My first trip to Kashmir - Please advise!

I would be flying to Srinagar on 25th Dec 2011 with my family and would return back on 1st Jan 2012. Comments on the following would be very helpful :
(While suggesting please keep in mind that I am based in India and earn in INR )

1) Should I pre-book any accomodation in Srinagar? If not, please suggest some decent and resonable accomodation who has pick-up service from the airport.

2) Any suggestion about the itinerary would be highly appreciated.

3) Besides the famous tourist destinations, any other off beat and safe place to explore.

4) Any other advise that you may think of, like safely, dos and donts, etc.

Thanks a million in advance.

Sabyasachi Sengupta
Chennai

Hi Sabyasachi,

There are loads of information in other threads related to Kashmir. Have you gone through those? They would certainly help you finalize your destinations and plan accordingly.

Regards,
Saugata

Thanks Sougata for the quick response.

Yes, I have gone through most of the relevant threads; Some were really helpful. But there are not many on my desired time frame (last week of Dec). And also would like to know more on the present state. Came to know that last week of Dec is off season, Whether pre booking of hotel is necessary or not. Can you suggest any decent hotel that have pick up service from Airport? ... Any other information that you can share would be helpful.

Thanks,
Sabyasachi

Try the Swiss Hotel ,it is fairly good http://www.swisshotelkashmir.com/,Dec 25 -Jan1 is not exactly off season and there are visitors that weekend, it is better to book at least for the first two days in advance. You can also try Hotel Sadaf www.hotelsadaf.in .

you can opt for the following hotels.

1. Vivanata - The Taj
2. Lalith grand palace.
3. Centaur Hotel.

it is better to take a prepaid taxi at srinagar airport, they charge 550k

Thanks Stephanij, would check Swiss Hotel.

Great advise Khrith. Thanks a lot.
It seems you know a lot about the place. Any other out of the box suggestions?

I along with my family wants to visit Srinagar, Katra, Jammu in May 2011. Can any one help me out in itenary? Please also suggest some budget hotels and where to contact for car rentals. I was searching in net but all are so expensive. How come these travel agents take people in such less amount?