Opinion | Mesmerizing Beauty and Appealing Charm of Kashmir

By Shabeena Bashir

Kashmir valley is known, globally, for its charm and beauty. It is known as the Paradise on Earth and is also called as the Switzerland of Asia for its mesmerizing beauty, natural landscape, mountain ranges, gushing water streams, huge lakes, lush green forests, meadows, etc. Someone has rightly summarized its beauty in these words: With the gushing rivers, shiny waterfalls, picturesque surroundings and the lush green forests, it has always appealed tourists, of different parts of India as well as from different countries of the world.

The emerald valley of Kashmir is cradled in the (foothills of) Himalayas under the crystal blue skies, against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains silvery streams, rivers, fresh water lakes, pine, deodar and chinar forests, snow clad mountains, sparkling waterfalls, shikaras, green meadows and grassy slopes full of flowers of vibrant colors. Kashmir is one of the most picturesque areas in the north India and is thus often referred to as “Crown of India. That is to say, Kashmir occupies a special place in India, not only because of its geographic location and its scenic splendor but also for its great contributions to the arts and culture.

Every corner of the beautiful Valleybe it in South, North or Central Kashmiris worth to visit; however, some famous destinations and attractions include Dal Lake, Botanical garden, Tulip garden and the Mughal Gardens (Nishat and Shalimar) in Srinagarthe summer capital of J&K; Sonamarg in Central Kashmirs Ganderbal; Gulmarg and Lolab valley in North Kashmir; Pahalgam, Kokernag and Aharbal (waterfall) in South Kashmir. These destinations, especially Pahalgam and Gulmarg, are visited not only in summer season but in winter season as well when whole valley is covered with the silver blanket (snow). It is rightly said: Every other beauty simply vanishes or feels less when you once see how beautiful Kashmir is. The valley, the mountains and the rivereverything about the stunning land continues to elevate its beauty at all the junctions throwing new surprises.

Kashmir is not just a place but an emotion that every person wants to experience. It is most famous for its serene lakes, sprinkling throughout the province. For instance, an evening on the shores of Dal Lake and a calm ride on the Shikaras (boats) bestows one with inner peace, whosoever visits and spends moments there: Kashmir breathes within its locals and visitors alike with a pulse that they can sense, a heartbeat that they can feel and an expression that they can personify. Similarly, the adventure activities in the snowcapped mountains and meadows in the winter (especially at Gulmarg) and fast flowing river rafting (in famous Lidder stream at Pahalgam) are really mind blowing and outstanding experiences.

There are many places that purify ones soul; and thus, it is rightly said that Kashmir is not just a place but an emotion that every person wants to experience; and Kashmir is that beautiful poetry of God which he wrote while experiencing together the highest form of happiness and deepest sorrow. The valley never fails to amaze tourists.

Moreover, Kashmir is also one the most visited Pilgrimage state in India. The Hindu pilgrims throughout country visit the holiest Hindu shrine at Amarnath Cave (located in the Lidder valley of Pahalgam, district Anantnag). Similarly, the most sacred shrine of Muslims, Dargah Hazratbal, is located on the bans of Dal Lake (Srinagar). Another famous historical site is Hari Parbat (also known as Koh-i-Maran), which lies on the west of Dal Lake in Srinagar, where a Mosque, a Temple and a Guruduwara stand side by side portraying the communal/ religious harmony and brotherhood among the people of different religions in the state.

Thus, taking all these points and facts into consideration it is rightly said that beauty of Kashmir cant be compared by the whole world.

(Shabeena Bashir is BA 6th Semester Student at Govt. Degree College Sogam (Lolab), Kupwara)