Gulmarg, Oct. 6 -- As an early spell of snowfall blanketed Kashmir's famous valleys in early October, tourists from across India expressed surprise and delight at witnessing the rare weather phenomenon, calling the experience "magical" and urging others to visit the region without fear.

At Gulmarg, the Kashmir's famous tourist destination, Visitors from Kolkata, Delhi, and other parts of the country said their experience in Kashmir defied media portrayals of the region as unsafe, describing it instead as peaceful and welcoming.

"Don't go by the news. The media only propagandizes about Hindus and Muslims," said one tourist from Kolkata to Kashmir News Service. "Here, Hindus and Muslims live like brothers. Kashmir is the most beautiful st...