Nestling in the lap of dazzling, snow-capped Himalayas, Kashmir is ideally a honeymooners' paradise. Besides being an inspiration for art, music and poetry, Kashmir is also a nature lover's wonderland and a shopper's dream come true.
Jammu and Kashmir is a treasure-trove of traditional and exquisite handicrafts, unlike any found in the rest of the country. You can buy a wide variety of items ranging from hand knotted woollen and silk carpets, exquisitely embroidered, cashmere and pashmina scarves, stoles and sweaters to paper mache items like boxes, bowls, bells, vases, samovars, houseboat models. You can also buy exquisite local handicrafts from the local markets as well as from Government Emporium.
While most parts of the Kashmir Valley are a year round honeymoon destination with winter enhancing the natural beauty, the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir is during the months of October to April.
SRINAGAR is famous for its lakes and houseboats. The Dal, Srinagar's largest lake, has the most number of houseboats, followed by the Nagin and the Jhelum. There are various categories of houseboats available ranging from deluxe to the economy class.
GULMARG is famous for its green golf courses as well as a club house which is of great historical significance. You can also visit the Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake, frozen till late June. For die-hard fans of horse riding, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening. There is a shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim mystic saint, whose shrine is visited by people of all faiths. Gulmarg is also famous as the ultimate beginner's skiing resort.
PAHALGAM is another interesting place in Jammu and Kashmir and has a lot of attractions for its tourists. Chandanwari, situated 16 kms. from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra.
SONAMARG is 80 km from Srinagar; the place is popular as a base for undertaking trekking expeditions.
