The enchanting Kashmir Valley is currently basking in the rich hues of autumn, as the iconic Chinar trees don their stunning golden and orange attire, captivating the hearts of thousands of tourists from across India and beyond. This magical transformation has turned the valley into a picturesque paradise, drawing visitors eager to witness nature’s spectacle.
The world-renowned Mughal gardens, including Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Naseem Bagh, and Chinar Bagh, are adorned with a breathtaking golden carpet of fallen leaves, set against the majestic backdrop of the Zabarwan Hills. Tourists flock to these gardens, capturing the beauty of the season through photographs and creating memories amidst the vibrant foliage. Many have specifically planned their trips to experience the fall season, known locally as ‘Harud.’
Echoing through the valley is the timeless sentiment expressed by the great poet Amir Khusrau: “Gar firdaus, bar ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast.” This translates to “If there is paradise on this earth, it is here, it is here, it is here,” a phrase that continues to resonate with travelers who visit this stunning region.
First-time visitor Vaishali shared her delight: “It’s absolutely wonderful! I came with my family for the first time and feel like we got the best of two seasons. We saw snow in Gulmarg and Sonamarg, and in Srinagar, we’re surrounded by beautiful maple leaves. It’s so special and peaceful.”
For many tourists, witnessing autumn is a long-awaited dream. Unlike other parts of India that experience fewer distinct seasons, the Kashmir Valley offers a unique opportunity to see the dramatic changes that fall brings. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has actively promoted ‘Harud,’ attracting visitors from various states who have been eagerly anticipating this seasonal display.
Sonali, another enthusiastic traveler, expressed her fascination with the fall season: “I came specifically for ‘Harud.’ I manifested this at the beginning of the year after seeing photos and videos of how the colors change. The reality is even more beautiful than I imagined.”
The allure of Kashmir’s autumn has not gone unnoticed by history. Prominent leaders have also marveled at its beauty; days before her assassination in October 1984, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Srinagar to experience the falling leaves of Chinar firsthand.
As social media influencers share reels and videos of the stunning landscapes, tourists continue to be drawn to the serene beauty of Kashmir. One visitor from Gujarat remarked on the tranquility found in Nishat Bagh: “It feels like meditating in an ocean of peace. I never thought it would be so beautiful in real life.”
As autumn progresses, the season will soon give way to winter with the major snowfall predicted for November. While higher reaches have already seen snow, tourists are encouraged to enjoy the vibrant fall colors while they last, making memories in a valley that truly embodies paradise.
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