Kashmir Kaleidoscope

Kashmir is indeed blessed with abundant natural beauty. I was mesmerized by its sights when I toured the state recently. While visiting any new place, apart from the usual sightseeing, I also enjoy looking at the local people and their way of life. Here are some glimpses that I managed to catch during my short exposure to their life.

No matter how breathtakingly beautiful the surroundings are, when you see it everyday, it is just a routine sight. Oblivious of the scenic view, these shikarawallahs prefer to just sit back or take a nap when there are no customers to attend to. At Nagin Lake in Srinagar.

When you drive around Pahalgam in the mornings or evenings, you come across flocks of sheep going for or returning from grazing in the fields. Cars and buses often have to stop to make way for the flocks that are generally huge. Pahalgam is traditionally a shepherds' village. At Aru Valley, Pahalgam.

Children carry lambs or goat kids and offer them to you so that you may hold them and get your photo taken with your own camera. All for a few rupees. At Chandanwari, Pahalgam.

When tourists play and frolic in the snow, it is business as usual for horses and their minders. The more customers they get, the merrier. At Chandanwari, Pahalgam.

While the snow-capped mountains are a feast for the eyes, a treat for your taste buds is at hand too. It sure takes a lot of efforts to transport and assemble all these items in this remote place. At Chandanwari, Pahalgam.

The decorated shikaras are for the tourists. The locals use these simple boats for their errands. At Dal Lake, Srinagar.

Boxes full of mouthwatering cherries are irresistible! In Gulmarg.

Schoolgirls about to enjoy an ice cream. In Gulmarg.

Another group of schoolgirls playing in the fresh and cool waters of a stream. They were splashing in the water, throwing water at each other and screaming at the top of their voices. In Tangmarg.

Another day. Another schoolgirl on her way to school against the backdrop of a basket shop. Photo taken from my bus somewhere on the way from Srinagar to Sonamarg.

Guides, drivers and helpers on a wet and cold day trying to get some business. At Bajri Nala, Sonamarg.

This colourful fruit stall was looking quite out of place and somewhat loud in the serene locale. At Fish Tank, Sonamarg.

It looked like a day out for children. The place was full of tourists as well as locals picnicking and having fun. At Fish Tank, Sonamarg.

And wherever there are crowds, there are salespersons peddling the local handicraft. A man enticing a tourist with an embroidered piece of dress material for ladies. The embroidery is bright, eye-catching and exquisite. At Fish Tank, Sonamarg.

Most women touring Kashmir give in to the persuasion of these people who offer to dress you up in glitzy Kashmiri costumes and take your photograph in them. They are ubiquitous, looking for business in all major tourist attractions. Once the deal is done, the pictures are taken and delivered in super quick time, almost instantly. At Nishat Bagh, Srinagar.

I took this picture from a moving car. Sunset at the Dal Lake in Srinagar.