May Peace Prevails

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In Srinagar, domestic and foreign tourists are enjoying their time in traditional Shikaras, a gondola-type of boat used in the valley. Houseboat owners are busy mending and beautifying their houseboats ahead of summer, which is when lots of tourists arrive.

Almost all houseboat owners are ready to welcome the tourists on their boats that have been carpeted and embellished at par with star-rated hotels.

There is also a rush of tourists at the historical gardens – the Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Gardens.

Stuck by the beauty of the valley, tourists are delighted and have no hesitation in describing Kashmir as a ''Paradise on Earth.''

"I came here with my friends and their families. Kashmir is really a nice place to visit, I have been to several places in India, right from the north-east to the south, but we find Kashmir the most unique and beautiful," says a tourists.

The start of the season is good. The booking of house boats and hotels are totally packed. If things will remain unchanged, then in a month's time the paradise on earth will be full of tourists.

"Thank God for the good start but we keep praying for peace. Tourists would only come if there is no terror in the valley. Our income and livelihood is completely based on tourism and we do not want any military turbulence," said Tariq Ahmed, a houseboat owner.

From the Mughal era, Kashmir has been a retreat for people seeking respite from the summer heat in Northern India. Kashmir is regarded as a top Asian tourist destination.

It is a hot destination for honeymoon couples, holidaying crowds, nature lovers, outdoor adventure enthusiasts like skiers and trekkers – only if peace prevails.