Kashmir: Land of Heaven
Someone has once said that if there is any heaven on earth then it is in Kashmir. It is the land of natural beauty that can easily enchant the mind of any individual. The picturesque land of Kashmir lies on the peaks of Himalayan Ranges with varying topography and culture. The beautiful lakes, snow-covered hills, springs, and rivers are the real charm of Kashmir. It is the most loved location among the directors and filmmakers of Bollywood for shooting, due to its mesmerizing eye luring view. The Bollywood movies that have been shot in Kashmir are Dil Se, Rockstar, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, YehJawaani HaiDeewani, Highway, Haider, among many others. Whenever any romantic scene or song is to be shot, Kashmir is held as the most fitting backdrop to suit the delicate heavenly emotion of love. People call it “The Switzerland of Asia”. With snow on the mountains, tall trees of Chinar, green land and valleys, Kashmir seem to be one of the most magical places on earth.
The most fascinating thing I find about Kashmir is staying in a houseboat at Dal Lake, which provides living over water in elegant bedrooms. When you are on a houseboat, you are no longer a guest; you are a family member! The owners of these houseboats are kind, hospitable and friendly and once you are onboard you will not feel an inch away from home. You will also enjoy a ride of Shikara at the lake. The ride includes sailing in the tranquil environment, watching few water sports activities, birds and visiting the whole floating market. The splendid dal lake, the apple orchids, the sweet smell of saffron, every experience is a moment to cherish. Kashmir has the largest and the most colorful Tulip Garden in Asia. It further has many breathtaking and attracting places that are beyond imagination. The people of Kashmir are very warm and polite. One thing I love about them the most is their love for Kashmir. They are proud to be Kashmiri. They also treat every tourist as their own family.
Tour to the Kashmir is incomplete without visiting Gulmarg, which is famously known as “Meadow of flower”. The majestic natural beauty of snow, meadows and pine trees makes this location next to heaven for tourists. It is the world famous spot for skiing and is also called the skiers’ paradise. Sporting activities other than skiing which is popular there are Mountain Biking, trekking and Gondola rides. Gulmarg Gondola is world's highest operating cable car. The view from Gondola is absolutely breathtaking, from that height it appears as if someone has painted the entire valley with white paint.
Those who have witnessed the quaint landscapes of Kashmir will never ask why it is called heaven on earth. Kashmir is the land of flowers in the spring and snow in the winter. It is the land where every step makes you feel closer to heaven. In the end, I would say, there is no need to go anywhere else for a holiday or a honeymoon, Kashmir is and will always be the best place all over the world.
