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Viral Paun

Majestic Beauty of Kashmir : Another name of paradise

Intensifying the beauty of Himalayas in the northernmost part of India, Kashmir valley is an apt place to witness the nature in its own form. Surrounded by the snow-capped mountains, the implausible beauty of Kashmir leaves an everlasting impression on one’s mind.

There are a number of reasons to that satisfy the above heading; ranging from the waterfront gardens, the Chinnar trees, awe-inspiring lakes and a sumptuous autumn season.

lake boats in Kashmir

Enclosed by the snow-clad mountains and the gleaming lakes creates a picturesque landscape on earth which is known as Kashmir. This state of India is precisely pided into three regions namely Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh which is covered by the mighty ranges of the Great Himalayas and Pir Panjal range. Often referred to as India’s Switzerland, Kashmir is blessed with the most scenic views which are worth a visit. The state has a long list of places which reflects the nature’s beauty at its best which cannot be missed by any traveler.


Pir Panjal range


Kashmir has a variety of terrains ranging from lakes, snow-capped mountains, coniferous kissed hills to glacier-fed rivers. On one hand, Kashmir is covered with wild untouched terrain and on the other, there are fields of saffron and orchards of apples awaiting their full bloom. They have a variety of flowers that are a show in themselves. They wait, as photographers after photographers attempt to do justice to them. 


saffron flower in Kashmir


When I landed at Srinagar, I felt a sense of peace and ease. Nothing felt more soothing than letting your fingers glide through the chilly waters of the Dal Lake while chatting with family on a Shikara boat. The Dal Lake is surrounded by a variety of deciduous trees that promise a colorful show in their fall season. The weather in Kashmir is an experience of its own. The sun rose at five in the morning and set at nearly eight at night, giving its tourists enough time to enjoy the valley, the people and the cuisine.

Kashmir has an intriguing cuisine that kept my taste buds wanting for more. On the first day, I indulged in some Kashmiri Wazwan. The Kashmiri kebabs, Rista Curry (a meatball curry), Kashmiri pulao and their famous Roganjosh are a few dishes new visitors must try as a part of their gastronomic adventure.


Kashmiri pulao and their famous Roganjosh


A holiday in the midst of a valley is enough to create memories on its own, but what made this trip more memorable to me, were the people and their arts and crafts. The Kashmiris, unlike the political strife that their state has been under, are very peaceful. They are homely and hospitable. While visiting a few handicraft stores, I was intrigued to find that the shawls, craftwork, and décors (made out of walnut or maple wood) were made by people in their homes. Instead of building large-scale industries that mechanically produce souvenirs for its tourists, people made handicrafts at home and sold them as a business. What I found fascinating about this was that each décor or shawl was unique and never exactly the same and differed from one shop to the other. Thus, it’s a truly unique souvenir that you bring back home.


Kashmir is a wonderful idea for a visit, especially for those wishing to experience teeth-chattering temperatures and snow for the first time. Sonamarg and Gulmarg promise a lot of fun in the snow and ensure you fly home with snow-capped memories imprinted in your mind’s eye. 


Sonamarg and Gulmarg


When there’s snow around, a snow fight is bound to happen, no matter what your age. You’ll even get a chance to fulfill your lifelong dream of building a snowman.


Enticing cold temperatures with snowfall is one of the many things that Pahalgam has to offer. The weather unlike the blistering cold in Gulmarg, nurtures a variety of apple orchards, vast fields of saffron as well as an array of dry fruits. Pahalgam is a wonderful place to visit for its unique parks like Bethab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandan Valley. A morning walk or a short stroll can never do justice to the amount of natural beauty there is to see. Bethab valley has vast sunny lawns spotted with clusters of tall, coniferous trees. There’s a gushing stream cutting through the park that keeps you company while you gaze at the white Himalayan range.


Kashmir was a wonderful experience and certainly a place that I shall visit often. Even after a week, I realized that there is so much more to explore. I am yet to experience their fall season, their scintillating apples and more of their mesmerizing landscapes.

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