‘Serenity’ can be explored the best at places where there is ‘divine bliss’... And that’s what actor Abhay Vakil seeks for whenever he plans a vacation. 

And his most favourite holiday destination happens to be Pahalgam in Kashmir!! 

Says Abhay, “For me, Pahalgam is not a place for sight seeing and exploring. I seek peace and serenity there, and I always get a feeling of divinity when I am in Pahalgam.”

For Abhay, the place is the best one to live in on Planet Earth. “The beauty of the place is so magnificent that it transforms one’s worldy stress into divinely bliss. It might be just a small valley with river flowing and snow-capped mountains, but I feel I am in heaven.”

So what does Abhay prefer to do when in this favourite place of his? “I meditate for long hours. I go for long walks, and also do a lot of horse riding, mostly in places where there are no tourists. I rejuventate myself as I go up the hills.Whenever I get a break, I make it a point to run away to Kashmir, that too Pahalgam.”

Ask him about his favourite places in and around Pahalgam, and he states, “Aru valley is good where Bajrangi Bhaijaan was shot. Betaab valley is one of my favourites where lots of films including Betaab were shot. Hence it got its name! Baisaran is another place which I love. It is high away in the mountains, and one gets a fantastic view of the Himalayas.”

While Abhay usually prefers to go to places where there are no tourists, this visit was very different for him. “This time around, I was mobbed and recognized by many tourists and locals who loved to have their Raunak sir (his character in his last show, Silsila Pyar Ka) around. That was a feeling of gratitude.”

Lastly, Abhay concludes by saying, “I have been to several countries all over the globe, but I would choose Pahalgam every time.”

Have a look at the amazing locals of Pahalgam, through Abhay’s clicks right here....