While planning our trip to Srinagar, we looked for accommodation that met two clear requirements: - Property should be close to Dal Lake but not a houseboat – I had been to Kashmir way back in 1988 and had some beautiful memories of dal lake and properties on the Boulevard Road - I love to book accommodation directly after speaking to the property directly and have now realized – sometimes it’s a good idea and sometimes not so great (as was the case in Jaipur earlier this year). We shortlisted three properties (one farther from Dal Lake) and finally chose Walisons I spoke to Walisons directly (was connected to Mr. Sajjad Bhatt), was offered a deluxe room at an amazing price point with breakfast. The booking was done and I even got my booking confirmation receipt. Our trip was in June and we got our booking done almost a month in advance. We got the taste of Kashmiri hospitality even before we reached Kashmir. We had provided the hotel with our journey details in advance. We received a call from Mr. Sajjad when we reached Jammu, he wanted to enquire if we required any pickup support from the Railway Station (yes we went by train – Vande Bharat, the wonderful experience will come in a separate post). We declined. Srinagar had obviously changed a lot from my earlier trip decades ago. I realized that the traffic had increased and this was the peak tourist time so there was more chaotic traffic in some areas. Our hotel was in Dalgate area – not exactly on the main road (Boulevard) which was in a way good because of the traffic and noise on the main road, but in the 1st Lane. Just after popular Streams and Shamiyana restaurant and Punjabi Hutti, one needs to take a right turn; just opposite Ghat No. 2 of Dal Lake. The lane has many accommodation options. The hotel from outside is much beautiful than the pictures on various sites – an old red dak bungalow style building, decent parking space for in house guests, beautiful garden area. Our check-in was super smooth, we were offered a room on the ground floor (102). The room was big with a large king size double bed and huge sofa/ottoman, chair, table, mini fridge, LCD television, air conditioner (with heater) and a small in-built wardrobe in the wall. The washroom was also decent sized with geyser. Large windows with ledges evoked the feel of old hill bungalows; they invited sitting and gazing, though I didn’t try it. The room felt cosy, and ample warm blankets were provided — welcome in cool June nights after coming from Delhi’s 40°C heat. The staff were attentive; we never had to request service twice. The huge ottoman served as an extra bed. Dal lake was at a walking distance and walking was one thing which we did. Breakfast in the hotel restaurant was simple but satisfying. Choices were limited yet varied enough: sandwiches, toast, parathas not those Delhi Punjabi style paranthas) but ones that were similar to the paranthas of Parathe wali gali in Old Delhi, poha, cereals, and hot beverages. W
翻譯
