“Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream I am a traveller of both time and space, to be where I have been, To sit with elders of the gentle race, this world has seldom seen, They talk of days for which they sit and wait and all will be revealed.” – Kashmir by Led Zeppelin

Possibly one of the most beautiful places on Earth, a visit to Kashmir was long overdue. However I had my fair share of apprehensions regarding safety. The heavy fortification of the Srinagar airport didn’t particularly help calm the nerves either!

But just a few short hours in the Kashmir Valley changed my perspective. The silhouette of the magnificent Dal Lak, the bustle of the floating shikara markets and snow capped peaks of Gulmarg are images that are hard to forget!

Kashmir is a treasure trove of natural beauty. When you see it for yourself you understand the quote by Amīr Khusrow Dehlawī – “Agar Firdaus bar ru-e-zamin ast, Hami ast o- hami ast o- hami ast” -(Translation : If there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here it is here) in its true sense.

It is a nature photographer’s dream panorama. The sights and sounds of Kashmir take you far away from the dormant city lives.

For a place so beautiful, it is a pity that Kashmir is strewn with violence and separatist ideologies. I wish that the future brings peace to the valley.

All images were taken using a Canon Powershot G11.

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