Oct 29, 2009 02:50 PM
5533 Views
(Updated Oct 31, 2009 02:34 PM)
Hi friends. This one is coming a bit late.lol.(By two years) but its worth telling. *
Kashmir need I say more.no nah!.Zannat Zameen par.& ALLAHA Is so kind on me that I have witnessed all the three season ya phir theeno rang Iss Baahisht(heaven) ke.
First time when I VISITED I was just 16 that was with my friends.hahahahha(ghar bol diya tha ki VISHNO DEVI ja rahe hai.it was peek of terrorism then.I still remember three of us managed 9 days in 3200 rupees only.hahah.thanks to our fauji bhai jahan hume bunkers mei khana milta thaa.aur haan not to forget langar at gulmarg.thoz were the days
In recent past we visited this heaven in October, 07 and again in December, 07 to see the snow fall.
And both the times we stayed at ZABARVAN.at bolevord road(facing DAL LAKE)
This is ‘A’ category hotel in valley with deluxe n super deluxe rooms
Thou both have similar size but the cosmetic difference is their….
The super deluxe room has huge balcony which is lake facing, heated bed, steam bath and high end upholstery.
The food in this hotel is fabulous. The staff at that time was excellent……….it was the location which I still cherish. I mean view of the Dal lake and lovely sun rise and sunset with SHANKARACHARYA right in front(the other side of the room) is always a blessing and treat for our eyes for lifelong…isn’t it folks?
In side their premises they have a carpet and woolens shop which offers best of Kashmir art
And the rates are genuine…take my words I am a big kanjoos and I purchased for my entire family
In Srinagar you need to follow certain rules as well!
And they are……………
.Bargain everywhere even at the restaurants tell them you ll’ come daily thr, don’t trust any shop where your shikaare/boat/ wala takes you…….never ever buy saffron from the shikara vendors if you need go to the govt shops they are at lal chowk…
for ALMONDS AND WALNUTS.THE RIGHT SHOPS ARE NEAR THE AIRPORT & IN LALCHOWK……….
Kashmiri masalas are the best in flavour and aroma. Try them at
Dalgate market specially the …mirchi powder and suuch bari.its a readymade masala cake for all the veg n non veg dishes…….lol.me still using them……….and saffron honey is the best in winters. *although we tried only wazwaan(kashmiri cuisene).but we have nathu's both at dal lake road and at Pahelgaam.other hotels serving good veg food is Shamiana again at dal lake road.for non vege do try food at DI'LINZ & MUGHAL PALACE.allow road side vendors to serve you near nageen lake.they keep some fabulos delecacy of wazwaan.
Now the around town part. Always hire a taxi from the taxi stand as the hotel keeps some cut.and that is 50%.
YOU CAN GET A SCORPIO IN 1200, INNOVA IN 1500 FOR PAHELGAM & SONMARG
AND 800/1000 YOU NEED TO PAY FOR GULMARG…….Indicas are also available at just the 3/4 cost of thez biggies
Always hire an auto for the local sight seeing as the parking charges are a burden for taxis
Places to visit
SHIKARA RIDE IS A MUST TRY IT POST LUNCH SESSION(THE BEST TIME)
NISHAT & SHAALIMAR GARDEN
CHAR CHINAAR
PARI MAHAL
BOTENICAL GARDEN
SHANKARACHARYA
HAZRATBAL
Actually if you have that extra zest then do take a ride thru villages and back roads. That’s the real Kashmir. Well we did……………….
Pahegam is 115 km leave early
Sonm, arg is 105km leave early
Gulmarg is 65/70 enjoy it till late in the even. And do not miss GONDALA RIDE TO THE SNOW POINTS
And.please do not fight/argue with the pony/horse wala as they wait for us for the whole year and they deserve some extras……ask any yatri of kedrnath yatra *
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