Jammu and Kashmir, also known as “Heaven of the world”. Virtually, it is heaven because of the eye- catching mountain ranges, landscape forming a picturesque and the beautiful natives of the state. Of Kashmir, it was said “If there be a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”
Jammu and Kashmir is at the extreme Northwest of India with 90 percent of it is mountainous. During the dawn when the sun rises, the white snowy mountains appear to be golden in colour, which is one of nature’s magnificent creation along with snow-covered pine trees and famous apple orchards.
Srinagar, the capital city, it’s beauty is beyond imagination which got me head over heels. The capital city has the largest tulip gardens including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh in the foothills of Dal lake. Sitting inside a houseboat in the Dal Lake is a must with sight seeing of misty mountains and floating markets . The special types of boats called Shikara has a lot of tourist attraction. It truly reminds me of that Bollywood number ‘Ye Chaand Sa Roshan Chehra’ wherein Shammi Kapoor romances in the beautiful Kashmir ki Vaadiyan.
Every person visiting the state is going to fall in love with it as the air is so fresh and serene. Talking about food, do not forget to enjoy Kashmiri Pulao. Other dishes are Harissa, available only in winters and Kashmiri Wazwan which is a meat dish.
Watching sunset from a mountain top is like a dream come true for most of the nature lovers. For little adventure to start with, the mountains of Gulmarg are best for skiing. Do not miss the mind-blowing Gondola ride, the two-way cable car up to Kongdoor and then to Afarwat peak. The town is also referred as the “heartland of Winter Sports in India”. Also, river rafting on the bed of river Sind has a lot of fun involved in it.
The natives of J&K are sweet as cinnamon, kind-hearted to let me take snapshots with them. These people keep India’s motto “Atithi Devo Bhava” alive by preaching each and every tourist as their god. The locals of the state have rich educational background. The state has Siachen Glacier, the highest glacier of India where our brave soldiers guard us.
I have bag full of Kashmiri memories and I highly recommend my readers to visit the paradise on the earth. Next time you plan a trip, make sure it’s Jammu and Kashmir and nowhere else to.
