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It is rightly considered neighbour's envy and India's pride. No wonder then, infinite number of pages can be filled if Kashmir is the topic. Perhaps attributed to the divine beauty bestowed upon its people, its rivers, its snow-capped mountains, and particularly its dogs. In fact, it's these spectacular endowments of mother nature that make Kashmir one of its kind!
Actually you need not look out for places, even if you sit by the road-side observing the environment, feeling the pure and satiating ambience, an eternal bliss. The tall Chinars and Pines, the Anaar Danaa and Apple orchards are in abundance. The well bordered step vegetation, the houses with sloping roofs made with elaborate heedfulness, tree houses here and there reflect the perfect harmony between man and nature.
It's a strange land where idle lads rule the roads and young girls stay at home, anxiously anticipating their wedding dates though somewhat hesitantly. While temples, mosques and churches can always be spotted on the way, the land is best known for its food, not to forget special delicacies including Yakhni and Gushtaba served with a variety of breads including Lavasa, Girda and Kulcha. Of course, you could enjoy the Kehva (a tea speciality) relishing the beauty of the surroundings which leave you mesmerised.
For the religious sorts there is the shrine of Vaishno Devi. It's a 26 km trek up and down. The temple which is undoubtedly an animated place with people running up and down bolstering each others' confidence, has its own romance. Devotees claim the benefits of your labour can be reaped when your hidden and deepest wishes are granted and then, of course, nothing can stop you from visiting the shrine yet again. If that's not all, visit a mosque on a Friday, full of namaazis.
As for Jammu, it could aptly be named the "City of Temples", Raghunath Temple being the most prominent one with more than 10,000 pindis of Shiva. Oddly enough, having been through every street and alley in what can be termed as God's best work of art, I somewhat sunk into depression, wondering what could have possibly gone wrong causing such pain and anguish in a land known for its amazing unity in diversity, where religion doesn't really matter amid the undisputed fraternity among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. Food for thought.
I look for consolation in the narrow
roads with twists and turns one after another, small bridges, with natural
springs and cold waters from glaciers. And, of course, the cloud covered
mountains making everything misty and beautiful, prodding me to conclude
that Kashmir is indeed an eternal benediction to be cherished forever.
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