Koi Baat Nahi

This tale is from 11 years ago, back when Jammu and Kashmir was considered a state. Koi Baat Nahi is the story of the Mughal architecture and valleys of Kashmir. Before we start off on this little adventure, I'd like to share why this article is called Koi Baat Nahi. In the one week we spent in Kashmir, the go-to dialogue of every local was Koi Baat Nahi. They used it as your welcome, no problem, or as a response to anything you told them!

When you're making a trip to Jammu with your folks, a Vaishno Devi trek becomes sort of mandatory. Third time was a charm for me because by this climb, I had gone through all modes of reaching the peak. Helicopter, hike and horse riding. On the next day, we were to travel all the way to Srinagar, Kashmir, but made a quick stopover at the Patnitop Park. It's an absolute scenic place, and if you're a fan of gazing at sky-tall trees and smelling flowers, you must go here.

The travel from Jammu to Kashmir is one of the most fascinating ones I've had so far. We took the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, which is a 10 km stretch. This is not only India, but also Asia's longest road tunnel. And when this tunnel opens up, you open your eyes to brightness and the beauty that is Kashmir. I still remember being in awe.

We reached Srinagar and spent the next day exploring the city. First, we head to Pari Mahal, which is a terraced garden and has stone architecture from the 1600s. This palace was initially built by Shah Jahan's eldest son, Dara Shikoh, as a school of astrology. We then went over to the Chashme Shahi Garden, which was built as a gift for the prince, Dara Shikoh. This garden was massive. Nothing like the gardens or parks in our metropolitan cities.

You can't be in Kashmir and not go over to see the snow-laden peaks. We took the road down to Zero Point in Sonmarg. It's called so because of the temperature being about zero degree celsius out here. Yes, it's that cold. You're given boots and coats before you step onto the snow, so don't stress about packing your own. Be sure to sip on hot chai being sold here, with a herd of llamas grazing around.

We then went over to the Zohjila War Memorial, where the hoisted Indian flag against the backdrop of the mountains touches the right cords and makes you feel like an absolute proud citizen for everything the gallant soldiers have sacrificed. My father picked up some hot chicken momos for all of us and on the way back to Srinagar, we passed to the Baltal area, which has been one of the most exhilarating rides we have been on so far. Imagine, the narrowest of roads around the valley and our designated driver was driving at a speed like there is no tomorrow. At that point, it really seemed like there would be no tomorrow. So I asked him to hike the volume of the music. Because you might as well enjoy the last ride if this was the end as you know it.

We got stuck at a point on the way for many hours since there was a landslide. Baltal is in fact a camping area upon the Sindh river for the pilgrims of Amarnath. So in spite of having been stalled at the valley, we had a lovely view of the Kashmir waters to look at.

Kashmir is synonymous with Shikara. So a Shikara ride on Dal Lake is a must do. It's not overhyped at all because the experience is just so calming. The lake also has its own floating market. Words of the wise, when a jewellery seller hands you over earrings to look at, make sure you safely return it to him because things may fall into the water. So even if the uncle says Koi Baat Nahi and cracks a joke that the fishes underwater will now have jewellery to adorn, you will be left guilt ridden.

From the lake, we head to the Shalimar Bagh, which is yet another Mughal garden in Srinagar. It is said that the Mughal emperor Jahangir built this for his wife Noor Jahan. Fun fact, Shalimar is a Sanskrit word that means a bond of love.

From Srinagar, we went over to Pahalgam, which is yet another beautiful region. Aru Valley is a gorgeous sight with lavenders and white blossoms. It is absolutely scenic with lean horses running amidst the lush greenery. From here, we took a short drive to Betaab Valley, which was my favourite location in all of Kashmir. It reminded me of the paintings we made as kids whenever we were asked to draw a scenery - A river flowing between a valley and green grass.

To make the day even better, I indulged in trampoling against the backdrop of the waters and the mountains. As I talk about this entire experience, I recollect a quote a friend mentioned a few years ago

If you travel the whole world and don't have a home to return to tell stories to, your journey is incomplete.

So, here's to filling life with more adventure and many more tales to tell!