Kashmir Calling

The Kashmir story took wing today with Hari Singh Shekhawat (left) announcing that the trip, planned for mid-June, would cost us about Rs45,500 per head. This includes air fare to-and-fro (Rs28,000 approx.), hotel stay for seven nights, road transport for sight-seeing as well as meals three times a day (all inclusive).
Reading from a tourist brochure, Shekhawat informed that the trip would cover all the scenic spots of Srinagar, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and Gulmarg. A one-hour shikara (houseboat) ride on Dal Lake is also part of the programme. A representative of the tour operator would “meet and assist” the group, but not be responsible for the personal expenses of members -- travel insurance, entrance fees at monuments and museums, medical emergency, tips, phone calls, laundry, etc. These would have to be borne individually by members.
Since many found the costs to be quite steep, suggestions were made to take the Rajdhani Express to Delhi or perhaps, even train it up to Jammu, from where other options could be explored. Shekhawat argued that this would deprive us of the benefits of a “package deal” offered by the tour operator -- apart from the fact that a rail/ road journey could be physically taxing on some of us. He was however open to the idea of going along with any other operator who might offer a “better deal”. He also added that since seats were limited and time was running out for the tours beginning mid-June, we should have our money ready by next Monday, i.e. April 23.
Much as this provided food for thought, the mood was generally upbeat with Dilip Babani, once again, taking to the middle for the two laughter sesions. Usually, the run-up to any picnic or excursion generates a good deal of excitement all around. This charming picture of Prakash Babani and Rehana Sheikh (above) captures the spirit of joie de vivre that consumed everyone at the Garden this morning.