinagar’s most famous mosque and attracts many pilgrims as it contains a relic of the prophet.

GULMARG

Translated as the 'meadow of flowers' this beautiful valley at 8,950 ft is a paradise on earth. There are green slopes, surrounded by pine forests and the tinkling Lidder River flowing through it. Gulmarg has a golf course and ski slopes, but all these are now sadly deserted due to the security risk.

PAHALGAM

This pretty town in the Lidder Valley is the base for many treks to Kishtwar and Suru Valley. (None of these are advisable now due to the security problem). It is also the base to the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath, where many people go each summer (especially in August) with the strong faith that they will be safe in the hands of god.