My Trip to Kashmir, India

It was my long pending wish to visit Kashmir while in India. I could get maximum information from the tourism site. I had decided that i would explore Kashmir with help of local guide and on my own. I took a Jammu Tavi Express train from Bombay Central, Mumbai. The train travels through different states like Maharashtra, Gujrat, Rajsathan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Prdesh and then from Punjab to Jammu which is the last station. The journey was though little tiring I spent most of the time reading and sleeping. Once I got down at Jammu station, I took a tourist bus which was there ready for Srinagar, my destination. I was told that this journey would normally take 12 to 14 hours depending on the weather condition.

The bus was almost full and started on time. The journey from Jammu to Srinagar was out of this world. Since I was in window seat, I could see the maximum what nature could offer. The Jawahar Tunnel journey too was breath taking. Once the tunnel was crossed, there was sudden change in the atmosphere. In Jammu it was hot but after the tunnel it was cold outside and cool breeze. The bus reached to destination almost on time. I got down from the bus and was surrounded by many local guides to take me to nearest hotels. I got hold of an old person and told him about my intention of seeing most of the Kasmir at lowest possible cost. He took me to a near by hotel called " Gul Mohar " and introduced me to a receptionist. I checked up in the small independent room which was perfect for me as I had to use this room only for the night sleep. I thanked that old man and asked him to accompany me for the remaining days as my guide. He accepted my offer gladly and assured he would visit hotel and wait for me at around 7 in the morning.

Next day I prepared my self and reached at the reception. The old man was waiting for me. He took me to Dal Lake and booked a small " Shikara " boat for me. The Shikara boat took me around 4 hours around Srinagar city. It was memorable water ride. I was served with a special tea ( Kahua ) served in earthen pot. After the water ride we had a lunch at a local food joint " Dhaba". The food was too good though little oily. After that he took me to local market and some temples and gardens. I had lot of snaps. Till late evening we covered most of the Srinagar. My guide told me to be ready at the same time next morning.

Next morning we went to Gulmargh by local bus. The journey took almost 3 hours to reach This place too had vast lawns and huge mountains all the sides. The walking through the lawns was a sheer pleasure. My guide was providing all the details of each and every thing. I did the horse riding. All and all it was a wonderful day. The picturesque beauty of Gulmargh was a challenge to my photography skill.

Next morning he took me to Pahalgam. Here we had checked out from our base hotel as my guide told me to make 2-3 days stay in Pahlgam .It took around 3 hours to reach by local bus. In Pahalgam my guide took me to a small affordable hotel. From there we went on strolling by the riverside. It was a real heaven on earth. We just walk and walk for hours. My guide was providing me the information of every little things in detail. This was the popular film makers spot once upon a time. Next day he took me to Kalimata temple where a cultural program was organized. Seeing local people in colorful dresses and dancing with garlanded hands made me dance too. I joined and danced with them. Even though I did not understand the local language, my guide was there for me to explain all the things. I had my own photograph taken by local artist in those clothes.

From Pahalgam we went to some distant places by hiring a local taxi. I could see lot of wild life, birds and fresh flowers during that time. I had all the scenes stored in my digital camera. We stayed in Pahalgam for 4 days and came back to our base at Srinagar. Now it was the time to say good bye to Kasmir. My guide told me as I have covered only major famous spots but there were many I missed. I had no option left but decided to finish every thing next time with same guide. My guide came to bus stand to see me off. He was very nice and I assured him for my next visit. I gifted him a Shawl purchased at Sringar Emporium. I paid his money and started my return journey to Jammu by tourist bus.

It was amazing when I checked up my account as i have a habit of writing my daily expenditure in diary, my total expenditure from Mumbai to Srinagar and back to Mumbai was just 15000 rupees inclusive of train fare. Many thanks to Daddu, my guide who made my trip memorable and economical as well.