First it was Ski operator Gulmarg Heliski, the highest ski lift in the world, starting the heli-skiing service in January, and now, more recently, the inauguration of the hotel‘Vivanta’ in Srinagar by Taj, a leading group of 5 star luxury hotels in India, signal of much hope for the tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Indian state, claimed Paradise on Earth by a Persian emperor, has remained in a state of despair for over 20 years due to terrorism and separatist violence in Kashmir Valley, one of the major tourist spots in Jammu & Kashmir.

However, with government and private sector's initiatives, tourism is rebounding in Kashmir, which used to be a top tourism destination popular with honeymooners, skiers and trekkers. The turmoil in the state has began to recede and bookings for holiday in Kashmir is increasing, according to tour operators.

With famed Dal Lake and Asia's largest tulip garden located in Kashmir, the place attracts adventure travelers and leisure seekers. Numerous retro Indian films were shot in Kashmir as the place offers a perfect romantic backdrop with houseboats, lakes, valleys, gardens and the like.

As spring sets in, snow-clad Himalyan peaks have started peeping out in the sunshine. Spring-summer is the best time for a holiday in Kashmir when the valley exhibts beauty at its best.

Below are some of the latest photos of the Kashmir Valley showing the region in full bloom:

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