image

Kashmir, Heaven on Earth

By Sally - Silversurfer's Editor Jun 6, 2013

Kashmir, with its carpet of lush meadows, spattering of pine forests, and the towering snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas – not to mention the labyrinth of tranquil backwaters and glassy lakes – is well known for its natural beauty. Kashmir has been largely out-of-bounds to visitors over the past couple of decades and yet after years of unrest, travellers are now finally being welcomed back into the region. Kashmir is once again full of domestic and overseas tourists, all keen to discover exactly what it is about one of the world’s oldest tourist destinations that makes it so alluring…

 

Famous for its expansive lakes filled with lotus flowers and colourful houseboats, the city of Srinagar is a worthy setting to start a tour. Located in the Vale of Kashmir on the banks of the Jhelum River and framed by the majestic Pir Panjal mountain range, Srinagar is one of the region’s most arresting and therefore, immensely photogenic cities.

Soak up the tranquil surroundings while staying on your very own private houseboat, the Sukoon, decked out in traditional décor with large windows looking out onto the calm waters of Dal Lake. Wander around the glorious Mughul gardens at Naseem Bagh (“Garden of Bliss”) and then end the day with a romantic sunset shikara (boat) ride across Nagin Lake.

 

Whether it’s visiting the ancient Shankarcharya Temple or the gardens of Pari Mahal, set overlooking the city, or exploring the bustling city centre, there’s plenty on offer to occupy your days here. And each day can be perfectly completed by settling into a soft spot back at your houseboat and drinking in the view, along with an icy beverage.

 

After enjoying a couple of nights on the waters of Srinagar and a scenic drive through the Kashmiri countryside, your next stop is the picturesque hill station town of Gulmarg. On arrival you’ll be checking into the sumptuous Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa – your home for two nights. This quiet little retreat is hugely popular with walkers in the summer and skiers during season looking to get out and enjoy the spectacular Himalayan landscapes and is also famous for its food – with a fantastic selection of Kashmiri curries on offer alongside a diverse range of international cuisine. A town of very few permanent residents, Gulmarg, loosely translated, means “meadow of flowers”, and once you’re nestled within the dense woodland that surrounds it while simultaneously faced with the unmatched natural landscapes, you’ll immediately see why.

 

Take a day out in the open air and a walking trip to St Mary’s Church, a remote outpost built over 100 years ago during the era of British colonial rule, before heading back to the hotel for a sensuous Ayurvedic spa treatment followed by a long, leisurely dinner.

 

After adequately filling your lungs with all the fresh mountain air you could ever want, it’s time to return to Srinagar, or, more specifically, to the luxurious and enviously located Vivanta by Taj. Few hotels have such perfect panoramic views out over Dal Lake from its perch upon Krasangri Hill, making this an ideal spot for a sundowner after a busy day out exploring the city.

The following morning you’ll set our on an early morning shakira ride before visiting Char Chinar, a solitary secluded island floating in the midst of Dal Lake where it will become abundantly clear why Srinagar has been dubbed ‘the Venice of the East’…

 

Venice of Asia – Dal Lake from pani on Vimeo.

DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI

Day flight to Delhi with British Airways arriving late night. On arrival transfer to The Oberoi, New Delhi for one night.

DAY 2: DELHI – SRINAGAR

Morning flight to Srinagar with Jet Airways. On arrival transfer to your own private houseboat and spend 2 nights at Naseem Bagh. Evening sunset shikara ride on Nagin lake.

DAY 3: SRINAGAR

Morning visit to Mughul Gardens, Shankarcharya Temple and Pari Mahal.

DAY 4: SRINAGAR – GULMARG

Late morning drive to Gulmarg. On arrival transfer The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa 2 nights. Afternoon walk to St Mary’s Church and surrounding woodland.

DAY 5: GULMARG

Day at leisure with car, driver and guide at disposal.

DAY 6: GULMARG – SRINAGAR

Late morning drive to Srinagar. On arrival
transfer to Vivanta by Taj Dalview Srinagar for a three night stay. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Srinagar.

DAY 7: SRINAGAR

Morning shikara ride on The Dal Lake and visit to Char Chinar.

DAY 8: SRINAGAR

At leisure

DAY 9: SRINAGAR – DELHI

Morning flight to Delhi with Jet Airways. On arrival transfer to Trident, Gurgaon for an afternoon at leisure.

DAY 10: DELHI – LONDON

Very early morning flight to London with British Airways.

 

Price from £2,399 this is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels and dates of travel. Price includes international flights on British Airways travelling in World Traveller (economy), accommodation in a double/ twin room, breakfast, full board at some hotels, sightseeing, boat rides, transfers, domestic flights, 

 

For more details and how to book visit Greaves India or telephone 020 7487 9111

The following two tabs change content below.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Instagram profile

Sally - Silversurfer's Editor

Mother of three grown-up daughters and a proud grandma too, I am the ultimate multi-tasker and am passionate about my role as Silversurfers Website Editor and Social Media Manager. Always on the lookout for all things that will interest and entertain our community. Fueling fun for the young at heart!

Leave a Comment!

Loading Comments