The One with an Epic Family Trip: Shreya’s Srinagar Thrillophilia Review

Shreya: Hey, Tushar! Finally got some time to call and tell you about the Srinagar trip. I owe you a huge thank-you for helping me plan it through Thrillophilia. Seriously, it was amazing!

Tushar: I’ve been so excited to hear from you! Now spill— what adventures did you have, what did you see, and did it meet your expectations?

Shreya: Expectations? It exceeded them! From the moment we landed in Srinagar Airport, it felt like stepping into a postcard. The mountains, the vibe— it was surreal.

Tushar: Great! So, where did you go first?

Shreya: Pahalgam! Oh my God, Tushar, it’s a dreamland. We visited Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, and both were stunning. The meadows looked straight out of a Bollywood movie. In fact, Dad kept humming old Hindi songs while walking around. I’m pretty sure he thought he was in a Yash Chopra film.

Tushar: Haha, that’s adorable! I can literally imagine uncle living his Bollywood moment! Did you try anything adventurous there?

Shreya: Of course! We did pony rides, and let me tell you, it was both fun and terrifying. My pony had a mind of its own and decided to stop every few minutes to munch on grass. Meanwhile, my younger sister kept teasing me, saying I looked like I was riding a donkey instead of a pony. Typical sibling behavior, right?

Tushar: Sounds like your sister was having the time of her life! What about Srinagar itself? Did you enjoy its sightseeing tour?

Shreya: Oh, Srinagar was pure magic. Dal Lake is even more beautiful than I imagined. We stayed in a houseboat, and it was such a unique experience. At night, the lake was so quiet and peaceful that it felt like the whole world had paused. The houseboat owner was this sweet old man who shared stories about Srinagar’s history while serving us kahwa. My mom was so impressed that she kept asking him for recipes!

Tushar: I told you that the locals are pretty welcoming and sweet. How did you guys like the Shikara ride?

Shreya: Oh, it was amazing! The Shikara ride was like floating through a painting. We saw the floating markets, and the vendors were so friendly. They even let us taste some fresh fruits. Dad tried bargaining for saffron, but the vendor was too smart for him. In the end, Dad still bought it, grinning like he’d won the negotiation.

Tushar: Haha! Well, you guys did get quality saffron so, yes, I think that's a win. Okay, what else did you see in Srinagar?

Shreya: We visited the Mughal Gardens, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. The flowers were in full bloom, and I think I took about a hundred pictures there. Mom kept posing like she was in a travel magazine, and we couldn’t stop laughing at her dramatic expressions.

Tushar: I have always loved aunty for her drama. And remember to send me all the pictures! And I am pretty sure you must have explored the local markets too, did you get anything for me?

Shreya: Oh, yes! We went to the local markets, and they were buzzing with energy. I got you a lot of dried fruits and a really pretty woollen jacket that I am sure you are going to love. And the food, Tushar, the food! Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and the yummiest Kashmiri pulao. I think I gained a few kilos, but it was so worth it.

Tushar: I am really excited to see my jacket! Send me a picture of that too! Where did you go next?

Shreya: Yes, I will send you all the pictures. And we went to Sonmarg next which was like stepping into a snow globe! It was covered in snow, and we had the best time playing like kids. My sister tried to build a snowman, but it ended up looking like a snow blob. We also went sledding, and I couldn’t stop screaming. Dad tried it too and ended up falling flat, but he laughed it off like a champ.

Tushar: And what about Gulmarg?

Shreya: Oh, Gulmarg was the highlight of the trip. The gondola ride to the top was breathtaking. The views were out of this world— snow-capped peaks as far as the eye could see. My sister and I tried skiing for the first time, and let’s just say I was better at falling than skiing. But it was so much fun!

Tushar: Skiing, huh? That’s impressive! Any memorable moments from Gulmarg?

Shreya: Oh, plenty! At one point, my mom slipped on the ice and grabbed onto Dad for support, but he slipped too. They both went sliding down, and my sister and I were laughing so hard we couldn’t even help them up. But it was all in good humor.

Tushar: That’s the kind of memory you’ll laugh about for years. So, how did the trip end?

Shreya: We spent our last evening back in Srinagar, watching the sunset over Dal Lake. It was the perfect ending to the trip. The sky turned all shades of pink and orange, and we just sat there, soaking it all in. It was one of those rare moments where everyone was quiet, just enjoying the beauty around us.

Tushar: Wow, that sounds absolutely magical! I’m so glad you and your family had such an amazing time.

Shreya: Honestly, Tushar, it was one of the best trips of my life. Everything was so well-planned, and we didn’t have to worry about anything. A big shoutout to you and Thrillophilia for making it so seamless.

Tushar: That means a lot, Shreya. It’s always a pleasure to help people create memories. Hearing your stories makes me proud of what we do.

Shreya: Well, you should be proud. You helped us have the trip of a lifetime. Thank you so much, Tushar.

Tushar: Anytime, Shreya. Now, start planning your next trip and let me know— I’ll make it just as epic!

Read More: Thrillophilia Srinagar Reviews