Jammu and Kashmir, Dec. 21 -- Popular tourist spots including Gulmarg, Sonamarg and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir were transformed into picture perfect winter wonderland as fresh snow blanketed the region on the first day of Chillai Kalan.

'Chillai Kalan' - the 40-day period of severe winter cold in Jammu and Kashmir - started on 21 December and will end on 31 January. It is a period marked by sub-zero temperatures, frozen water bodies, and landscapes covered in frost and snow.

Sonamarg in the Kashmir Valley witnessed the first snowfall of the season on Sunday, blanketing the region in a thick layer of white. At the same time, Srinagar continues to experience a persistent cold wave with foggy mornings.

Residents and tourists were se...