KASHMIR INDIA
Poet Amir Khusrau immortalised this enchanting place with his famous words, "If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here," and well, we absolutely agree!
STAY
We stayed at the statuesque LaLIT Grand Palace, Srinagar, (formerly The Oberoi) and as one of Srinagar's most iconic hotels, it's located on the swanky Gupkar road. Nestled in a neighbourhood inhabited by the city's elite, it is very common to see gun-toting security guards man the sprawling estates. Popularised by the late filmmaker, Yash Chopra, Kashmir's wonderful snow-capped peaks also served as the backdrop of several films like Kabhi Kabhie and Silsila. But to get the full experience, you must stay at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa!
TASTE
The most popular and undisputed spot for traditional Kashmiri food is Ahdoos at Regal Chowk, offering authentic Kashmiri wazwan and a vegetarian version. For global cuisine, there's the crowd-favorite Stream Restaurant on Boulevard Road.
The restaurant at the LaLIT Grand Palace is also a good bet for fine dining as it's one of the few properties with a registered licence to serve alcohol. For some European style café cuisine, there are quaint options like the Lacima Café and Pizzeria in Gole market or the Books and Bricks Café in Wazir Bagh. It's ironic that while one part of the city is steeped in tradition, there's a new Kashmir with modern spaces right around the corner.
INDULGE
Kashmir is the go-to place for dry fruits and spices. The main bazaar is packed with shops where you can take your pick. Just remember to bargain hard to avoid overpaying. If you want something local, consider getting a nice pashmina shawl or a pheran.
EXPLORE
This story is from the JUNE 2024 edition of Hello! India.
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This story is from the JUNE 2024 edition of Hello! India.
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