Kashmir: Beauty and Culture
Natural Beauty: Kashmir is often referred to as "Paradise on Earth" due to its breathtaking natural beauty. It is characterized by lush valleys, picturesque landscapes, pristine lakes, and towering snow-capped mountains. Some of its key features include:
Dal Lake: The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar is famous for its serene waters and floating gardens. It's a popular tourist attraction where visitors can enjoy Shikara rides and stay in houseboats.
Pahalgam: This charming hill station is surrounded by verdant meadows, thick forests, and the Lidder River. It's a starting point for trekking and adventure sports. places of attraction around pahalgam are Aru valley, Beetab valley, Chandanwari, Martand sun temples, Baisarn & kashmir valley. In summers visit the Apple orchards to taste a freshly pressed apple juice from the Apple laden trees.
Gulmarg: Known for its world-class ski resorts, Gulmarg boasts stunning alpine landscapes and the highest golf course in the world. The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable cars globally and offers panoramic views. only drawback at gulmarg is hotels are over priced in gulmarg, they are old, not well maintained and not worth the price you are paying, as Gulmarg is well connected to srinagar, A day trip is recommended to Gulmarg. other nearby places to Gulmarg is Botapathri & Drung. Botapathri is highly recommended to visit in summers, while Drung in winters to see the frozen waterfall.
Sonmarg: in kashmiri language known as the "Meadow of Gold," Sonmarg is renowned for its alpine flowers, glaciers, and trekking trails. It's a gateway to the Zoji La Pass, connecting Kashmir with Ladakh. Nearby attractions to sonmarg are Zero point, Thajwas Glacier, etc
Cultural Richness: Kashmir's culture is a blend of diverse influences, including Central Asian, Persian, and Indian elements. Its unique cultural aspects include:
Language and Literature: The official language is Urdu, but Kashmiri is widely spoken. The region has a rich literary tradition with poets like Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon contributing to Kashmiri literature.
Cuisine: Kashmiri cuisine is characterized by rich flavors and use of spices. Signature dishes include Rogan Josh (a flavorful curry), Wazwan (a multi-course feast), and various types of rice dishes like Dum Aloo and Yakhni.
Handicrafts: Kashmir is famous for its intricate handicrafts, particularly Pashmina shawls, paper-mâché items, carpets, and woodwork. These crafts reflect the region's artistic excellence.
Music and Dance: Traditional music and dance are an integral part of Kashmir's cultural identity. The region is known for Sufiana Kalam (Sufi music) and the vibrant Rouff dance.
Festivals: Kashmir celebrates a variety of festivals, including Eid, Navroz (Kashmiri New Year), and Shivaratri. The Tulip Festival and the Shikara Festival attract visitors from across the world.
Spiritual Heritage: Kashmir has a deep spiritual heritage, with numerous temples, mosques, and shrines dotting the landscape. Some notable religious sites include:
Shankaracharya Temple: Perched on a hill overlooking Srinagar, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake.
Jamia Masjid: A magnificent wooden mosque in Srinagar, renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and serene ambiance.
Amarnath Cave: A holy site for Hindus, this cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite that is worshipped as a representation of Lord Shiva.
Hazratbal Shrine: A significant Muslim shrine that houses a relic believed to be a hair strand of the Prophet Muhammad.
Kashmir's beauty and culture are intertwined, creating a unique and enchanting experience for visitors. The region's natural wonders, artistic traditions, and religious heritage contribute to its allure and make it a place of profound significance. However, it's essential to acknowledge that the region has also faced political challenges and conflicts that have affected its cultural landscape and daily life.
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| women cooking food at home |
In kashmir women are sweet home makers its their utmost duty to take care of other family members and cook delicious food. Doesn't matter whether its a working women or a housewife the prime duty of women remains to look after their family. In the above picture the older lady is cooking "monje haakh" a vegetable dish which is eaten with rice. kashmiri love eating rice that's why they are called "batte mahnu" rice men.
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| in the saffron fields |
Saffron is cultivated as one of the most expensive spice in the world, known for many beneficial uses it has demand in many countries. it is cultivated here in late summers and you can see in the picture how a family is involved in the farms, women & men work together to cultivate saffron. the saffron flowers look purple & beautiful.
Kangri or Firepot is a good friend for winters to give you company & warmth. a essential commodity for all people. as the winter gets colder & colder men take the kangri with burning coals under their poncho type garments to provide them warmth. Kangri is hand made mostly in the village households, thus generating a small amount of seasonal income for people. in the above picture we captured a kangri seller he is from the village and has come on with a bunch of kangris on his shoulder to sell them.
A little shepherd boy driving cattle home, the scene depicts a typical Kashmir village where in evening a little boy is bringing his flock of sheep home. during winter's children have long winter vacation & they also do household chores.
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| cricket bats "Made in kashmir" |
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| floating market in Dal lake. |
The everyday vegetable market which starts early at dawn for few hours, farmers of the lake come with their loaded boats filled with veggies. it's a nice sight to make your morning beautiful. visit us again for more pictures of kashmir for more information about kashmir ladakh tour drop us a mail at info@kashmir-ladakh-tourism.com
