Kaleidoscopic Kashmir: A Mesmerizing Memoir of Majestic Marvels
A winter escapade through the enchanting realms of paradise on earth
Arnab Bose, 10-09-2023
Until 2019, I had made plans to visit Kashmir several times, but each time, geopolitical issues in the region thwarted my plans. Despite these setbacks, my desire to explore the region remained unwavering. In 2021, following Kashmir's designation as a Union Territory, the situation there piqued my interest. With a penchant for offbeat destinations, I meticulously crafted a unique winter itinerary, intending to visit Kashmir in the winter of 2022 with my younger brother Avradeep.
On December 24th last year, with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, my brother and I boarded the Uttar Samparkrati Express from New Delhi Railway Station. Despite my usual preference for sleep, the allure of witnessing the early morning vista from a moving train compelled me to rise early during night journeys. As I opened a door of the coach, an awe-inspiring sight unfolded before me: the train gracefully curved along a high-altitude bridge, spanning a valley between distant hills. The ethereal scene featured fog enveloping the landscape up to eye level, with mountain cliffs emerging above the mist and the gentle sun peeking through the gap between the peaks. Overwhelmed, I fell in love with Kashmir at first sight.
After crossing Udhampur, our journey culminated at Vaisno Devi Katra railway station. Engaging Taufiq bhai for a full-day car rental, we set out to explore the region. After experiencing the charm of Reasi, we stood on a lengthy bridge over the Chenab River, soaking in its picturesque beauty. Our journey northward led us to Sihad Baba Waterfall and the awe-inspiring Salala Dam, surrounded by majestic mountains. Our exploration continued at Bhimgarh Fort, where we scaled the highest point for a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains. As dusk descended, our guide Taufiq bhai guided us to the bustling Manoranjan Dhaba in Katra, where we savoured the delightful rewards of our endeavours.
After crossing Udhampur, our journey culminated at Vaisno Devi Katra railway station. Engaging Taufiq bhai for a full-day car rental, we set out to explore the region. After experiencing the charm of Reasi, we stood on a lengthy bridge over the Chenab River, soaking in its picturesque beauty. Our journey northward led us to Sihad Baba Waterfall and the awe-inspiring Salala Dam, surrounded by majestic mountains. Our exploration continued at Bhimgarh Fort, where we scaled the highest point for a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains. As dusk descended, our guide Taufiq bhai guided us to the bustling Manoranjan Dhaba in Katra, where we savoured the delightful rewards of our endeavours.
Following an early morning bus ride from Katra to Domel, we embarked on another bus to Banihal, relishing the diversity of Kashmir's natural beauty. The 135 km train route from Banihal to Baramulla presented a unique opportunity to witness the region's splendor, and we seized it by boarding a DEMU passenger train at 1:00 pm. Despite the chill in the air, the train's warmth and comfortable ride provided respite. Upon our arrival in Baramulla, the misty surroundings and leafless trees in the valley created an overwhelming atmosphere. Our journey through Srinagar, Sopore, and quaint villages culminated at Baramulla by 5:45 pm. Throughout the train journey, stringent security measures ensured a safe and peaceful passage for all.
In the heart of Srinagar, we secured a hotel room near Khyber Hospital and ventured to Khayam Chowk to explore its culinary delights. At Muneer Cafeteria, we relished an array of Tujjs (Kashmiri Kababs) paired with Roomali Roti, savouring each delectable bite. Immersed in the warmth of the local people, we embraced the opportunity to interact during our next-day trip to Bandipora and Chhandaji via a local bus, discovering the simple and humble nature of the Kashmiri populace.
Our journey continued, taking us through Sopore and Kupwara, revealing the Himalayan beauty near Chowkibal. As we traversed the hilly roads towards Chowkibal from Kupwara, the stunning vista of lush Bangus valley surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks left us spellbound. While attempting to reach Muzaffarabad, heavy snowfall prompted a U-turn, leading us back to Srinagar.
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Despite the challenges, our exploration and interactions enriched our journey through this exquisite region. As heavy snowfall engulfed the Kashmir valley, we prepared to depart for Jammu the next morning, aiming to fulfil our goal of experiencing the winter snow. Our foresight and flexibility allowed us to navigate the changing conditions, providing us a unique and rewarding perspective of the snow-covered landscape. The journey ultimately led us back to Jammu, concluding our winter escapade through the enchanting realms of Kashmir.
Arnab can be followed at www.youtube.com/travelregime