KASHMIR — Paradise on Earth

Much has been written on Kashmir and still there will be more people who will write on it. I loved the place so much, can’t get over it. I am giving you my experience, I went to Kashmir in August, Srinagar to be precise when it was not much cold according to the Kashmiri’s but cold according to Mumbai weather. Beautiful weather, friendly people, Hills, Gardens, Dal Lake, the green valley of Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam, Kargil, Nubra valley, Leh& Ladakh. The experience of staying in a house boat, the shikara rides, the Magnificient hills of Betaab valley, I could just spend my time lying on the green grass all day long in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Betaab Valley and not do a thing, write poetry like Habba Khatoon, eat local food, no worries or making haste to reach office on time. The goats, mountain goats, the pony rides, the water so clear, blue and cold. Mostly, farming done by the people I learned, Saffron flower fields everywhere. Tourism being the most famous Industry, besides handicrafts, spices, jewellery, winter wear, saffron, dry fruits, eating fresh Apples in the Apple Orchards. Touching snow for the first time in Gulmarg and then again in Khardung la the highest Motorable road of more than 18,000 ft above sea level biting cold over here. The amazing drivers that took us everywhere through the narrowest of rocky terrain night and day, Incredible. Everyone of the drivers speaking to other drivers and locals of how to wade through peak hour traffic and take us safely to our destination. Coming back to Mumbai with a lot of memories and gifts for all at home. I would definitely want to go back again or when Kashmir calls me. I don’t know if Kashmir loved me, But I definitely loved Kashmir but then who does not.