It was the very splendour and majesty of nature’s largesse in Kashmir that stole the hearts of the Mughals. Its scenic beauty and tranquility made it the perfect venue for King Kanishka’s great Buddhist Council, in the early days of Buddhist expansion. And the magic and romance of its glorious vistas wove a powerful spell over fans of Hindi cinema for decades.

Today, you can re-live all these, and more. Garden trails and lakes, shrines and temples, and a multi-racial populace - make sure you discover modern Kashmir in all its magnificent glory.

Srinagar

Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year. The Mughals journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer.

Here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens, some of Kashmir’s prime attractions. With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors’ concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions.

Detour: Traveller’s Pick
Gulmarg

Kings and commoners have, down the centuries, marveled at Gulmarg’s spectacular natural setting, and salubrious air that captivates both body and soul. Summertime pleasures are marked by pony-rides and picnics in alpine meadows, golf and gondola rides, and treks to Affarwat Peak to catch those stunning views of the frozen Alpathar Lake. Winter spells the annual winter sports festival at Gulmarg, and lots of skiing and sledding fun at Khilanmarg. The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is home to the Himalayan musk deer, red fox, brown and black bear, and a host of resident and migratory birds. The best time to visit is September to May

Pahalgam

This humble little village, set at the confluence of streams emanating from the picturesque Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, has become one of Kashmir’s premier holiday destinations. The drive from Srinagar takes you past rippling brooks, green glades and fields of saffron, that exotic culinary ingredient that retails at premium prices the world over. The leisurely picnic excursions, the easy walks and pony-rides, trout fishing and golf, all add to its attraction as a family holiday and honeymooning retreat.