The northern most state of the Indian mainland is rightly called 'Paradise on Earth' . The sparkling rivers, placid lakes, gorgeous gardens and indescribable beauty of nature in the state of Jammu and Kashmir leave you completely speechless. Home to the unparalleled virgin landscapes of Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh, a travel and tourism experience to this joyous state is an unmatchable experience that will leave you feeling cleansed and pure.
Srinagar, a romantic Kashmiri city situated around glistening lakes and snowy tree forested mountain slopes, is a lively, vibrant, and organic canal city, with one on the most pleasant climates in all of India (The climate chart is incorrect). The summer paradise for many of the great rulers of antiquity, Srinagar lays claim to many wonderful oppurtunities for exploration and relaxation, such as hiking in the unique destinations scattered around the fabled valley, or reading a lovely novel while resting in an ornate floating palace. Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley is a dream adventure for those of an open mind, and when security concerns die away, the city should become a top international destination for all.
I had the opportunity of visitng Srinagar recently. I was fascinated by the beauty of the nature, climate and the natives of this little paradise on earth. The weather was perfect, vegetarian food was relishing and the native of this place, Kashmiris, i dont know if they are Muslims or Hindus, firstly they were all Indians, truly Indians and above that human beings....the word human aptly fits them. A week's time in Srinagar has given me so much for a life time.
Some information for the traveller/tourist who is eager to visit Srinagar. I start with Adi Sankaracharya Temple, which is situated on a small hillin the limits of Srinagar. You can reach here half way vehicle and then about 200 steps and once you are atop, there is a feeling of reaching heaven. The coolness around, the beauty of Srinagar from the hills is enchanting. The vast Dal lake and River Jhelum with the shikaras look like dolphins peeping out to see the world.
Innumerable gardens like Mughal Garden, Nishath, Shallimar, are feast for the eye with the variety of flora. I couldnt believe 200 to 300 roses in one single small plant, with its mild fragrance and colour. One has to force himself to some out of these garden. You dont want to leave the flowers or the greenery, which proves that we are made to live with nature and unfortunately withdraw ourselfs from nature and live in a technical world which is neither healthy nor pleasant to the mind, soul or body.
Other places to visit, the joy of rowing in a Shikara, hours together in the Dal Lake, the spic and span Hazratbal Mosque and then the shopping centre. Crewel embroided drapings, Woollen Shawls, Pherons, Kurtas, Dry fruits, Cherries, Straw Berries, Walnuts, Apples. It is also said that 5 acre land can produce only 1 kilogram of Saffron.
Places nearby to visit Srinagar are Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Patnitop. each place simply beatiful in its own way and unique. Sonamarag....we find glaciers and the joy ride of sledge drawn by men. Gulmarg, known for its flowers of various kinds, Asia's biggest Golf Course and skiing. You also have cable car called the GANDOLA ride to enjoy the beauty of Himalayas, the snow clad mountains. Pahalgam, the richest valley. You find the colours of nature blended. The Blue Sky above, Green meadows covering the earth, white snow on the one side of the mountains, then the bluish-greenish water flowing on one side. The velvet like meadows draws to forget everything around you and just lie down and enjoy the nature. You dont have to spend anything here. Just lie down on the meadow..look around, the combination of nature....stream, valley, mountain, meadow and what more you need, if you have a perfect partner alongwith.
Avantipora and Lithpora are two little villages who make the worlds's largest number of Cricket Bats from the willow tree and along both sides of the road, you can find heaps and heaps of bats piled up neatly.
Well, after visiting Srinagar, one comes back with a heavy heart as to why this beauiful place is being threatened by terrorists restricting entry of tourists and travellers. Is it to be compared with possessing a beautiful wife under the threat that someday someone will snatch her away ? With all the security check and military postings, still every other week there are incidents of bomb blasts. But who are the people behind it. Throughout my stay in Srinagar, I did not face a single person who even spoke with a louder tone. They were as sweet as honey and as soft as flowers. Why are these innocent people facing threats from terrorists. Who is benefitted ?. Why dont they understand that if there is PEACE in this land, it can invite so many travellers throughout the year and bring in revenue in crores to both the State and the Country. I dont understand who these terrorists are...IF THEY GIVE UP TERRORISM and TAKE UP TOURISM, they could earn more revenue than what they are earning now with dignity and pride. It would transform negative to positive. I sincerely pray that in the coming years, TERRORISM TURNS TO TOURISM and it becomes a life time visit for every nature lover/traveller.
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