Kashmir, the face of the Universe’s craftsmanship
The crown of India that will let you be the king ... Let's explore
We should never be short-sighted until we wish to see the sunrise and sunset. But the seasons of life can be experienced when we vision far enough.
In this travelogue I will take you to Kashmir, everyone talks about but very few care and want to spend their lives till they age. Many of us visit as tourists and rest their memories peacefully, mentioning either it being politically divided between India & Pakistan. Lastly, it being heaven on earth. Period!
As a writer, Kashmir, for me, is an integral part of India. As an Indian, Kashmir is not a politically disputed region. It will be as Indian as the rest of this nation’s other States and Union territories.
Let’s begin with where and how is Kashmir?
Kashmir valley is a part of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a boat-shaped valley about 135 km long and 32 km wide at its centre. Surrounded by the Pir-Panjal range on the south-west and by the mighty Himalayas on the northeast, Kashmir valley can be visited year-round. It has various terrains ranging from lakes, river, snow-capped mountains, forest filled hills and glaciers. There are fields of Saffron, chards of apple, almond and walnuts in the plains.
Capital of Jammu & Kashmir. The region has two Capitals and the Reason for it. During winters, Srinagar becomes geographically challenging and difficult to travel due to National Highways and landslides’ blockage. Every year the capital is shifted to Jammu in winters to ensure that the trade and business do not suffer. The summer Capital is Srinagar.
Reaching Kashmir can be done by air and by road, connected efficiently with all major Indian cities. The finest way to begin your journey is by road. It will completely shift your pupils from the regular everyday sight of traffic and population to the breath-taking sight of Kashmir. This begins whilst you start your journey from Jammu to Srinagar. The widening of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, would be completed within the next two years by the end of 2022. Thus With the four-lanes of the highway, travel time would get reduced by half as the distance would be reduced by 50 km, bypassing several treacherous points.
Jammu & Kashmir can be a pleasurable and unique experience if travelling by road. The famous pilgrimage of Mata Vaishno Devi — located on the beautiful hills, is an important religious temple of immense belief for the Hindus but is widely visited by all faiths. The tourist spot of Pantnitop fall along the route to Kashmir besides towns of Udhampur, Batote, Ramban and Banihal. The Famous Jawahir Tunnel or Banihal tunnel connects the Jammu division with the valley of Kashmir, the moment you cross it, and a view of the lush green valley welcomes you. It is incredible to look down at the valley from the tunnel’s altitude (2832m). Mesmerising truly!
Climate & Safety — Since the valley and the entire J&K region falls in the Himalayan range, climate and freezing temperatures are always unpredictable. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a part of the Indian Armed forces responsible for developing, upgrading, maintaining and building road networks during winters and harsh weather. Intent your visit way prior by contacting local authorities and guides to know the snow conditions in winter as they may hinder your travel plans. Paradise on earth is not a label badge wasted on the state. It’s a land of Rishi’s, Maharajas and invigorating beauty worth fighting for, worth protecting. The resilient Armed men in uniform spread along the border have been doing their duty for years. You go anywhere in Kashmir; you are always in the watchful eyes of the Armed forces. For travellers who are outsiders, the sense of being watched brings with it a sense of relief that we are in one of the safest places in the world. The Indian Army is here to protect Kashmir, Kashmiris and every person visiting it.
Jammu & Kashmir are ethnically very diverse in their originality, and the people reflect it through their food, dress, traditions, culture, and religious practises. Kashmir's people are homely, simple and very hospitable as the people of the region are called Kashmiris and feel Nationally and vouch vocally as True Indians. The major ethnic groups living in Jammu & Kashmir include Kashmiris, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, Dogras and Ladakhis.
Food is a delightful feature that will get you attached to Kashmir on a celestial path. Do not forget to try the pink and salty nun chai, a staple with various bread. Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine is primarily famous for its delicious spices, and Dum aloo & Rogan josh is its signature dish. It is ideally eaten with saffron rice. Kashmiri Food is a blend of many cultures that have progressed over the years but withstanding its own identity. What amazes me is its beauty, grace, and ages of culinary craftmanship.
As I take you through my words to different places, I think I cannot do any justice to this region’s enchanting charm in my expression parameters.
Quazigund is the first town that awaits to welcome you. A small town where you can sip the traditional kahwa eat local breakfast before proceeding to Srinagar along the national highway 44.
Srinagar is the summer capital city of the valley. Famous Dal Lake with Colourful Shikara boats and stationary houseboats are few famous tourist attractions of Srinagar. The famous Mughal gardens, namely Nishat garden, Shalimar garden, Tulip garden, Chasma Shahi, Pari mahal, add grandeur to this beautiful city. Kashmir handicrafts is a unique and fascinating attraction. Floating vegetable markets where vegetables are sold in boats in morning hours around 6 am-8 am is something one can see only at the Dal lake.
Gulmarg, 56km from Srinagar, is a small town situated in the Pir Panjal range. A very prominent hill station and a popular skiing destination at an altitude of 2650m. It is a hand of lush meadows surrounded by a forest of pine. The meadows remain covered with snow all through the winter. Winter sports are carried out on the slopes of the hills surrounding the town. Gulmarg Gondola is used to ferry skiers and tourists to the nearby peaks of Kongdoori and Apharwat. Known for its scenic beauty, Gulmarg is one of the top honeymoon destinations in India.
Wular Lake, 60 km from Srinagar toward the north of Kashmir, lies this worlds famous freshwater lake between Sopore and Bandipur’s towns. It is situated on the foothills of Harmukh mountain, covering an area of 150 sq km. A small island called Zaina lank lies in the centre of the lake. It is a famous tourist attraction for boating, water sports, fishing and water skiing. The natural beauty of the lake is quite captivating, being situated among snow-clad hills. A nearby bird sanctuary, Nal Sarovar Bird sanctuary, is always full of Terrestrial birds. The lake turns stormy in the afternoon due to the formation of high rising waves due to its enormous size and amount of water. The lake is also a prime fish habitat. It contributes about 60% of the total supply of high-quality trout varieties, including the state’s snow trout. Definitely try the mesmerising shikara ride, which overlooks the high rise snow peaks spectacular to the eyes. The shikara’s here are smaller and different unline the ones on the Dal lake which are more organised and accommodative for stays.
Sonamarg, “meadow of gold” about 80km from Srinagar in the Ganderbal District, is a picturesque hill station adorned with majestic glaciers, meadows, dense forest, snow-capped mountain and many trekking and hiking sites. Its glaciers are the source of the river Lidder, Sind and Neelum, which feeds river Jhelum, the lifeline of Kashmir. The road can reach Sonamarg through N.H.O1, which remains open only in the summer months. The historical temple of Kheer Bawani at Tulmul also lies on the route just twenty km from Srinagar. It is a historic temple revered by Hindus of Kashmir.
Pahalgam is a small town and hill station towards the south Kashmir in Anantnag, about 95km from Srinagar. Commonly known as the valley of Shepherds is a fascinating tourist destination of Kashmir. Situated at the confluence of river Lidder and another coming from Sacred Sheshnag lake. Pahalgam attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Its lush green meadows, gushing crystal clear water, snow festival in winter showcasing winter sports and annual Amarnath Yatra in summer. Aru Valley, Kothoi glacier, Betab valley and wildlife sanctuary are some other attractions of the town. A trip to Kashmir without visiting Pahalgam is incomplete.
Verinag is the southernmost town just below the Jawahar Tunnel, about 70km from Srinagar in Anantnag district. It is, in fact, the first tourist spot of Kashmir while travelling by Road from Jammu. Verinag is the river Jhelum source, the river that runs through the entire length of the valley. Verinag spring is a significant tourist attraction. The unique quality of this spring is that it never dries up nor overflows. An Octagonal arcade surrounding the spring and the adjoining garden is officially recognised as a natural monument by India’s archaeological survey. It has immense natural beauty and historical importance.
Aharbal waterfall, 70km from Srinagar, is a small hill station in the southwestern part of the Kashmir valley. It is Famous for the cascade of the river Veshaw. The place is purely serene, peaceful and suitable for an expedition, trekking, and fishing. It is surrounded by evergreen forest, grassy meadows and snow-clad mountains. It also serves as the base camp for trekking to the famous Kounser Nag lake situated on the top of Pir Panjal mountains.
With the Tourism Board of Jammu & Kashmir, India's Government is focused on developing Religious places to promote pilgrim tourism, which gives us umpteen reasons to visit them and explore the Diversity in India’s Culture and Religious Richness.
Don’t forget to own your pashmina Shawl while you are in Kashmir, the destination its made, since it cost a fortune if you purchase it anywhere around the world.
Nature has undoubtedly gifted Kashmir with incredible beauty. It is rightly called “Paradise on Earth”. the place is surrounded by magnificent mountains and valleys that echo nature, beauty and a certain mysticism level. I feel I’m in a land of supernatural and enigmatic Magic when I’m there.
“What I have seen, touched my soul: but what I saw through my soul, changed me for Life”.
