Kashmir - "Paradise on Earth" in Pictures. Part 1 - Dal Lake.

Kashmir is one of the most turbulent regions in the world. Claimed by three countries, the state itself is fighting for independence from all three. There's constant tension, internal strife, and terrorism. Yet, it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, often called "Paradise on Earth", sandwiched by the Great Himalayas and Pir Panjal mountain ranges.

A while ago, I headed to Kashmir to shoot a short non-fiction film, with just one aim - to show off the beauty of Kashmir's gorgeous landscapes. Throughout the filming, I took several still photographs. I'm sharing them here for the first time over four parts. For the last part, I shall share the film - a new cut for Steemit. What these posts don't show is the unique culture of the people of Kashmir - I intend to go back and capture that some day. 

Part 1 - Dal Lake, Srinagar

Dal Lake is without doubt the icon of Kashmir. The lake lies in the heart of Srinagar, the capital city of the Indian part of Kashmir. At 5,000 ft altitude, the lake has a unique habitat. It is unusually rich in a diverse variety of flora and fauna, which gives it the characteristic dark glimmer - something that has to be experienced. 

There are many lakes surrounded by hills, but none have quite the same character. It's an unique atmosphere that no camera can capture. 

A bizarre optical illusion. 

You don't just go for a ride on Dal Lake. You stay there on houseboats. 

These are not just any boat converted into a living space, but a unique piece of architecture passed down the generations from the Mughal era five hundred years ago. 

A chain of houseboats - competition is healthy up there! 

The craftsmanship on these houseboats is truly admirable. 

People are ferried from the shores to the houseboats and around the lake in shikaras, or as they call it, "the Gondola of Kashmir".  

Sadly, with the conflict relatively subsiding in the last few years, tourists have dared to head out to Kashmir. This hasn't been very healthy for the ecosystem, but fortunately, the government has put conservation of Dal Lake on high priority. Let's hope it doesn't become contaminated like other famous water bodies. 

In the next part, we head to the valleys - Pahlgam and Gulmarg, followed by the mountains to Gulmarg in Part 3.