Picturesque Pahalgam

If there is one domestic holiday destination I would recommend to every travel enthusiast, it will be to Kashmir. Inexplicably the most picture-perfect, postcard-in-reality idyllic location, Kashmir has romance spilling over in its fresh air and something unique to offer to its lovers. And that warm feeling you shall forever hold on to.. for years.

Snow-tipped hills, lakes, conifers: Moving away from cliche references, let me stick to terms that make sense to corporate travellers.

Pahalgam in Kashmir is an ideal place for family fun, couple time and also selfdiscovery crusaders. It's here, where you can open your resort window in the morning and get an overwhelming glimpse of the mighty Himalayas.

It's as if your Geography textbook is right in front of your eyes and images are popping into snow-clad reality. The sparkling waterfalls where selfies and photo shoots are a given.

Tall conifers that tower over you on meandering road drives.

It's nature embracing you like you are its very own. Pahalgam spells solitude and quiet.

Kawa and cookie invitations: Being a childhood fan of Ruskin Bond's narrations, life in the hills has made its impact subconsciously.

Pahalgam's welcoming roads pave way to sturdy four-wheelers where breezy sights of beautiful ponies sitting near the curb and Hansel and Gretel houses pop up near Lidder River banks. Roses lining the walkway to small family-run resorts, Pahalgam is dotted with cute little home-stays and fully-operational resorts.

The owner Arif Laigroo, a resort owner in Pahalgam was quick to extend kawa and cookie invitations by the hour to us during our stay here. The resort's team of chefs and stewards would welcome us with a lavish spread of Kashmiri food at meal times.

It's just so delicious and fresh that the taste and aroma of Wazwan dishes including Aloo Dum, Rogji Rajma, Rogan Josh, Kulchas, Katlam, Kheer, Modur Pulao lingers on. We promise, that you are bound to get an overdose of calorie intake here. Fret not!

Chandanwari Glacier walk: Situated 16-kms away from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point of the annual pilgrimage Amarnath Yatra. You need to hire a local cabbie, who will drive you on a semi-road, with the Lidder River below and snow-capped mountains above.

At Chandanwari, Sheshnag River flows from another high point. Rent out boots, jackets and warm caps. Go sledge riding or walk up the glacier. Locals here are friendly and narrate interesting folklore surrounding this beautiful hiking spot.

Once you are done for the day, sip on hot cuppa kawa and have light snacks at the eateries. Your driver will also take you to Indian filmmakers spot of Betaab Valley (Betaab movie starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh was shot here). We suggest, you roll your own video camera and make a family movie here.

Ride the robust ponies and take to the breezy romance of Pahalgam. As time stands still in the hills and the lush valley below, get blissed out and relax, at your own pace.