Apr 10, 2007 03:33 PM
10019 Views
(Updated Apr 25, 2007 01:55 PM)
Taking the advantage of Delhi MCD Elections and then good friday, we planned to escape to the paradise for four days....already booked with spice jet we landed on the runway of the jannat (i have so many things to say about spice too!!) just check that when you get time.
And God!! the Airport itself makes you feel that you have entered the jannat (when I say jannat I mean it by heart) open serene mountains surround the area! ya it looks like a highly fortified army base camp but blame it on the situation. but atleast they make you feel safe. and before you start make yourself comfort with all the men in uniform bacause you will see them around every place you go! one gun man at every ten step!! but this makes you feel reassured of your safety!! all the batalions be it Gorkha or Bihar Regiments have their troops standing in every nook and corner of this jannat. we can now say jannat fortified.
We reached at 1 o clock noon and as we have already booked a package trip so the cab was waiting for us at the airport. took us two to the hotel Shangrila (me and wife). half and hour of refreshment and we were on the sightseeing trip to heaven. Nishat Garden, Chasmaa Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple, and Shalimar Bagh (the best of all) are truely a soul retreat. you will just fall in love with this place. words cant simply put the feeling we had that time!! 5:30 in the evening our shikara was waiting for us ( package trip) it took us to a timeless exeperience in Dal Lake where we enjoyed the Skiing and Floating Restaurant with steaming Pakodas and Kahawa (dont miss them for your life).
Second day at 9'0 clock we were off on our Scorpio to Pahalgaam, mindblowing pony trip to the summit and we reached the mini switzerland. you got to see it to believe. truely out of this world!!
Evening we were back to hotel, had sumptuous Rogan Josh made with lamb meat, kashmiris Prefer Lamb meat. on my first day I dug my teeth in mouthwatering Rista yet another lamb dish. Kashmir is a Non Vegeterian's delight. you just can't have enough!!
Third day morning we were off to Gulmarg. snow all around, till your eyes can see. we left Delhi at 39 degree so we couldn't hold our joy!! snow sledge ride then Gondola ride and you are at 14000 feet there's one more to make you reach at 34000 feet but mind it- board only if your heart works fine and you dont have breathing problem. cause it was ice chill everywhere with 4 to 5 feet of thick snow around- I repeat words cant express the joy!!
Back to hotel and I thought of taking a normal meal with chicken item - already had so many lamb delicacies that are part of Kashmiri Waazwaan, on sunday we were again back to Delhi with Spice. but we made some friends and were invited to a local feast by our driver on sunday morning, and I truely hogged on it- authentic waazwaan!!
things to buy- Kesar but only from authentic shop or you will land up buying some plastic,
Dry Fruits, Gift Items, decorative pieces in wood, shawls and suits of handwork
people- A class people- but are already sick of the situation- they dont want army- and they dont want to die of militancy too so kind of helplessness is all around. tourism is badly struck so they are now deperados! I felt very bad about their situation. but boss ye political maamlaa hai!! its a paradise stung with all the malice intentions- diplomatic and political ofcourse!!
But very safe it is to visit !! I suggest with all my heart- KASHMIR NAHI DEKHA TOH KUCHH NAHI DEKHA !! (IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN KASHMIR YOU HAVE NOT SEEN ANYTHING WORTH)
