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Take a tour to Kashmir

With serene canals and bobbing houseboats, Srinagar is India's answer to

Venice - only with more in the way of lofty Himalayan vistas, and less in

the way of gondoliers and bankruptcy-triggering cappuccinos. For much

of the past two decades it's been largely o the tourist radar because

of tension with neighbouring Pakistan. Fortunately, it's now been taken

o FCO warnings - meaning that Cox and Kings resumes tours there

this summer following a 25-year hiatus. Beginning and ending in Delhi,

its seven-day itinerary ticks o ˆ oating markets, ancient mosques and

nearby national parks - best of all, guests fall asleep to the sound of lapping

waters and creaking timbers staying aboard a traditional houseboat.

Departures for Cox and Kings' seven-night 'Srinagar, Heart of the Kashmir

Valley' tour continue monthly until October. Price includes all local and

international  ights. From £2,545pp; coxandkings.com