Secrets of HEAVEN......!
The Dal Lake Sightseeing in Srinagar Getting There
FOOD........
The history of rich Kashmiri cuisine can be traced back to the fifteenth century. Kashmiri food makes an extensive use of turmeric and yoghurt. Superb preparation and fabulous aromatic flavor of the Kashmiri food is so alluring that even those who are not feeling hungry end up yearning for more. In the making of Kashmiri dishes, garlic and onion are not used much as in the case of other Indian cuisines. Absolutely rich in taste and exotic in flavor,Kashmiri cuisine has become a popular choice. The descendants of these cooks, the Wazas, are the master chefs of Kashmir. Therefore, a 36-course wedding banquet is called Wazawan in Kashmir. Traditional Kashmiri thali consists of Wazwan, which demands lot of preparation. Infact, preparing Wazwan in itself is considered a great art. The use of curd in the preparation of food gives the dish a creamy touch. To enhance the flavor of the meat dishes, Kashmiris add asafoetida (Hing) to it. Other addictive spices used to add to the taste are dry ginger and Saunf (aniseed). Sometimes, ginger is used in excessive quantity that makes the dish pungent. Kashmir being the leading producer and chief exporter of saffron makes an extensive use of it in the form of a colorful flavoring agent. For its amazing aroma, it is added to pulaos and sweets.
CULTURE......
Culture is considered to be the pride and dignity of a nation. Kashmiri lifestyle is essentially, irrespective of the differing religious beliefs, slow paced. Comprised of generally peace-loving people, the culture has been rich enough to reflect the religious diversity as tribes celebrate festivities that divert them from their otherwise monotonous way of life. Like its scenic beauty, Kashmir valley is even famous for its cultural heritage. Kashmiris are known to enjoy their music in its various local forms and the dress of both sexes are quite colorful. The state has a rich cultural heritage and has a wealth of ancient literature, language, religion, arts, crafts and music. The Dumhal is a famous dance in Kashmir, performed by men of the Wattal region. The women perform the Rouff, another folk dance. Kashmir has been noted for its fine arts for centuries, including poetry and handicrafts.To sum up, the valley of Kashmir has a unique and peculiar culture, which is reflected in different walks of life.
Packing List for Kashmir......
At any time of the year it would be advisable to carry woolen clothes, jackets, scarves, woolen socks and gloves to be comfortable in this beautiful city....
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Warm clothing especially during the colder season.... A necessity for trekking to the highland, as well as for staying in and around the lakes....
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Per usual toiletries... may need lots of lip balms for cracked lips though and heaps of moisturizer & Sunscreen Lotion.
Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: wind-proof jackets for shikara-travelling....
Raincoat & umbrella, a necessity
A hat for warmth when going into the mountains
Sunglasses
EXPECT PERSONAL CHANGES IN YOURSELF
There is no way to prepare for what India may do to you! It can be magic! You just have to be open to whatever may happen and go with the flow. This will be one of the most memorable and possibly most profound experiences in your life! Go for it!!!
