Experience the land beyond imagination – Kashmir

Known for its enchanting valleys, culture, floating markets , wazwan( Kashmiri food), rich vegetation , horticulture , gondolas , shikharas and of course the people with colored eyes and pretty facial features.

Like any place in India the people of Kashmir are traditional and sticks to their religion and customs. Speaking of religion this place is filled with Muslim population. Although Amarnath Yatra attracts Hindus all over the world,native hindus are difficult to spot (I was told the majority of hindu population of Kashmir lives in Jammu since the infamous exodus of 1990’s) .However the sikh population have successfully coexisted with the culture of this land fighting all circumstances since many centuries. One could also find few Christian Catholic churches built during the British era in Victorian style.

Armed Forces including Indian army and Paramilitary troops are also found aplenty aiding with law and order situations, combating terrorism and stone pelters. Yes in some areas of Kashmir the natives pelt stones on the forces. However these forces are a regular sight in all lanes in Kashmir to maintain law and order.

Amidst all the political drama lies this beautiful valley .One could land in Srinagar only after passing through the mighty snowcapped Himalayas.A sight which thrills anyone. Right from the airport to any tourist destination, the landscape is nothing but picturesque and the weather is truly English ( all seasons could be experienced in a day). Every altitude promises a different story and climatic conditions.

All prominent lanes are decorated with flower pots and lights. The parks in Srinagar are fancy with lawns ,Roses,lillies, gladiolus, sunflowers, fountains and eateries just as in any European city. The towering popular , willows and pine trees would not escape one’s eyes .This place is one of most fertile in the world and a variety of flower bearing plants grows here. The tulip festival conducted in May – June of every year would be in any ardent nature lover’s bucket list. Indeed Kashmir is mesmerizing.

During one of my visits to the surrounding places of Tangmarg (somewhere between Tangmarg and Babareshi -Sufi dargah), I was awestruck seeing the towering willows, misty pines , meadows dipped in chamomile and yellow button flowers. I have not seen or felt nature so near in all its glory. Such a scene cannot be seen in any part of India.

(Same valley two seasons-nature’s miracle)

Fallen dead trees are a usual sight throughout the landscape . Birds, monkeys, squirrels, wild horses and occassional bear visits are marked at this particular region.

Street vendors selling local produce including a variety of cherries ,strawberries, peaches,apples, apricots , almonds, walnuts etc by the road /lakes and tea shops serving ‘ noon chai’ ( salty tea) ,kahawa ( fragrant tea with dry fruits )and breads are a usual sight at tourist locations and markets. Kashmir’s got a great bakery taste and one could locate many cafe’s and bakeries around Dal lake and downtown serving their best breads, cakes and condiments made out of Kashmir’s finest local produce.

Dal lake is not only known for the busy markets,hotels and restaurants around but it is a wonder in itself. The lake is bordered by clusters of

floating hotels, hills, fountains,a Fort constructed by Raja Hari Singh and a wonder i.e.an India post barge named Nehru Park Post office numbered 190001( first of it’s kind in India). The romantic shikharas are traditionally dressed in bright colors and it is rowed by men whom I thought could sing just like in movies ( most of them are noisy just like any public transport drivers). Nevertheless it is an experience which shouldn’t be missed as the water and the ambience is so refreshing and relaxing that one gets lost in nature. The lake is green reflecting the beautiful hills , purple lillies, floating fruit ,vegetable, barbecue and tea vendors serving some organic kashmiri produce along the lazy ride , the cold breeze and the fragrance of nature makes the ride an unforgettable experience.

In Kashmir paddy fields , meadows,forests and snowcapped mountains could be seen in one landscape. Nomadic shepherds are everywhere gazing their flocks, found quite a few on horsebacks and cycles coping with the pace of their furry flocks.

Sheep meat is one of the main delicacies here. The Kashmiris call it Rogan- Josh a delicious combination of lamb mixed with aromatic Kashmiri spices. Riste- made out of meat balls are yummy too and all curries are served with rice which is the staple food of Kashmiris. Wazwan is the most famous of all; it is a multi cuisine dish made out of a variety of meats.

Unlike other states,Kashmir’s forests are less exploited in spite being rich with the fattest and tallest of trees one could ever see.I was told the Environmental laws in Jammu and Kashmir are so strict that no one dares to even touch a dead tree.The Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act 1969 and the J & K Forest conservation Act has played an important role in preserving and protecting the trees and their natural habitat. The influence of Article 35A of the Indian constitution which ensures that only a permenant resident of J &K can hold landed properties in Kashmir valley has also contributed towards conservation of the valley (i.e before Aug 5th 2019,J & K followed it’s own constitution and Govt of India had only limited powers . But now after the abrogation of Article 370 ,any Indian can hold property in Kashmir).

Yes, the suspected militancy and the fear surrounding it is still prevalent and keeps people both residents and tourists away from poaching or accessing Kashmir’s natural gems freely.

Fenced and untouched but invites visitors to this paradise throughout the year. A journey which is prohibited after dawn.Beauty which could be experienced only with eyes watching over you from the woods. ( villagers believe that terrorists go hibernating in the neverending mystical forests)

“Difficult to fathom the miles of beauty I feel and the spirit of people who shall seldom kneel”- I feel Kashmir #kashmirvalley