Kashmiri Kahwah... I found my elixir of life

I have always been an ardent fan of green tea and while in Kashmir I discovered its perfect and beautiful avatar, Kahwah. Kahwah is made with kashmiri green tea added with a tantalizing mix of spices. I remember myself taking 2 km walk 2 times everyday to get a perfect cup of it, the one with chopped almonds and whole cardamoms floating in it  ...ahh I love it. 

While traditional method can be found here, I have discovered a makeshift preparation of the kahwah which is not bad either...

for a single cup..

1 teaspoon green tea.

1 small stick cinnamon

2 cardamoms

1 clove

a leaflet of tulsi (optional)

bring the water to boil with all the spices in it. Put off the flame, pour the tea and let it steep for 2 mins. Strain. 

copyright.. captain 'cook' Abhinav :-)

Srinagar: A Royal Capital

First of all, it saddens me that a place as beautiful as Kashmir has to be a witness to cross nation political disturbances for past two decades. Srinagar, being the capital had to bear the maximum brunt. Although the spirits are yet not that lively, thankfully much of its charm still remains for the traveller.

The word Kashmir is an ancient Sanskrit word which literally means Land of Kashyap Rishi. The Buddhist Mauryan emperor Ashoka is often credited with having founded the old capital of Kashmir, Shrinagari, now ruins on the outskirts of modernSrinagar. Kashmir was long to be a stronghold of Buddhism. (wikipedia)

Shikara on Nageen Lake

Flower selling shikara

The Lakes of Srinagar -

Srinagar is the city of lakes, Dal lake being the biggest and the most important. Much of the cities life revolves around the 26 kms of non-circular circumferance of this Lake. However allmost the entire town and the tourist flock head out to this lake (especially in the evenings) making it slightly crowdy at times. Recently, a smaller but more serene Nageen Lake has started to catch up in terms of attraction. Nageen Lake hosts some niche houseboats and a stay is definitely recommended here rather then the Dal Lake.

View from Nageen lake

Dal Lake in evening

Tips to enjoy the lakes -

• You have to, have to and have to ride on the Shikara. But when and how?
• Preferably ride around the sunrise or sunset. These are the times that will give you the most finest experience.
• Instead of roaming around the Dal Lake, take a ride from Nageen Lake to Dal. It would be a 2 hour approx ride and would sail you through the authentic and amazing lake centered life of Srinagar.
• Shop till you drop sink. Salesman on Shikaras will float up to you selling their wares - pashmina, silver jwellery, flowers etc. And theres aa floating market too.
• Enough of the royal ride. Row a Shikara.

And the gardens - 

The Mughal Emperors shared their fondness with the place by building some fabulous terraced gardens including Shalimar Nishat and the Chashmeshahi..However the one that stands out and is a must visit is Pari Mahal. It was built by Dara Shikoh,, the eldest son and favoured successor of Shah Jahan (who built the taj Mahal), as a Sufi School. The garden being on the hilltop, offers a fabulous look the town below.

View from Pari Mahal

bunch of boys at a view point in Pari mahal

View from my room... Srinagar

day 1 at Srinagar started with an awesome FTL houseboat experience.
FTL?
First Time in Lifetime :-)
I am so overwhelmed by the serenity of its surrounding, I seem to be clearly underestimating other exiting things I am going to do in Kashmir.

Where in Delhi?

This morning I trekked my way to Bhardwaj Lake, hidden deep within the premises of Asola Wildlife Sanctuary. Exploring this Sanctuary was on my wish list for a while now and finally I accumulated guts to drive 40 kms to this spot and then trek 5 kms on foot to reach this Lake. My efforts were worthy indeed as the site of this lake and the peace of its surroundings were overwhelmingly soothing.

I attach the google route below for people interested. 

Preferred sesson - winters. 

preferred time - morning :-)

 

View Larger Map

Lansdowne: 5 frames of tranquility

One of the best sunrises that I have ever witnessed was at Lansdowne.

Credited to be the nearest hill station from Delhi, the town wont have the typical touristy attractions. However it has peace in abundance. A cantonment town, Lamsdowne offers a welcome weekend break from Delhi. Much of the towns attractions (St. Mary's Church, few temples) can be wrapped up on a uphill walk to one of the viewing points called 'Tip n Top' view. This view point offers a spectacular view of the valleys beneath.

However the real fun is when you get up 5 in the morning amidst chilling winds and start your trek to this view point to see the sunrise. I did the same. The trek straight from the bed seemed two fold difficult. Slowly, i had to shed extra layers of cloths I had on me. I remember I was almost breathless when I reached on top, but it was the view that took my breath away. 

This experience made me realize how beautiful and special each new day is...

Good eye for the sky....

Monsoons are round the corner. Once more sky will host an exhibition of numerous abstract art and paintings. I am ready to play the reporter :-)

Miksang @Workplace

Even my workplace is on move!

Sounds exciting, isn't it? But its just the campus move really. However it gave me a good reason to look at the place with a good contemplative eye for a while in order to come up with a photoblog dedicated to it. here is the link to the flickr slideshow...

http://www.flickr.com//photos/83547016@N06/sets/72157630759226664/show/