Traditionally it was described as ‘heaven on earth’. Every Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna or Dev Anand movie had a few songs shot in this paradise. It was the mecca of beauty and the journey to Kashmir is as breath taking.
Clutching the seat of the aircraft, one always hopes that the place is at least on par with what they had imagined and what they had seen in travelogues or movies. But was it going to be different and disappointing this time! Yes it was different, but no where close to disappointing as the place turned out to be much prettier than any vivid imagination of the 70’s movies as people had seen as children.
The trip to Kashmir starts even before the plane lands there, as the flight has to cruise over snow covered mountains before landing in the ‘valley’. Even native Kashmiris stared out of the plane like little amazed children, while some of the mischievous ones slyly clicked a picture or two when the stewards were engaged in make up and figure related conversations.
Its sheer aura cannot be encapsulated with mere words as the feeling of stepping foot and feeling the cool breeze caressing your face for the first time gives a cleansed and rejuvenated feeling. But the beauty of this place was modified. “The place has changed many folds,” said Nirajuddin, a waiter, as one of his first few ice breaker words.
But for a first timer, it could be tricky not knowing whether to agree or refute, but further introspection was the way forward. One does not have to try too hard to understand the problems of the place, as a drive through the heavily fortified city paints a self explanatory picture.
But a few army posts and armed ‘fauji’ seemed like little specs, as it was easy to look through them or even ignore their presence for the what lay behind them.
Snow capped mountains, greener than green trees, colourful people, scrumptious food, blood red apples and strawberries are only the first points of contact, which could start the love affair that would last a life time.
With the drivers playing good hosts, one has little to worry about in this paradise. The very mention of Dal Lake sent shivers down the spine.
Shammi Kapoor had romanced Sharmila Tagore in Kashmir ki Kali and it was hard to determine which was more beautiful in the song, the actress or the lake. One look at the lake, and the question would be answered in a jiffy. The largeness of the lake is almost metaphorical and mesmerising. The boats had not changed but looked more colourful. Waters were calm, and boats with tourists peacefully stroke along, while the moving shops and memorabilia collectors speed from one boat to another trying to sell one of their over priced merchandise.
More often than not, they manage to sell their offerings with sly expertise. Old home boats line up on the sides, many not used for many years, lining up for a good picture, if not stay. Barring the regular colourful and intricately designed houseboats that mesmerise the tourist, the lake is also home to the locals. One can find floating vegetable gardens, houses and even shops on the Dal Lake. It is almost like a self sustaining civilisation that dwells on this gorgeous lake. The drive to ‘Cheeshmashahi’, where the water is said to posses curing qualities is sweeter than any man made preparation.
“You will feel light by drinking the water here even if you have just eaten a big meal”, the driver informed and he couldn’t have been more right on this. But to imagine that there are only a few of these highlights is to be jumping the gun, as every road towards the hills is a soothing sight to the soul.
But the palate does not have to starve while the eye feasts on natures offering. The rich food, flavour and king size meat preparations is not for the faint stomachs. It always makes one wonder why they chose to go abroad for a ‘white holiday’ rather than Kashmir. There was reason why countries were fighting over this piece of land and unwilling to let go. ‘Everyone wants a piece of heaven’.