Ecstatic in Kashmir

The security procedures at Srinagar International Airport do not deter from having a good time in the northern Indian territory

I would say the highlight of the tour was Gulmarg, a hill station that functions as a perfect golf escapade during summer and transforms itself into an impeccable ski resort during winter.

It can be a day-trip from Srinagar as Gulmarg is just a 90 minute drive but if not planned meticulously, you may not have the time to enjoy the splendour of the snowcapped tops and tips in Gulmarg. The last cable car ride down from the top is 4.30pm, as by 5pm, dusk sets in.

The cable car ride to Gulmarg is slightly less than 10 minutes and as we were there at the beginning of winter, snow was scattered and when you looked up, the intermittent darker spread of the mountains interspersed with snow makes for good photography.

A smartphone with a good resolution should be able to capture the plains, moun- tains and the sky patterned with the patchy clouds as they meet conspicuously to give you pictorial delight.

There were just too many rumours with regard to the attire requirements at Gulmarg and we were asked to get into Phua Chu Kang boots, which are available for rent before you drive up.

We later found that our sports shoes/ boots would have been just as good. Then again, depending on which time of winter, you may need high boots when the snow reaches above the ankles.

Then there is a short pony ride from the vehicle to the cable car station which we felt was pricey for a 1km ride. Many of us chose to walk as we took the mandatory selfies and wefies in between a smattering of snow on both sides of the walkway. Also, on return the bus was able to come close to the station after all. We decided the pony