KASHMIR GUIDE: MY FIRST VISIT TO HEAVEN ON EARTH
This was my first posting to Kashmir & I was as excited as my friends were. They already had made a lot of plans to visit Kashmir in January…Not to see me, but to see the snowfall of course… I boarded a long flight to Srinagar from Delhi & it was from the Boarding gate of Delhi Airport itself, that I could see a distinct Kashmiri Culture. Their varied way of dressing especially the Phirans & their Kashmiri language amazed me. I was listening to their beautiful language & Kashmiri music playing around at the terminal gate. The journey till the Srinagar Airport was a turbulent one as our plane had to pass through the peaky Himalayas & inclement weather. Like me, many passengers were praying to the “Almighty Allah” that we reach our destination safely.
As I landed at the Srinagar Airport, the chilly winters of this place was piercing my bones. Later on when I stepped outside the airport, Indian Flag waving just at the entrance made me swell with pride. I boarded a Civil Hired Transport & thereafter it was a journey to remember. I was amazed by the picturesque images that were visible from my taxi. I was amazed by the houses over there. They took my heart away! Some houses are on the mountains, while some were on water & some beautifully made of Deodar wood. I took many pictures of these. The long dry tress all along the beautiful Srinagar road made me scary though!
My driver’s name was Jhangir, he was from Sogam. His parents had unfortunately passed away in an accident & he was looking after his younger sister. He had a habit of smoking cigarettes while driving, which I didn’t like. Just to make him comfortable, I told him to put on Kashmiri songs. Then, just to get a basic info about the place where I was going to spend my life’s next two years, I started to ask him questions…so that I made sure that our three-hour long journey wasn’t boring. I believe the answers I got will enlighten the readers too!
When to visit Kashmir?…
March to October is the best time to visit this beautiful region. Blossoming flowers & perfect weather around this time l
would make the trip even more beautiful. Huge crowd is expected during this peak period.
Where to stay in Kashmir…?
The driver said that most of the people coming to see this region select their hotels based on the budget available with them. Some choose local low budget hotels over hotels like Vivanta Taj & Lalit Grand Palace. The local markets are at a walking distance from these luxury hotels. Hotels near Dal Lake can also be preferred for staying overnight. Some tourists even like to stayover in the houseboats too.
Moving around in Kashmir…
He explained that, as apps like Ola & Uber aren’t operational here, tourists here can hire taxis, auto-rickshaws, personal cabs, local buses operated by government for transportation around the state. He also said that, a tourist coming over here for visit must also be abreast with the local COVID guidelines. Proper winter clothing must be carried while visiting in summers too, he warned.
What to do and see in Kashmir…?
He mentioned that whether you are coming for a short trip or for a long trip, one must completely make his trip worth to remember. So, he listed out a few places in & around Kashmir which can’t be given a miss.
Shikara Ride will give a beautiful glance of distant mountains & also make you admire the beauty of Kashmir.
Gondala Cable Car gives a beautiful panoramic view of the far-off snowcapped mountains that can’t be missed. It would also connect us to the beautiful place of Gulmarg.
Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal & Shankaracharya Hill Temple are other few attractions of Srinagar. Centuries old buildings influenced from different eras of architectural style are part of older Srinagar City which can’t be ignored in the itinerary.
Shopping and Cuisine in Kashmir
Kashmir is popular for its local handicrafts to include carvings made of walnut wood, pashmina shawls, rugs & copperware too. He knew I was a foodie & how could our conversation end without him mentioning the famous Kashmiri Wazwaan, Rogan Josh, Kahwah & Namkeen Chai that form an integral part of the Kashmiri Cuisine.
Alas he told me that …not to let the ongoing political issues or post-pandemic restrictions avert my plans of bringing my friends & relatives to Kashmir. Going by road past the scenic beauty of Kashmir, made me feel it’s actually too beautiful to be ignored. Finally, Jhangir was bored answering my stupid questions as he had answered this to thousands of passengers like me. But this had made my journey enriching & fruitful. With enthralling images all around & a talkative driver beside me, the journey became even more beautiful.
– Capt Akshay Bulbule
