Confirm e-tickets, pack warm layers (Kashmir will be cold), and take a taxi or auto to Kollam Railway Station (QLN). Allow extra time for station procedures and luggage loading.
Board the long-distance train from Kollam bound for New Delhi (AC 3A recommended for comfort). This is the main northbound rail leg; expect 40–48 hours travel time. Book lower/side berths for convenience.
Arrive at New Delhi station (NDLS) depending on scheduled train; clear any station formalities and store small luggage if you plan to sightsee briefly. Arrival time depends on your booked service — confirm PNR and expected arrival.
If you have 3–6 hours, do a quick visit to a nearby site (India Gate/Connaught Place) or rest in a station lounge. Keep the afternoon free to board the New Delhi → Jammu overnight train (or evening Rajdhani/Shatabdi if timing permits).
Take an overnight express from New Delhi to Jammu Tawi (book AC 2A/3A for comfort). Overnight travel consolidates travel time and puts you near Kashmir early next morning.
Arrive Jammu Tawi early morning and board a pre-booked private taxi or shared cab for Srinagar (road transfer ~6–7 hours via NH44). Scenic drive climbs into the Kashmir Valley; expect checkpoints and short stops.
Check into a Srinagar hotel or a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake. Have lunch — try local Wazwan-style dishes or a lighter kebab/naan meal depending on appetite.
Take a 1-hour shikara ride around Dal Lake's floating gardens and markets; calm late-afternoon light is ideal for photos. Shikaras operate roughly dawn–dusk (approx. 6:30am–6:30pm, seasonal).
Drive to Gulmarg (~1.5–2 hours). The Gondola (cable car) is the main highlight and typically runs 9:00am–4:00pm (Phase I and Phase II; timings seasonal), so plan to be early.
Take the Gulmarg Gondola up to the meadows and higher viewpoints; enjoy short walks, panoramic views, and optional pony rides or short hikes. Phase 1 and Phase 2 combined ticket varies — check counters for real-time timings.
Drive back to Srinagar and use late afternoon to browse handicraft shops for pashmina, papier-mâché or saffron in local markets (shops usually open 10:00am–7:00pm).
Explore Betaab Valley and nearby meadows; the valley is open roughly 7:00am–6:00pm (seasonal). It's a great place for easy walks, river views, and photos.
Drive back to Srinagar and consider an Ayurvedic massage or simple spa at your hotel/houseboat to soothe travel fatigue (many places available 10:00am–8:00pm).
Depart very early for Jammu Tawi if travelling by train back via Jammu (or directly to Srinagar railway/airport if timetable allows). Confirm your New Delhi arrival time to align with the Delhi→Trivandrum flight.
Arrive at New Delhi by afternoon/early evening depending on your booked train. If timings are tight, you can instead fly Srinagar→New Delhi (flight 1–1.5h) and then catch the plane to Trivandrum — either is possible, but your original requirement was outbound by train.
Board an evening flight from New Delhi (DEL) to Thiruvananthapuram (TRV); flight time ~4h10m. On arrival, take a pre-booked cab (approx. 1.5–2 hours) back to Kollam. Book flight early to secure good fares.