UDAPEST

Architectural gems

Situated in the heart of the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum river, Srinagar is renowned for its stunning landmarks and natural beauty. The Hari Parbat Fort and Pari Mahal showcase the city's historical significance, architectural grandeur and offer breathtaking views of the mountains and the city.

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue showcases the city's rich history and grand architecture. Don't miss the neo-gothic Parliament building.

The foodie tales

Bursting with aromatic Kashmiri herbs and spices, rogan josh, yakhni pulao, shab degh, gushtaba and the classic Kashmiri pulao are must-tries. Sip on the famous kahwa, a delicate blend of tea, cardamom and saffron, to treat your taste buds.

Must-try dishes include gulyás or goulash (a soup with meat and potatoes), chimney cake, lángos (fried bread dough), stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash and the famous Hungarian salami. For a sweet treat, try such traditional Hungarian sweet treats as dobos torte and flódni

Shoppers' delight

Srinagar is a shopper's paradise. Keep an eye out for papier-mâché handicrafts, leather bags, Kashmiri shawls, rugs and carpets, and dry fruits like almonds and walnuts in the local markets.

For nature lovers

Srinagar is known for its serene lakes, the most famous being Dal Lake, and beautiful Mughal gardens showcasing the natural beauty and architectural grandeur of the city. Nearby is the Dachigam National Park, best known as the home of the Kashmir stag.

Culture chronicles

The bhand pather is a popular folk theatre from Kashmir, where the word bhand stands for "jester" while pather means "drama". The plays are usually performed along with musical instruments like dhol, nagara, surnai and such Kashmiri folk instruments as tumbaknari and saz-e-kashmir

For upscale shopping and retail therapy, make your way to Andrassy Avenue that boasts noted international brand stores. If you are looking for vintage and retro clothing, drop by Szputnyik, a gallery-style space, offering a selection of one-of-a-kind pieces. Head to District VII to explore its cool yet chic boutiques.

Budapest's natural beauty is a fusion of history, architecture and natural landscapes. The city's riverfront location offers breathtaking views of the Danube river, while its serene parks and green spaces provide a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling metropolis.

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths that are thronged by locals and tourist alike. The Hungarian capital also has a thriving coffee culture, and a visit to the New York Café, dubbed as 'the most beautiful café in the world', is a must!