Summer is here and with it is the insatiable urge of escaping somewhere that is greener, cooler and prettier than the dusty concrete jungles of our daily lives. What better place to run away to, if not the veritable ‘paradise on earth’- the beautiful state of Jammu & Kashmir.
Here are our recommendations of 5 must-do things when you are happily lost in the paradise:
5. GO RELIGIOUS
The state is a serene meeting place of India’s many religious beliefs. The famous
Charar-e-Sharif mosque and the Shankaracharya temple coexist in harmony
in Srinagar. The state is also steeped in Sufi mysticism and you will hear many
an old tale of miracles and divine compassion at one of the innumerable ‘dargahs’.
But the big ticket destinations here are the Vaishno Devi Temple (at Katra,
54 km from Jammu) and the grand pilgrimage of Amarnath.
INSIDER'S TIP: Apart from temples, J&K h also has a myriad collection
of forts & palaces. The Hari Niwas (Jammu) and the Moti Mahal (Poonch) will
surprise you with hints of Irish in their architecture, whereas Leh will show you
how a fort made of mud (Zorawar Fort) can survive for centuries.
4. GO TO THE VALLEY
If there is a paradise on
earth, this must be it. Srinagar valley, though scarred by years of political turmoil
is still pretty as a picture. The Dal Lake and its famous shikaras,
the spectacular natural vistas, the exotic flavors of Wazwan cuisine and
some swanky new hotels such as the Taj Vivanta are once again attracting
hordes of tourists back to the paradise.
INSIDER'S TIP: if you are staying for long, try the various road trips to
places like Kargil. Not very touristy but the place is sure to make your heart swell
with pride at the sight of our brave jawaans.
3. GO ROAD TRIPPING!
If you like being behind the steering wheel and have an adventurous streak, J&K
is the place for you. Raid de Himalaya is India’s foremost rally held annually honoring
the challenging roads of the state. The road trip to
Leh via Manali is considered the Holy Grail for the many Enfield fanatics
of India. There is also the new Mughal road, which runs from Jammu to Poonch and
then on to Srinagar after crossing the magnificent Pir Panjal mountains.
INSIDER'S TIP: Mughal road was the route taken by the Mughal emperors
en route to the valley for a summer break and so you will find many ruins of medieval
rest houses nestled amongst the absolutely unspoiled natural beauty of Poonch.
2. GO SKIING
Gulmarg will surprise most
first time visitors. Jaws will drop, cameras will be whipped out and the inevitable
comparisons to the Swiss Alps will begin. The ski routes here are a treat for novices
and pros alike and the state deservedly serves as the hub of the sport in India.
INSIDER'S TIP: Go exploring as well. The surrounding area is breathtakingly
beautiful. Pine trees, pristine white snow and a small temple where Rajesh Khanna
once sang ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’, this is indeed a slice of heaven.
1. GO TO LADAKH
Simply put, there is no other place quite like
Ladakh. The famous ‘moonscape’ of one of India’s foremost tourist destination
is a surreal sight. Drive across the 18380 ft high Khardung-La pass (once the highest
road in the world), see the countless lakes in and around Ladakh (yes, the famous
one in 3 Idiots is here too), get ‘attracted’ to the inexplicable magnetic hill
and find some inner peace at the beautifully perched Shanti Stupa. Ladakh is the
trip of a lifetime.
INSIDER'S TIP: Don’t restrict your visit to Leh alone. Do cross over to the
Nubra valley and see amazing sand dunes among the highest mountains in India as
well as the rare twin-humped Bactrian camels.
Photo by: Aman Jhorar
