Srinagar, Kashmir

My first visit to Kashmir was in December 2008. It was a workshop on Local capacities for Peace for Voluntary Organisations from the valley at Srinagar. As it was December, one can imagine the extreme cold weather of Kashmir. Electric blankets, heaters both electric and LPG, thick heavy quilts and blankets to cover self were the demand of the situation. It was close to election time and curfew almost everyday restricted us to move out freely to see places. Somehow got chance to see the dal lake and shankracharya temple and Parimahal. A little bit of the city exploration could be done though. Again got chance for a quick visit to Srinagar in the month of January 2009. It was supposed to be more colder time than December but it was lesser actually. Much calm than my first visit as elections were over and also rarely could see any tourist in Srinagar. Dal lake supposed to be freezed at that time but though chilly water, it was not freezed to ice level. With chilly winds smashing on the face, I still dared to take a quick Shikara ride at Dal lake. Ofcourse with full protection of sigri, blanket and jackets on. I still starve to see outside Sringar natural beauty and can't wait to happen it again.