‘The famed land of santoor and pashmina shawl,
Majestic Chinar trees standing so tall.
Come fall in love with Kashmir’s charm,
Let it’s serenity make your heart warm.’
When I close my eyes and recall my experience at Kashmir, the first thing that hits me is the snow clad mountains and the sun peeking behind them. On my first day, I headed to Srinagar and the famous Shalimar garden, Nishat bagh and the Mughal gardens. The colourful flowers and the heady floral scent were a treat to my eyes. I spent my night at a boat house in Dal lake. It was worth every penny. It’s really unforgettable living surrounded by water.
The next day I went to Gulmarg and experienced the Gulmarg gondola, the highest cable car ride. Skiing at such high altitude was exhilarating. I got to taste the native tea called kehwa made with dry fruits, it really warmed my bones. I even bought a packet for back home. Later that day, I tasted the Kashmiri wazwan. It was utterly delicious.
Next day, I visited Pahalgam. The crystal clear and ice-cold streams swirling around were alluring. Beetab valley, Aru valley and Mini Switzerland stole my heart. The bumpy horse ride and steep narrow mountain roads brought out the inner adventurous streak in me.
The stone temple of lord Shiva filled me with calmness.
My last day at Kashmir started with visiting the pious Hazratbal Shrine and ended with shikara ride at Dal Lake. The piping hot Tuna BBQ and enjoying the aesthetic beauty of setting sun filled my heart with heaviness of returning back home tomorrow. I has saved the last day for shopping. I interacted with the local people, their culture and bought saffron, pashmina shawl, dry fruits and many Chinar carved goods. I was sad of leaving Kashmir behind which felt like home but it also filled me with happiness and irreplaceable memories. It is truly heaven on Earth.
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