Through the Lap of Nature I Found My Peace

by Amanya Shree Gangawat (India)

A leap into the unknown India

Shares

Kashmir is famous for its natural beauty.It attracts tourist from across the whole world.But is that it?No,beside the beauty of Kashmir what i experienced there was the Kashmiri's culture,their lifestyle,their humble nature and kindness.Since i am a sociological student i wanted to find out about Kashmiri food habits their culture and wanted to feel more connected with them.This was the reason i interacted with several people and one of them invited me in their house.Well his house reminded me of an old village house which was quite aiery and spacious.He introduced his family to me.They were all so friendly and within a few minutes i felt i know them since years.His grandmother offered me a Kashmiri tea named Kahwa which tasted really good.Along with that i also tasted the snacks."Yaha pe sab ke pas apple ka garden hai mam,aap dekhna chahoge?",they asked me and i readily agreed to see their garden of apples and roses.What i found was roses are expensive everywhere but in Kashmir it can be found in almost every house.They also made me taste their famous "nadru"dish which is made up of lotus stem.Beleive me it was the best thing i have ever tasted till now.Beside food they helped me to interact with local villagers in the lap of nature.There were silk roads,waterfalls,roses,trees,horses,and birds chirping surrounded by a valley.I felt 10 days were really less to explore such a beautiful place.I still cannot forget the sight seeing where the water was flowing,birds were twittering,and the valley was green.The transparent water was not only very cold and wonderful for eyesight but sweet in taste too.During 1900's people used to travel mostly from horses.There were very few vehicles.If you want to experience the same again Kashmir can be the best decision.Pollution has no stay in Kashmir.As soon as one enters the Kashmir roads he will not only feel cold but also be able to breathe fresh air.Kashmir is not only for a romantic person but also for travel freeks like us.Apart from its beauty one can also do rafting and enjoy some time alone in silence of nature.I personally feel in this chaotic world where people meditate with the help of nature songs,would love meditating in Kashmir because of its calmness.The Dal Lake and its Shikara boats attracted me the most.The boats were made in the form of lodge so that one can stay in it and experience the morning beauty in a lake.The lake was clean and people were friendly.When i went to Gulmarg what i experienced was the best so far.In Gulmarg after reaching to a certain height suddenly the weather became a bit gloomy and snow fall started.For a person who stays in city and experience rain,snow is a heaven.I loved this part of my journey at Gulmarg.The colourful traditional dress of Kashmiri's with ornaments is another best thing a person can try.It is made for both men and women.Kashmiri shawls and sweaters are very famous and you can buy it for your loved ones to send warm wishes.A person can find a "mini switzerland" in Kashmir.In the field of lushful grasses and beautiful flowers one can enjoy paragliding as well.Trust me the visual treat given to our eye by the beauty of Kashmir would attract you to go back to this place.With every place i visited in Kashmir it created an impact in my mind.I am falling short of words in defining the beauty of Kashmir.Everything can go wrong but one cannot go wrong in exploring more about Kashmir.With every step you take their,you will find fresh air to breathe,warm people to talk and eye treating views.I wanted to stay their for a little more time and then i realised i would never ever get over it.Kashmir is a blend of its own culture,beauty and tradition.It is unique and we cannot find shops like Dominoz,Mac Donald,one can eat local foods and also make food on their own through proper arrangements. From locals to natural beauty,i found everything in Kashmir.Once you travel their no other place will ever be able to satisfy your lust for travel.If you are enviro-friendly,nature lover,adventure seeker or interactor,do visit it.In this world full of chaos i found my peace in Kashmir.