Exploring the paradise on Earth: A journey through the enchanting beauty of Kashmir

By Mabondeep Singh

“A journey to Kashmir is a journey to find yourself”

Kashmir, often referred to as nature’s grand finale and the Switzerland of the East, became the destination for my summer vacation this year. Guided by my adventurous father, we embarked on a whirlwind tour, exploring 16 stunning places in the span of just 5 days. The key to our success? Early morning departures at 6:30 am, ensuring we maximised our exploration time and avoided traffic jams.

As you read through this article, I invite you to close your eyes and imagine the breathtaking landscapes, vivid colours, and serene surroundings that define the beauty of Kashmir. This paradise on earth, with its snow-clad mountains, pristine lakes, lush green pine forests, sprawling meadows, and gushing streams, has the power to charm any visitor.

June, the time of my visit, offered a unique perspective of Kashmir as the monsoon brought a fresh drizzle to the valley. Let me take you through my experiences and share the best places to visit in Kashmir during June, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Gulmarg – Ski your way: Known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers,’ Gulmarg captivated us with vibrant blooms against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The gondola rides provided panoramic views, and I particularly enjoyed the cabin car ride, reaching the gondola point via a memorable horse ride with my companion, Badal.

Sonamarg – The land of gold: Sonamarg, the ‘Meadow of Gold,’ welcomed us with stunning flowers and undulating trekking routes, offering a truly enchanting experience.

Pahalgam – Get Allured by picturesque views: Pahalgam, considered a heaven on earth, surrounded us with dense forests, beautiful lakes, and meadows of flowers. The tranquility and serenity of Pahalgam made it one of the highlights of our journey, with Betab Valley showcasing the beauty featured in the movie “Betaab.”

Nishat Garden – perfect for a laid-back day: Among the largest Mughal Gardens, Nishat Garden, or the Garden of Bliss, provided breathtaking views of Zabarwan Mountains. Designed by Asaf Khan, the brother of Nur Jahan, this historical garden was a serene retreat.

Chashmashahi – One of the mughal gardens: Constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 AD, Chashmashahi offered picturesque views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains, a testament to its historical significance.

Patnitop – Picture-perfect paradise: With endless meadows and picturesque views, Patnitop, nestled in the sky-high Himalayas, treated us to surreal beauty and thrilling activities, satisfying the adventurer in us.

Aru Valley – Perfect place to unwind: A haven for nature lovers, Aru Valley, located 12 kilometers from Pahalgam, offered peace and tranquility. The valley served as a base camp for treks and showcased the beauty featured in Bollywood movies like “Bajrangi Bhaijaan.”

Khilanmarg – Paradise for skiing: Six kilometers ahead of Gulmarg, Khilanmarg captivated us with its alluring landscapes and breathtaking panoramas, making it one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir.

Baltal – For picturesque landscapes: A popular destination owing to its picturesque environment, Baltal, located 14 km from Amarnath caves, provided stunning views and served as a base for devotees on their way to Amarnath.

Shalimar Garden – Photographer’s paradise: Established in 1616 by Emperor Jehangir for his wife, Nur Jahan, Shalimar Garden featured a canal adorned with polished stones, offering a picturesque view of Dal Lake and surrounding mountains.

Srinagar: The capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, with its Dal Lake, Shikara rides, and iconic houseboats, captured our hearts. A visit to Shankaracharya Temple provided a breathtaking view of the city.

Chandanwari: Serving as the entry point to Amarnath, Chandanwari, located halfway between Srinagar and Amarnath, boasted a holy sandal tree and played a crucial role in Hindu pilgrimage.

Dal Lake: Synonymous with a visit to Srinagar, Dal Lake’s mirror-like surface reflected the snow-dusted peaks of Pir Panjal mountains, creating a serene atmosphere for colourful shikaras and houseboats.

Doodhpatri: An inverted bowl of green in summers and white in winters, Doodhpatri offered a verdant meadow close to Srinagar, with a stream coursing through it. The name derived from a priest’s legendary act, where milk oozed from the ground.

Pulwama: A virgin paradise of apple orchards, adventure sports, springs, waterfalls, and valleys, Pulwama, located 40 kilometers from Srinagar, showcased the diverse beauty of Kashmir.

Pari Mahal: The House of Fairies, or Pari Mahal, situated above Chashma Shahi Gardens, was a historic monument with a well-laid spacious garden. Once a Buddhist monastery, it later became a school of astrology.

Kashmir’s blissful aura is beyond expression. The places I explored during my 5-day journey left me spellbound, and now it’s your turn to discover this ‘Paradise on Earth.’