By: Vijay Kumar Verma (Editor-ICN Group)
SHIMLA: The state government has started inviting and welcoming tourists from all over the country to visit Srinagar, long referred as the paradise on earth.The separatists don’t have anything to do with tourists and they are not harmed, I am told by a local friend, and the state government too is giving assurance of safety.
For many like me who had been waiting on the wings for mist of militancy to settle, it was a welcome step at the right time to head for Srinagar to enjoy the valley and snowfall.
As the flight lowers into the picturesque valley of Kashmir from high clouds, you find yourself hovering over the scenic town garlanded by beautiful Jehlum flowing through Srinagar town. The name means the “city of wealth”. Since long it has been the summer capital of the state governments.
While heading for baggage collection, I notice some boards indicating that an International airport is also coming up in Srinagar and a few flights from Gulf countries were already operating to this place. I also find that flights from all major towns of India were being operated by many airlines, carrying thousands of tourists to this heaven on earth.
One is heartily rejoiced as one steps on the city of Mughal gardens and mighty Dal lake which makes the city a natural claimant for the title “JANNAT on earth”. As we moved out in the city I was surprised to see many a cars of distant states moving around.
The valley of Kashmir now has good road connectivity, I learn. But I admire the people from those distant states daring to drive such long distances. By road it is about 8-9 hours drive from Jammu, I was told. An alternative road connectivity was also being developed through the old Mughal road, the silk route of yester years, I am told. The new road connectivity is good barring the lack of lodging and boarding facilities enroute, I was told. The distance is slightly reduced by this new route and the passage is very scenic and beautiful.
Srinagar is close to having long distance rail connectivity soon, while a major part of the valley is internally connected by rail already. The high speed air conditioned train is operated at highly subsidised tariff which appears just unbelievable.
For the long distance connectivity one can reach Udhampur from Jammu in just one hour and then take a 3-4 hour road route to Banihal. From Banihal one can get on to the valley train to Srinagar which is not only a luxury travel but also saves time with its fast speed. Time is not far when one will be able to travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari by train, and it will not be a distant dream the rail authorities claim.
Within the city the road network is being upgraded for smooth flow of traffic. Many a over-bridges and bypasses are coming up in the city beautiful. The circular road and the Dal Lake road has already been widened at many places.
A sunny morning warmed our mood and we were out to explore the much admired places of tourist interest though all through the night it had been drizzling with flakes of snow visible under street lights.
Shankaracharya Temple was our first destination. The Kashmir valley had been named after Rishi Kashyap, thousands of years ago. The city once was just a big deep lake. The Rishi had breached a mountain pass for the water to flow out, it is believed. And thence the town came up here and named Kashmir after the name of the Rishi.
Shankaracharya, another rishi from southern part of India had worshipped at this place hundreds of years ago. The temple of Shiva later came up at this place which has the bearing of development through the Mughal times. While one is not permitted to carry any camera or mobile phone to this protected monument, shooting of some films had taken place at this temple. Who can forget the famous old film song ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ shot here.
From the bottom of the hill, the temple is 183 stairs up. As one tracks up the scene of hills unfolds into a scenic view. Wish we were allowed to carry the camera.The monolithic stone structure is awesome and the deity inside gives a peaceful ambiance. On the other side is the cave room of Shankracharya where he used to meditate.
On way down we reach the scenic Dal Lake from where we proceed to Pari Mahal. The precincts present an old fort like structure, which used to be frequented by princely ladies. The terraced arched garden was built by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of mughal emperor Shah Jahan in mid 17th century.
In the uppermost terrace there are ruins of two structures resembling a baradari and a reservoir. In the middle of second terrace is a large tank which is believed to be bathing place for the royal women. The garden is set up in six terraced steps in the shape of other Mughal gardens.
Capture your memories on camera in traditional Kashmiri dresses, a photographer tries to tempt visitors with a album of photographs. The prints will be delivered as you reach Chashme Shahi below, we are assured. I am too tempted to share snaps with my friends on What’s App and Facebook. At a distance I could zoom in the pictures of Char Chinar located within the Dal Lake, and also of the Tulip Garden, far away. Of course the zooming was at 40x. Also in view is the country’s highest 18 hole golf course sprawling in a fascinating view.
Later we come down to Chashme Shahi – a beautifully landscaped garden. The water of this spring has many mineral and calorific values and was being used for drinking by the then erstwhile rulers of Kashmir and now the new age rulers i.e. the political and bureaucratic authorities, we were told. Green lawns bedecked with white flowers gives a enchanting look. Tourists were seen bee lining to the source of the spring to drink its cool water.
People were also seen filling their bottles with this water believed to have medicinal values. From the top terrace the water gushes down to the lower levels in a scenic stream. The garden has many a fruit trees and their pink and white flowers were spread around on green laws presenting a beautiful look. (TO BE CONTINUED….)
