These are the words of the great Amir Khusro defining Kashmir ‘Gar Firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, hHameenast-o, hHameenast-o, hHameenast.

The word to word meaning is -

, अगर स्वर्ग इस पृथ्वी पर मौजूद है, तो यहीं है, तो यहीं है, तो यहीं है.

The royal mountain retreat of the Mughals and the Buddhist lamas, the Alps of India Mughal Emperor Jehangir’s valley of paradise – the names given to Kashmir are plenty. The charm, however, remains the same. This paradise on earth had remained inaccessible to tourists for over two decades. However, turbulent times being over, Kashmir is once again back to serenading tourists with its picturesque beauty.

With the magnificent and lofty Himalayas as its crowning glory, Kashmir is resplendent its mesmerizing scenic vistas, pristine lakes dotted with quaint houseboats and the fiery Kashmiri cuisine. The captivating charm and beauty that this place exudes will remain etched on your mind, long after you return from your trip to Kashmir Kashmir has a variety of terrains ranging from lakes, snow-capped mountains, coniferous kissed hills to glacier-drivers. On one hand, Kashmir is covered with wild untouched terrain and on the other, there are fields of saffron and orchards of apples awaiting their full bloom. They have a variety of flowers that are a show in themselves They wait, as photographers after photographers attempt to do justice to them. Enticing cold temperatures with snowfall is one of the many things that Pahalgam has to offer. The weather unlike the blistering cold in Gulmarg, nurtures a variety of apple orchards, vast fields of saffron as well as an array of dry fruits. Pahalgam is a wonderful place to visit for its unique parks like Bethab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandan Valley. A morning walk or a short stroll can never do justice to the amount of natural beauty there is to see. Bethanvalley has vast sunny lawns spotted with clusters of tall, coniferous trees. There’s a gushing stream cutting through the park that keeps you company while you gaze at the white Himalayan range. Kashmir is a wonderful idea for a visit, especially for those wishing to experience teeth-chattering temperatures and snow for the first time. Sonamarg and Gulmarg promise a lot of fun in the snow and ensure you fly home with snow-capped memories imprinted in your mind’s eye. Kashmir was a wonderful experience and certainly a place that I shall visit often. Even after a week, I realised that there is so much more to explore. I am yet to experience their fall season, their scintillating apples and more of their mesmerizing landscapes.