valley. Srinagar offers the magnificent sights of the lovely lakes and the houseboats on them. In fact a houseboat holiday is a delightful experience. Just stepping on board transports you to a different world, away from the hustle and bustle and noise of the city. While selecting one you need to consider what kind of a trip you would like to make. If you are with your family and young children, it would be advantageous to take one which is on the banks or overlooking the Boulevard, so that you can get ashore in a few minutes. If honeymooning, you may prefer to be in the interior, all by yourselves.

Soothed by the sound of water lapping against the hull, you can relax in the cosy comfort of the living room or curl up with a book in the bedroom. Or better still, savour the peaceful ambience sitting on the veranda as shikaras glide silently by like floating supermarkets overflowing with fruit, vegetables, flowers or the choicest of handicrafts.

When in Srinagar a relaxing cruise on the lake in a shikara is a not-to-be-missed experience. You could take a short hour-long ride to see the sights of the Dal Lake, a shopping trip to floating handicraft shops on the lake or a daylong trip to visit the city's landmarks. Down the ages many important places have been built in the vicinity of the lake such as the Hazratbal mosque and the beautiful Mughal Gardens - Nishat Bagh, the largest, with several terraces, the four-storeyed Shalimar Bagh, and Chashma Shahi, which is at a height above the city and offers spectacular views. You can also trek up to the Shankaracharya's Temple a thousand feet above the city or pay homage at the Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara in Rainawari.

Since the last decade, though violence has racked the Kashmir Valley, it has not taken away in any form the beauty of the valley. In fact, Srinagar is only a small fragment of this magical land called Kashmir; feel the magic and continue on your journey of exploration.