Winter Wonderland

It was December 2016 when we landed in heaven on Earth, which is Kashmir, known as God's paradise. We were told never to trust the mountain's weather as it changes in the blink of an eye. The weather when we landed was warm and soothing, but just as we reached near Dal Lake, it started raining. I guess the words were true, never to trust the weather when in the mountains. The Dal Lake was looking radiant in slow rains with the reflection of the sun, as if it had come to life. In no time, the magic of Kashmir started, and we saw a double rainbow (a rainbow just behind a rainbow). It looked like these rainbows were welcoming us with colors and the charm this place holds. It was truly sublime. The Dal Lake, in itself, is a different city in the water where you can get everything in a shikara. It even has a market on water that sells some incomparable and unparalleled products of Kashmir. Till the evening, after the sun had set and the rains had disappeared, it started getting chilly. We headed back to our houseboat and were amazed to see the beauty each houseboat and each corner in it holds with the essence of Kashmir everywhere.

The next morning, we were lucky enough to capture the sunrise, the sun rising from majestic mountains towering over the valley covered with snow. It was a clear blue sky with lush green beauty everywhere. The moment held some calmness in each breath, the peace which the air of Kashmir holds. I always assumed it to be a very violent state with terror attacks, but the real Kashmir was soothing, calm, and silent in its own way. It was a sunny day, so we visited the Mughal Garden. The style and structure of the garden were influenced by Persian gardens, which intended to create an earthly utopia in which humans coexist in harmony with elements of nature. Till now, it was sunny, bright, warm, and beautiful. As we exited the garden, the cold winds started brewing, and dark black clouds shadowed the sun. The clouds were furious and roaring as if they were signaling to get back to shelters. They came with a heavy storm and rains. But, as they say, dark clouds and times don't last long and bring happiness, peace, and calmness after that. Soon after the storm, the Dal Lake was looking serene, reflecting the golden hues of sunset with light cold winds touching our faces and calming us down. It was a moment of tranquility and harmony.

In a couple of days, we had experienced almost every mood this paradise has, whether rainy or stormy, sunny or chaotic, but one thing was sure: all of it ended with peace and harmony, blissfulness in which worries fade away. The only thing left now to experience was snow. So, we decided to go to Gulmarg, and I was just praying to experience snow there as the locals told us that this time Kashmir was experiencing less snow due to global warming. As we reached Gulmarg, there was no snow, and there was neither any weather prediction that snowfall could be expected. Till now, I was scared of the changing weather of Kashmir, but now I was praying for the weather to change and bring snowfall. Just as we were about to lose hope and decided to return, it started raining slowly, and in no time, it again resulted in snowfall. It felt like the Gods were there, and they heard my prayers. The snow evoked a sense of purity and tranquility, transforming the environment into a soft and white wonderland. The snowflakes were falling gently, creating a dreamlike and enchanting environment just what I imagined and just what we describe as magical. It seemed like a white canvas created by God waiting for magical creations. The trees were covered with snow and looked majestic. The sunlight reflecting off the snow, making it look like gold, added a touch of glistening and brilliance. No wonder why this place was known as God's own paradise; the beauty and serenity are created by God himself. Kashmir gave us some most memorable moments and memories which will live long with us. This place is truly charmed, enchanted, and will always be special. The people are so soft-spoken and comforting, encouraging the world to visit their world and appreciate the beauty this place holds. This place will always be beloved and framed in our hearts.