Beyond The Barbed Wires

TITLE- BEYOND THE BARBED WIRES

Kashmir! The name of the paradisal land has lately become synonymous to terror, fear and disturbance. But amidst the wires and sign boards, the city holds in its lap the personified form of the most beautiful painting ever painted.
Srinagar, the capital of union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, located at a height of 1585 mts gives you snow laden mountains and landscape. Speaking of the local attractions, haven’t all of us wanted that shikara ride ever since Shami Kapoor’s lake romance in “ye chand sa roshan chehra, zulfo ka rang sunehra…”? Dal lake, the second largest in the territory forms undoubtedly the most famous allurement. It is 20ft deep and houses more than 50 houseboats loaded with every amenity equivalent to a 5 star hotel. Floating garden, floating market and the ride along boats selling jewels, handicrafts, eateries and the staple kahwa - all floating at the surface of the lake- make it an absolute thrill.

What one finds less talked about are the gardens of Srinagar. Chashma-Shahi, Nishat and Shalimar are sure to give you some strong Bollywood feels. It has rare fauna and historical architecture inspired by Islamic mythology replicating the idea of paradise as described in Islamic scriptures.

Along the roads of the city, if at every four steps stands tall a uniformed man braving every possible obstacle, at every 2 steps stands tall a Chinar (yes! those leaves seen in Yash Chopra’s Mohabbatein), Willow, Deodar, Birch or a Pine tree as contrasting yet magnificent contours of nature.
What’s a vacay without good food and shopping? There are many restaurants and dhabas near the infamous Laal Chowk and across the city offering lip smacking local delicacies including vegetarian food. Ahdoos is a must visit to savour some delicious Wazwaan (Kashmiri food).
Local markets at Srinagar and Gulmarg offer bright Kashmiri kadai (hand embroidery) outfits as well as the culturally semiotic handicrafts.
Apple orchards with farmers offering fresh juice of ripe apples plucked right then and there and Kesar farms along with a wide range of fresh organic dry fruits form the Kashmir special, being exclusive to the topography.

Neighbouring town of Gulmarg is the ultimate winter wonderland with sparkling white snow running azure as far as the eye can behold! Located 49 kms away from the capital, Gulmarg is a haven of adventurous activities like snow bike riding, skiing, sledge ride, rope way and many more.

Pahalgam, located 87 kms away, is another neighbouring hill station, located on the banks of river Lidder and offers the most serene view. Rare and endangered species like Hangul, Musk deer, Grey Langur and Leopard can be found in the valley.

What makes Kashmir unique in all tourist destinations apart from its scenic beauty (and this one goes out from personal experience) are its people! The historically and culturally embedded royalty, ‘tehzeeb’ and heightened reverence for its guests makes one not only forget the horrors engulfing the place, but rather laments the loss of tourist significance it has caused over the recent years. Right from the local cab driver cum guide to the shikara rover or a random shopkeeper, treats you not with just a smile but utmost gratitude and veneration that genuinely sparkles in their eyes!
Kashmir is indeed the heaven that can only be experienced and not described. The city and its people transcend into an emotion that stays on with you, forever!