Kashmir valley has been on my mind since a very long time and I love the contrast of colors present there during non-winter months. The rich green pine forests, the light green meadows, the blue to white rivers, the green shades of the lakes, beautiful blue skies with painted white clouds, the horses, the sheep, the wildflowers in variety of colors, the lotuses and lilies in the lakes, the shikaras and houseboats in beautiful colors, and the list is endless. One has to visit this place to know what I mean. I am a full on colors of nature person and this place has satisfied my quest for a colorful vacation!
After having kept it in my bucket list I couldn’t go there for various reasons. Sometimes the difficulties of life kept me away and sometimes the volatile political situation in Kashmir closed doors. But I kept trying and could make this trip happen this year in August. I am so glad I could finally make it happen!
For those in doubt this place is completely safe for tourists but having said that you need to be aware of the situation and act accordingly. The media makes us stay away and for years I was afraid too. However, I guess its been because of travelers who have shared their experience on social media that I got the courage.I joined a group for one week and then for around 13 days explored with a friend who joined me. I liked the week after group tour more but I will share both the parts here.I joined a group tour and found really amazing women from different parts of the country and made friends with them. This was the biggest takeaway from the first week. Otherwise I would say the itinerary was too rushed and we didn’t really enjoy a single place thoroughly as we were always on the road and in hurry to reach the destination and return from there. Honestly that is not my taste. But the advantage was I got to see many things, convenience of everything sorted out and made it affordable for me as a solo traveler.
Coming to the places we covered in this week, I visited Dal lake, Doodhpathri, Avantipura Ruins, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Wussan, Sonmarg, Kheer Bhavani temple and Manasbal Lake during this week. We stayed in a houseboat on Dal Lake for 2 nights, in a hotel in Pahalgam for 1 night, a private cottage in Wussan for 2 nights, and a hotel in Srinagar for the last day of the trip.
Day 1: Arrival at Srinagar post 2 pm and visiting Doodhpathri (43.5km from Srinagar). Horses required to be hired to visit the river from the point of parking. Spent some time there and then returned to Srinagar. Checked into our houseboat for the night. Stayed at Morning Star Group of Houseboats.
Sura danced in Aramandal with age-defying May flexibility. The dance program was initiated by Suja, Dileep, Pushpan, Biju, Mini Teacher and our army of children like Ponnus, Sonu, Vrinda, Trishna and Alfin. Over time, it has become a joyous occasion where people of all ages take steps, bridging generation gaps. It lasted a long time. In the evening, at least some people did not forget to take a dip in the swimming pool. During the journey, the length of the night was not enough. Radhetan had already come to the front in the form of black tea to take care of those who were with him. At 7 o’clock, everyone took a bath and got ready. At eight o’clock to the front of the restaurant for breakfast. All set, many people are snapping good moments on their mobile phones with the mesmerizing backdrop of Mount Avenue. Raviettan took a photo of me and my children and asked me to take a picture of my mother and my children together.
That motherly affection has been able to stir our minds. Put, pea curry, poori masala, fruits, tea coffee stew. Breakfast for a long journey. Everyone wished Tour co-ordinator Sujak a happy birthday. I heard Suja saying ‘Let’s pay for it’ to the grandchildren’s mischievous question. Did it? There will be!!
Straight to Kurua Island – which I originally understood to be the abode of the Kurua tribe. But now it has come to know that ‘Kuruva Island’ is a haven for many migratory birds, essential animals and diverse flora and fauna. Rafting was the first experience for many. Suja’s classmate Wahida and her husband were videotaping all the scenes with explanations. On the way there were signs of an elephant traveling last night too.
Lunch with Kudumbashree. Everything is pre-planned by SMS.- Mattaari Chor, Sambar, Meen Curry, Pulissery, Meen Varuttha, Cabbage Thoran, Ganapati Lemon Pickle, Rasam, Mor, Papadam, Payasam. Dine in Nakila.
After lunch ‘Banasura Dam’ is not far behind in Asia in terms of size, – wide carpet, boating – some mischievous people got into a speed boat – when looking from a distance, only scared eyes can be seen. The return was accompanied by rain.
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