As we boarded our flight from Kochi to Srinagar, we had an inkling that we were going to paradise, but nothing can prepare you for the enchantment that lay in store. Kashmir, popularly referred to as heaven on Earth, welcomed us with its fresh air, snowcapped mountains, and a flush of colors — and at the center of it all stood the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
Tulip Garden
The minute we entered the garden; it was as if we had entered a dream sequence in a Bollywood movie. Acres of colorful tulips of red, yellow, pink, and purple danced gently in the breeze. The Zabarwan Hills rose in the background, and Dal Lake sparkled like a gemstone in the vicinity. It was absolute poetry — a spot where time was standing still and words were no longer needed.
But the beauty of this trip wasn’t just in the sights we saw — it was deeply rooted in the warmth we felt.
Homely Stay
We dwelled in a homestay nestled in the quiet lane of Srinagar. It wasn’t plush, but it immediately felt like home as soon as we stepped in. Spick and span, warm, and affordable, the actual charm of the place was in the kitchen. The owners, with the warmest smiles, didn’t merely prepare meals for us — they prepared it with us.
Each meal was a fiesta. The kebabs dissolved in our mouths, the pulao was scented with spices, and the biryani — oh, the biryani — made us promise to go back to Kashmir, if only for another bite. They willingly prepared food according to our tastes, right before our eyes, and packed steaming hot biryani in thermal containers when we went on sightseeing. Because of them, we stayed away from outside food and remained healthy during the trip.
Hospitality
What moved us the most was their kindness. We were 12 in number — not a small group to prepare for — but they did it with smiles, never hesitating once. After two days, we couldn’t help ourselves and joined them in the kitchen. Laughter, tales, and the aroma of spices filled the air — we weren’t visitors anymore; we were family.
Gondola Ride
Of course, a Kashmir trip would not be complete without the legendary Gondola ride in Gulmarg.
It was floating in a dream world — the snow-covered slopes, the cold breeze caressing our cheeks, and that top-of-the-world feeling. It was surreal, like a movie, and completely unforgettable.
Concluding Thoughts
As we stuffed our bags to go back to Kochi, hearts were full of emotions. We entered for the tulips, spent for the food, and exited with memories stitched together with affection, hue, and belonging.
Kashmir isn’t a location. It’s a sensation — something we’ll retain in our souls forever.
