India, Feb. 9 -- What began as a travel "mistake" ended with a Russian tourist marvelling at Gulmarg's snow-clad slopes, calling the famous ski destination a "winter wonderland" and praising the warmth of local hospitality.

In her first-ever visit to India, the tourist said she had not planned on coming to Kashmir - and was unaware it even offered skiing - until a travel agent suggested the trip. "I came to Kashmir just by mistake... and it's really a winter wonderland here in Gulmarg," she told .

With fresh snowfall blanketing the meadows, she described the snow as "very soft" and "so beautiful". She spent the day snowboarding with a local guide, adding, "I enjoy very much... they make really fun."

Equally taken by the people, she sai...