'Betaab' Valley

Named after the Sunny Deol starrer Betaab which was shot here, this beautiful valley is still untouched. Almost as it was when the film was shot. Great place for trout fishing as well.

Below, me messing with my Travelogue Host, Sunaina as she tries to cross River Lidder over an old wobbly bridge.

Also, our driver in Kashmir 'Prince'. For some weird reason, he would always look away whenever I would take his picture. At the same time he was quite fond of him being clicked. Wouldn't lose a Photo-op. He became a character of interest for me because of his laziness to get up early in the morning for shoots yet he would brag to me all day about his hard work with other guests. I would have to give him a wake-up call. Poor guy was struggling to keep up to his image. He was very chatty and would find a friend almost anywhere in the state. Also has an interesting history. Some of which is not safe to discuss here.

Hand Work

Kashmiris make some amazing handicrafts. Its a cottage industry. I was invited by a local family in downtown Srinagar. The elders of the house worked on embroidery and papier mache while the kids frolicked around. The womenfolk work on making the famous Pashmina shawls which unfortunately, they would not allow me to shoot.

Dal at Magic Hour

Shikara Ride at The Dal.

One of the most romantic experiences available. I spotted many Shikaras rocking on calm waters. The boats are designed for privacy and people let you be. Plus its a huge lake (5 sq. km) with a Venice-like city to explore.

Staircase to cloud number nine

Above is Nishat Bagh, one of the numerous well laid out gardens in Srinagar. The Mughals started this practice. This garden overlooks the beautiful Dal Lake.

A Paradise called Kashmir

I was in Kashmir Valley last month shooting a travelogue. Too much has been written already about the beautiful valley. It has also inspired a lot of poets. I too fell in love with its people, its language, and its natural splendour.

Above is Rinku pleating her hair on a sunny Sunday in Patnitop. She is accompanied in her sun-bathing by Bhedu the lamb and Chutki.

I am back

I am back in my village called 'GurGAON' (gaon litreally means village). I say it because it took me ten days, two fights, numerous phone calls and an equal number of visits to get broadband in my house.

My first culture shock after moving from Mumbai. Things happened in Mumbai on phone. They(service providers) took money and they delivered. Here they take money and then they get pregnant. They get labour pain! Without any labour.

Anyway, since I am back on Blogosphere, do check and comment on the pics that I took on my recent travels.