Is was two summers back that I had the chance of visiting Kashmir and from then on, no other destination could replace the grandeur of Kashmir in my heart and soul, such is the beauty of this Paradise on Earth.
The summers hit yet again and I desperately wanted to flee from the heat of the plains. Though there are various places around the country that are cooler than the plains but yet again, I found myself getting sucked into the idea of revisiting the Valley of Kashmir and see it one more time in a new light.
I knew Kashmir would never be a disappointment but even to my utter surprise, though I had been here earlier, nothing seemed repetitive to me. The charm and the beauty were still spell- binding and spoke volumes of how life here is governed by Mother Nature. The Shikara Ride in the Sambar Lake had not lost its appeal and the people were as usual, ever so friendly.
Often in my week long vacation here, I wondered why anyone would go anyplace else to soothe their senses when there is the heaven- Kashmir. True that one needs variety but I say a trip to Kashmir every few years can be the most refreshing of all. The ice, the rocks, the hills and the lakes with the rivers and the local people are the constituents of life here in the valley and spending a week here can make you humble and respect nature as it is.
I set out on lone treks and walks and the charisma surrounding me never failed to surprise me with some unusual beauty. It may be said that a few tours to Kashmir are simply not enough; you will definitely get that underlying feeling of settling down here in the pristine haven.
But as life would have it, I had to return to my hometown, return back to my daily life and job. As my vacation came to a close, I realised that if ever I again plan a trip to the hills, it will yet again be Kashmir and no, it will not be monotonous. The variety of activities open to tourists is never- ending. Even shopping has a distinguished charisma, the intricately woven designs on Pashmina and other wool are hard to miss and I could not resist spending some extra money one more time to get my hands on these warm hand- made wearable.
Both my trips to Kashmir are going to be etched in my memory till my last breath and I will know them for being special at both times.
We set out on a train from Delhi and de-boarded at Pathankot, which is the nearest major railway station to Mc Leod Ganj. The distance of 88
We started our local tour by first exploring the Lower Dharamshala which basically is the commercial area and has the schools, hospitals, government and other offices. Though there is not much to this part of the town from a tourist’s perspective but out trip here was aimed at knowing the locals and their lives along with enjoying the aspects of fun.
Once we were done exploring the local side of Dharamshala, we headed back to McLeod Ganj or the Upper Dharamshala. It was Sir Donald Friell McLeod after whom this part of the hill station was named. This is where the much known Tibetan community lives and is also the seat of attraction for visitors.
Since we were on our college trip, we had on our itinerary all the spots that have put Dharamshala on the tourist map. Starting from the Naam Art Gallery’s paintings to the Tsuglagkhang Complex and the Tibet Museum along with the Tibetan Library and the outdoorsy spots like Bhagsunag Falls, we visited all of them and in the end, could only marvel at the beauty of it all.
We dedicated one day for a day- time picnic at Dharamkot which was only a 14 km ride away from the main town. It is known for being placed such that it is surrounded by stunning natural views. After the fun- filled day and spending some time trekking near the Bhagsunag Falls, we were ready to see the Dalai Lama and the experience was indeed one we are all going to remember all our lives.
And how could our trip come to an end without adding the adventure element in form of para- gliding? After engaging ourselves in some thrilling gliding hours, it was time to bid goodbye to this dream world, complete with awe, adventure and of course, yummy food!