The summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar is a scintillating hill resort located ideally in the Kashmir valley. Lovely lakes and roomy houseboats, dry fruits, Chinar trees and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts are the highlights of the region. Mughal Emperor, Jehangir, was so astounded by the beauty of Srinagar that he exclaimed 'Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto', which means 'If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here'. Jhelum River flows through Srinagar, the city of natural wealth and is often referred to as the land of lakes and gardens owing to the abundance of both.

Dal Lake has become an icon of Srinagar but there are several other lakes on its eastern side, Nagin Lake being the most famous one. A ride on the 'Shikaras' or the floating gardens is a delight in itself and the backdrop of the sunset infuses a magical charm to the panoramic views of the lake. The favorite of Mughals, Srinagar has many well laid out Mughal styled gardens such as Chashme Shahi or the Royal Spring, Shalimar Bagh or the Garden of Love and the Nishat Bagh or the Pleasure Garden, on the far eastern side of the Dal Lake. The waterworks in the gardens add to their rich greenish beauty. While animal lovers would like an excursion to the Dachigam National Park, the wildlife reserve 22 km from Srinagar, skiing in winters attract the adventure lovers to Srinagar but it is living in the beautiful houseboats on the Dal Lake, which is to be missed by none.

Pahalgam

Is situated at an altitude of 2,400 m in the state of Kashmir. The beautiful Lidder River flows through the town which is at the junction of the Sheshnag and Lidder rivers and is surrounded by fir-covered mountains with snowcapped peaks rising behind them.

Pahalgam is an ideal base for longer treks to the Kolahoi Glacier and Amarnath Cave. It is most crowded during July and August when thousands of pilgrims converge on the town on their way to the cave shrine of Amarnath, a 45 km trek away. Pahalgam itself is little more than a single street on the banks of the Lidder. The Lidder Valley is full of streams and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. The experience of village life can be fully realized here in this remote beautiful town and its surrounding villages. If you are interested in trekking in this region, this will be your first stop. Horse rides in the mountains are very popular and are also used for trekking long distances. It is the usual custom to be invited for tea and to sit with the people of Pahalgam. Visitors have experienced the events of life here like attending weddings and enjoying holidays with the rest of the villagers.

Srinagar

Is the capital city of Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 1,730m. Srinagar's population size is 725,000. It receives over 650mm rainfall per annum. More than 50% of this is due to western disturbances. Srinagar is located around a number of lakes, of which Dal lake is the best known. The city is divided into two by the river Jhelum. One of the highlights of Srinagar is staying on a boat house in Dal Lake. Here you experience the ebb and flow of local life on the lake while staying in a beautifully wooden carved house boat with many conveniences. The sunsets on the lake are extraordinary.

Gulmarg

Initially known as 'Gaurimarg', Emperor Jahangir's favorite spot, it is situated at an altitude of 2,730m. Gulmarg lies 56 kms west of Srinagar, and has an excellent view of Nanga Parbhat, one of the tallest mountains on earth. The name 'Gulmarg' means "Meadow of Flowers" and is an excellent trekking base. In winter, it is India's premier skiing resort.

Sonamarg

Is situated at an altitude of 2,740m. The name Sonamarg means `Path of Gold'. It is the last major town in Kashmir before the Zoji La and Ladakh and is a trekking base, especially useful for those heading to Gangabal Lake. It's name may derive from it's past importance as a feeder to the Great Silk Road, or more likely. Because of it's carpet of spring flowers, it is believed that the legendary spring has the power to turn anything into gold. This valley by the Sindh River has beautiful forests of silver fir and blue pine.