Kashmir-The Paradise

"If there is Paradise on Earth,

It is this..It is this..It is this.."

                                        - Hazrat Ameer Khursau Farsi.

After the pandemic, everyone in my family was looking for a refreshing vacation.

Eventually, we planned a trip to Kashmir. Certainly, it is the most beautiful place in India. The real Kashmir isn't in the regular circuit. There is so much to discover and learn from it.

Srinagar

Shalimar bagh built by emperor Akbar for his wife Noor Jahan. Is the largest Mughal garden in Kashmir. The greenery and scenes there are breathtaking.

Nishat bagh also known as"Garden of Joy" is the second largest terraced garden in Kashmir. It is located on the bank of Dal Lake and surrounded with Zabarwan Mountains. It has 12 terrace with water falls.You can even take a bath in the pure and fresh water falls as there are no restrictions.

Pari Mahal this charming monument is also known as palace of fairies. It was built in mid-1600s by Prince Dara Shikoh. It is a seven-terraced garden located on top of the Zabarwan Mountain range.The view from there was spectacular. You can see the entire city of Srinagar, its lake and surrounding meadows.

Hazratbal Shrine "respected place"  is a beautiful dome situated near Dal Lake and the only domed mosque in Srinagar. It contains a Moi-e-Muqqadas (strand of Prophet Mohammad) and has a Quran written by Aurangzeb. This shrine is truly worth a visit.

Dal Lake it is famous for Shikara rides. It is advisable that you start there in the evening hours, so that you can start when the sky is still blue and you can spot the reflection of the  surrounding mountains in the lake and stick around till sunset.

Sonmarg

Also known as 'Meadow of gold', is one of the most scenic place situated on the Srinagar- Ladakh highway. A must visit place in Jammu and Kashmir. You can either hike up or take a horse. If you find yourself in Sonmarg, do visit the glacier and the zero point. Ensure that you have maggi and chai at that place! It will be like a cherry on the cake.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam (also known as Lidder Valley)is approximetly a 2 hour drive from Srinagar. Throughout our journey, we came across many Apple trees. We also passed through the Pampore village, famous for manufacturing cricket bats. In Pahalgam most of the hindi movies have been filmed, including Bajrangi Bhaijaan. There are many picturesque places to visit like Chandanwadi, Aru valley, Betaab valley (named after the movie Betaab), Deer park, Baisaran valley (also known as mini Switzerland) in Pahalgam.