"I will defend till death. I want this beauty to be mine. She is my crowning glory. My private pride"
I was quite emotional while leaving Srinagar and hence became a bit melodramatic.
Purwez smiled and said "Sirjee, thats her problem. Everyone fell in love with her and they fight. This terrorism took us back to hundred years as far as development is concerned"
Its almost a year! Last April, I visited Srinagar with an official purpose. My first ever visit to Kashmir. Just like anyone, I fell in love with her. Of late I discovered my CDs having the Kashmir pictures (uploaded in MS) and the memories started haunting!
I miss the joyous chirping of birds, orchards heavy with fruits, alpine meadows dotted with grazing herds, and shepherds lilting with their music, snow capped mountain nestled with crystal white skies! She presents a picture of an unforgettable tapestry of heaven before you!
Day 1
It took two and a half hour flight from Mumbai. Ten minutes before landing I saw snow capped mountains. While landing, the glittering yellow flowers of mustard farms provided feast for eyes. 12 degree centigrade! I got the first feel of "Jannat".
Be comfortable with the military personnel carrying guns at every 20 meters. They are there for your security!
My stay was arranged in a beautiful houseboat "Firdose" in Dal Lake. This lake is so vast and connect to Jhelumriver via Dal Gate. Jhelum flows further to Pakistan. Dal Lake got many houseboats, kirana shop, STD booths etc. Shikaras are the small boat which took you to mainland. Also, you can have one hour joy ride in the same by paying Rs.200/-.
I was pampered with Kashmiri Food.
At first - Kahwa, the Kashmiri Tea (mixture of dry fruits and herbs in hot water). Followed by Rice (just like South Indians, Kashmiris are also rice freaks), Sheekh Kababs, Rista (Mutton Ball with curry) - all these constitutes the famous Kashmiri delicacy - Wazawan!
Mutton freaks - get ready to resurrect your taste buds. But never forget to try the Sheek Kababs and Roti available on the road side (near Dal Gate) - which still remain as my favourite bite!
MughalGardens
It was evening and I have decided to take a ride through the most famous Mughal Gardens. It is the epitome of the concept of Jannat by Mughal Emporers Jehangir and Shahjahan.
Nishat , Chashmashahi and Shalimarare the three gardens which constitutes the Mughal Gardens. It has got exotic flowers, terraced garden and got the panoramic view of Dal Lake. Take your camera and click any where, you will be blessed with excellent snaps.
TulipGarden
With out any doubt - the best garden in Srinagar. It is open only during certain days in a year. For sure, April beginning it will be open. It hosts wide variety of Tulips planted in vertical columns! I thanked god to give me eyes to enjoy this heavenly sight!
I spent sometime in Hazrat Bal (having the hair of Prophet Mohammed) and Shankaracharya Temple on the top of a hill.
Day 2
I started complaining to my friend - "Where is snow? Nothing is found here"
He smiled and said "You will be sick of snow in a few hours"
He took me to Gulmarg, 50 KM away from Srinagar. On the way, I saw many trucks returning from Gulmarg carrying crunch of snow on their top. My heart started beating heavily. And there start snow fall. I am witnessing snowfall for the first time in my life. I jumped out of the car and started enjoying the same like a kid.
It was a pretty difficult drive to the top. Finally we reach skiing ground = full of snow. Each curves and valleys were covered with Devdar Trees nestled by snow! Such a heavenly sight - I wonder, why people travel all the way to Switzerland when we have our beautiful Kashmir.
Finally - we got into Gandola (Cable Car) which took us up to two points (You have to spent Rs.800/- to visit two points) and the view was soul stirring. My friend showed the Pakistani Bunker from the second point - I got a strange feeling and started sweating in the ice cold temperature. I became very possessive about my Kashmir.
Day 3
Time to go back! I thanked Purwez for the excellent hospitality. He exclaimed "You have not even saw 10% of Kashmir. You need to go to Sonamarg, Pehelgam, Ladakh, Leh, Yousmarg"
God - duty calls. I cannot wait further even if my heart and mind is not willing. I got Kesar (saffron) which cost Rs.320/- per one gram (dont buy this unless you got guidance from a Kashmiri known to you - otherwise you will end up in buying scented polyethene). I bought some spices, cherry, honey and finally pushed to airport.
A very important tip for all those who take flight from Srinagar, Jammu and Leh - In handbag, only laptop and camera with out cell are allowed. Also, there are multiple level checking, baggage identification procedures etc. So, reach the airport well in advance.
While leaving Srinagar, I remembered these lines of Malayalam Movie Kirtichakra!
"Khuda se mannat hai meri, Lauta De Jannat woh meri
Woh Aman, Woh Chaman Ka Nazara, Oh Khudaya, Lauta De, Kashmir Dubara,
Meri Rooh ki Tasvir, Mera Kashmir"
Kashmir belongs to me only. Here I represent all Indians!
Courtesy -
Information in J & K Tourism Website which refreshed my memory.
Do visit my photo album to have a glance of Jannat
