Welcome back to the third instalment of our blog series, "Where do you go back when you’ve been everywhere?" We're on a mission to uncover the heartwarming stories of avid travellers who, despite exploring some of the farthest corners of the globe, have that one special place that tugs at their heartstrings.

This time around, we're catching up with Rutika Singh. She has explored countless international and domestic destinations, but the destination that has her heart racing with excitement is none other than the breathtaking Jammu & Kashmir.

1.    Where do you find yourself craving to go back when you’ve been to so many destinations?

For the summer, it's Kashmir’s heavenly beauty, and in winter, the cozy charm of Jammu.

2.    Why is it that after exploring so many destinations, you always find yourself craving to go back to this specific destination? Is it nostalgia, a sense of comfort, familiarity, or something else? What exactly draws you back repeatedly?

Jammu and Kashmir hold a special place in my heart, and though I grew up there, it's not just about reliving memories. The sheer beauty of this place, with its majestic mountains and serene lakes, creates a connection that goes beyond time. I first fell in love with it through my parents, awe-struck by the magic of mountains and valleys. Now, the pull to return is more about wanting to share this beauty with my own kids. It's like revisiting your childhood favourite storybook that will always have a special place in your heart.

3.    In your extensive travels, can you recount a specific moment or experience from this place you often revisit that truly stands out?

Vaishno Devi:

I feel like there’s a magnetic force that gently pulls me close to Mata Rani. It’s like a profound connection with a loving mother whose understanding is wrapped in pure, unconditional love.

Patnitop and Sanasar:

Here, I get a chance to relive my most treasured childhood memories and now, I get to share that warmth with my own kids. The unique experience of staying in independent huts and groceries runs add an extra layer of charm.  

Kashmir Houseboat:

Staying in houseboats have been one of fondest memories. Taking in the intricate wood carving in the furniture and relishing local delights like Haq saag and Nadru in the cosy boats turn it into an unforgettable experience.

Chashme Shahi Garden:

There are absolutely no words to describe the paradisical beauty of this place. The garden is built around a natural freshwater spring. The mineral-rich water from this spring is believed to have medicinal properties.

Local Markets:

Exploring the local markets, discovering Kashmiri handicrafts, silk, pashmina, gucchi, and flavourful dry fruits is always a delightful experience.

Delicious Food:

Indulging in Wazwan cuisine with dishes like rista, goshtaba, and kabab is never not a highlight. And let's not forget the famous Kashmiri bakery delights, like walnut cakes and plum cakes. In Jammu, even the thought of local delicacies like Peere’s rajma chawal with anaardane ki chutney and tandoori kalaadi is making my mouth water.

4.    Over the years, places can evolve and change. How have you witnessed the transformation of a destination you frequently revisit? How does this evolution affect your connection to the place?

Over the years, I've witnessed a remarkable transformation in Patnitop and Sanasar, and it's more than just a change in scenery. In the beginning, we embraced the simplicity of basic huts, hauling groceries and using petromax for cooking simple homemade meals and living humble lives. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves indulging in the luxury at 5-star hotels, savouring mouth-watering cuisines from around the world, and diving into heart-pounding adventure sports like paragliding and zip-lining—a world away from the days of horse riding and collecting our own fruits.

Likewise, our pilgrimages to Vaishno Devi have undergone a meaningful evolution. What once involved trekking miles with family for darshan, has now transformed into chopper rides and horseback journeys, ensuring a comfortable stay at Bhawan. In Katra, the availability of 5-star hotels is definitely mind-boggling.

The evolution of Kashmir is truly captivating. Previously, our focus centred on exploring gardens like Shalimar and Mughal, but now the experience has expanded to include houseboat stays, exploring Chashme Shahi garden and Daachi Gaon, accommodations at Khyber, and activities such as Gandola rides, ATV rides, skiing, etc. Feels far beyond the days of lazy picnics, Frisbee (Flying Disc) matches, and badminton games.

5.    With so many new destinations waiting for you to explore, why do you choose to revisit this particular destination?

I'm constantly pulled back to this particular destination, and the main reason? It's where I grew up. While there's a whole array of exciting new places like Ladakh, boasting awe-inspiring landscapes, skies so clear you can count the stars, challenging mountain passes, and a lineup of thrilling adventure activities, the Buddhist monasteries or the festivals in Kishtwar showcasing saffron fields – they're all amazing, but there's a certain charm in revisiting my roots in Kashmir.

And then there's the people – oh, their warmth and affection make these places truly special. It's the welcoming embrace of home that make these places extraordinary.

6.    Even when you've covered substantial ground, there's often a desire for more exploration. How do you balance returning to a familiar place with your drive to discover new destinations?

As someone who deeply appreciates the wonders of nature, I find pure joy in exploring the diverse landscapes of Jammu. While I hold dear moments in familiar places, my passion for discovery keeps me on the lookout for new destinations. In Jammu, there are captivating spots that are still waiting to be explored, like the mysterious Underground Aquarium at Bagh e Bahu, Amar Mahal Palace with its French influence, the peaceful Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and the scenic Mansar Lake along with the Patnitop Gondola.

There are still treasures in Kashmir that I haven’t yet explored like the spiritual journey of the Amarnath Pilgrimage and the captivating otherworldly allure of Ladakh, and I’d love to be able to visit these places. The vastness of these regions fuels my desire to strike a balance between revisiting cherished places and embarking on new adventures. This ensures that my love for nature is not only sustained but continually enriched and expanded.

7.    What are your favourite places to eat at (local or popular) whenever you revisit?

One of the best parts of revisiting home is getting a chance to eat at my favourite spots and be hit with a nostalgia. Rawal Pindi's chole bhature, indulging in the sweet goodness of City Chowk's halwa, treating to Pehalwan's tempting sund and chocolate burfi, the unique taste of Kalaadi in Udhampur, relishing the rich barfi from Thandi Khui, savoury mutton seekh from Pape di Hatti, and the aromatic mutton yakhni from Paras Ram Waale.

In Kashmir, the renowned Mughal Darbar forever has my heart with its bakery delights—Bakarkhani, Katlam, Girda, Lavasa, and the famous Corn from Makki Chowk. The authentic Wazwan experiences at Naz, Ahdoos, and Khyber.

8.    While well-known places often attract attention, there are hidden gems that hold a special place in our hearts. Could you reveal one such hidden gem you return to when you’re revisiting this destination and explain its allure?

A cherished hidden gem for me is Chashme Shahi, a Mughal Garden. Like I’ve already mentioned, the freshwater spring here is said to hold medicinal properties, and the stunning view of Dal Lake from this serene garden captivates my heart with its beauty. You just have to see it with your own eyes!

9.    What are the specific spots you visit all over again at this destination and why?

I revisit Rawal Pindi for its iconic poori chole, City Chowk for the delectable halwa, Pape di Hatti for the unique mutton seekh, and Hungry Hop for its unparalleled hot dog—each place offering a taste found nowhere else. My journey also includes visits to Vaishno Devi, Bahu Fort, Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, and the Silk Factory, all exclusive experiences in  Jammu and Kashmir.

10.    What would an ideal 7-days itinerary for this destination look like for you?

Day 1: Begin with the spiritual journey to Vaishno Devi.
Day 2: Explore the scenic beauty of Patnitop and Sanasar.
Day 3: Immerse in the cultural richness of Srinagar, visiting Shankaracharya Temple, Mughal Gardens, Silk Factory and experience a stay on a houseboat.
Day 4: Head to Gulmarg for thrilling adventure sports.
Day 5: Visit Pahalgam, you can try rafting here. Must try the trout fish if you're a non-vegetarian.
Day 6: Discover the landscapes of Sonmarg.
Day 7: Shop at local markets, indulge in the delicacies, enjoy the hospitality.

Rutika's love for Jammu and Kashmir is a testament to the magical pull certain destinations can have on our hearts. Despite ticking off multiple destinations on her travel checklist, the allure of this picturesque region has Rutika yearning for more.

Stay tuned for our next blog, where we'll continue unravelling heartwarming and wholesome stories of passionate travellers and the places that have left an indelible mark on their souls.

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Happy travels!