Kashmir Tales-Postcards from Paradise

Definitely before we headed out there was quite a bit of trepidation about the fear of the valley, the arduous hilly terrain, the safety factor and the freezing sub zero temperatures not helping our cause. Then we realised that it was all in our mind. As we reached Jammu and came out of the airport initially it failed to leave an impression and we began to wonder about the progress of the state. As we reached Katra in the Reasi district the mountain town slowly unfolds before you. We were set for the holy Vaishno Devi temple trip. The previous night before the darshan was about gallivanting in the streets of Katra and enjoying satvik food. The temple visit entailed helicopter ride and a short trek. Stomach churns happen before you alight the helicopter and as it slowly lifts you, you suddenly realise you are just a microcosm in this big wide universe and you just hope and pray it lands you safely back in the helipad. After your descent from the helicopter it is a 30 minute trek to the Vaishnodevi temple and as you reach the temple top the experience is nothing short of soul stirring.

After the darshan the temple town of Katra is about heaps and heaps of dry fruits and staunch hindu followers chanting Jai Mata Di. After the all religious Jammu visit we climbed uphill to reach Kashmir. The road leading to Kashmir seems precarious and treacherous and with landslides waiting to happen any minute. All we could do was chant our prayers to our favourite God and we knew that one small slip would make us fall into the ravines. Having said that we should give it to the Border Road Organisation who are laying the roads in such dangerous situations and from precarious heights. Just seeing them work made us feel dizzy. As we passed through the tunnel and reached the Kashmir Valley the initial scenes were not impressive since we found the roads dusty and felt the place has not seen any remnants of development. Most of the houses were just brick and cement with no plastering or painting. As we negotiated our way to Patnitop and was driven towards some mesmerising view points the magic was happening. Slowly but surely the beauty of the Valley was engulfing us as we again negotiated through some hairpin bends with snow on either side and reached the placid and pristine sanasar lake. After enjoying some quiet selfie moments on our way back we had witnessed our first picture post card scenery . We could not believe that we were standing in the midst of never ending snow and the pine trees in the back drop looked too surreal. For city dwellers living in the midst of steel and concrete you cant help but feel dazed by this creation of nature .

For a moment you stand still not even knowing what to do. Then you frantically video call your near and dear ones showing them the magnificent grandeur of this place. The gushing streams, the scenic and mammoth mountains and you feel suddenly blessed to be away from modernity and civilisation and want the frames to freeze if not frozen already. Our next stop over was at Pahalgam. As we enter this mountain town we see the men in long robes and there are lots of horses waiting to take you to their place of pride called mini switzerland. If you have a strong back you have the opportunity to ride through the curvaceous stretches amidst the pine trees decorated with snow and you will witness scenic settings you have never ever seen in any part of the world and in all patriotic fervour you would murmur to yourself and say let Switzerland be termed mini Kashmir and not vice versa. I am still in a trance about betab valley which is nothing short of a green and white visual splendour and spectacle with gentle streams flowing between the vast expanse of snow. Again you are so enthralled by this place and you want time to stand still.

The majestic mountains, the gigantic streams, the thick cover of snow together clamour for your attention and you feel you cant wait to tell the world about it. A small drive from the valley opens to more picturesque locations and you permanently want to reside and relocate there. The wonderment about the Valley is that each place is intrinsically different though you may think it is all about snow, the pines, the chinar , the deodhar and the Walnut trees. No one leaves Gulmarg without the gondala rides and the snow bike rides. We again experienced the bumpy sledge rides through a never ending expanse of snow . Would not suggest the sledge for someone with a weak back though . It is better to walk through the snow with borrowed snow boots. Next we impatiently waited through the only long winding queue you will ever see in Kashmir. As we experienced the ascent in the cable car the sights we witnessed is sheer magic. You feel it is the creator’s finest painting as the snow falls and gently glides through the leaves of the majestic pine trees and with the reflection of the sunlight it is a sight to behold.. Truly one of the greatest natural splendours you would ever witness in your life.

As you alight the gondola you just enter a snow city and tall trees forming a backdrop at magnificent distances. It is that time where you have you to switch off your devices and you need to soak in that moment as you get completely drenched in that snow shower which sure is a surreal and soul cleansing moment. You again go through moments of wonderment during the descent and a sense of consternation embraces you about how so much beauty is bestowed on a single locale in this earth. With a heavy heart we left Gulmarg and reached Srinagar. The city its centred around its lakes and gardens. We did visit some army camps and had goosebump moments when they explained to us about the life in the Valley. At that moment we realised how thankful we have to be about people who protect our borders. Our salutations to them. Compared to dal lake the manasbal lake was  more pristine with the regale mountainous backdrop and we had to thank Jammu and Kashmir Rescue Force who took us in their special boats to experience the calmness , the stillness and the peace and tranquilness of the Valley. Thanks to them we also witnessed an ancient sinking Shiva temple.As shopaholics our trip wouldnt be complete without shopping in the dusty lal chowk in Srinagar despite our already overflowing wardrobes and baggages. Another travel tip is that you need to shop only in Srinagar as the prices are genuine and they treat you with extreme hospitality. Of course the things to buy are dry fruits, saffron and the delicate pashmina shawls and sweaters. Sure we purchased truckload and promptly contributed to the economy of Kashmir. Enroute to the airport dont forget to pack a box of walnut fudge from moonlight bakery and I guarantee that your taste buds clamours for more bites and you just cannot stop with one. As they say a positive mind sees all things good in places and people.

Well the trip is not as perfect as it appears. It is definitely not for the faint hearted. Not that it appears like a dangerous terrain. It is a land which leaves you wonderstruck about what is more beautiful the terrain or its people. The people are beautiful but we do not know if their life is beautiful. Our driver Nissar Ahamad summed up the spirit and nature of Kashmiri’s towards tourists when he said that when five women have come to our state it is my responsibility to send them back safe. The Kashmiri’s welcome the tourists with open arms though it may be a little unnerving for the rest of us to see CRPF personnel standing in every street.Hope the Valley experiences lasting peace for I felt the people deserved it.

When we went to the Kheer Bhawani temple in Srinagar we felt an uneasy calm and workers in the temple were from all religions and it was a high security region. I think over the next decade the state should progress rapidly with the will of its people and according to me truly certain regions of the state are the most beautiful on this entire planet. As for me I had the satisfaction of meeting the most beautiful people on earth and the scenic beauty of the land leaves you forever enthralled and entranced. We still couldnt cover Gurez Valley, Sonmarg , Doodh Pathri for paucity of time. May be if we visited those I would have preferred to stay there and sell Kahwah ( Kashmiri Chai for the uninitiated) Couldnt agree more with Amir Kushrao the persian poet who said if there is a paradise on earth it is this, it is this and it is this. If the people of this land are willing so much can be done to its capital city so that it can easily become the most renowned destination in the world.. Well that as you all know is easier said than done.. but we at least witnessed the beginning of this journey .Life is always an adventure filled with some occassional illuminated moments and the trip definitely gave me the much needed rejuvenation.

 Take memories and leave foot prints.