Tourism & Travel

Panaji/Srinagar: Imagine Kashmir is coming close to Goa. Surely, both are among the most sought after tourist destinations of not only India, but of the world. While the fun loving Goans have been visiting Kashmir for holidaying since long, the same was not true for the Kashmiris till as recently as couple of years ago. However, things are fast changing and people of Kashmir valley are also visiting Goa for their leisure trips in a big way. To gauge the changed thinking of people of Kashmir, you have to be on any Delhi- Goa flight. It is like seeing is believing experience. You would find many, many Kashmiris, including ladies, kids and senior citizens, are taking Goa bound flights from the Indira Gandhi International airport. That also reinforces the point that the once troubled Kashmir is changing fast and peace returns there. During his recent trip to Srinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Kashmir has been transformed economically since it was stripped of its semi-autonomous status. He was accorded a very warm welcome by the people of Kashmir. That was unthinkable till couple of years ago. "I am working hard to win your hearts," he told a rally in Srinagar. Thanks to peace and stability in Kashmir valley, Kashmiris have now started going to even Goa during their holidays. As there is no direct Goa flight from Srinagar, Kashmiris first come to Delhi and then move to Goa. Of course, Kashmiris living in other parts of the country also visit Goa frequently. Well, Kashmiris leave for Goa in hoards when their own state experience extremely cold conditions. You can say from November to January, Kashmiris find Goa as a place to visit and stay. Like other tourists, the carefree mood of Goa and the inclusive Goan society grea ...