Kashmir Valley Creations

The Kashmir Story

Surrounded by gigantic lush mountains & glaciers, Kashmir Valley has been admired for 100’s of years and is often referred to as “Paradise on Earth”. Situated in the North Eastern part of the Indian sub-continent it is regarded as the Alpines of the Himalayas, boasting a wide variety of trees, meadows of natural flowers & indigenous wildlife, not to mention indigenous nomadic tribes. Despite recent troubles, the Kashmiris remain proud of their rich heritage, culture and land. Indeed they are very hospitable and warm people.

Kashmir Valley, taken from Gangabal Mountain, Aug 2007, by myself during an amazing 5-day trek

Kashmir was divided during the India/Pakistan partition in 1947, and now encompasses a much larger area in India as the state of Kashmir. However, Kashmir Valley refers only to the original area situated in India, including the state capital, Srinigar, home of the famous Houseboats. Kashmir has a long tradition of producing some of the World's finest fabrics (Wool & Silk), Handicrafts & other items from Saffron to Walnut Wood Hand-carved furniture.

Kashmir valley is unique from the rest of India (though it could be said that all parts of India have uniqueness) and is by no means over populated. Boasting a good socio-economic environment, Kashmir is stooped in history, culture & beauty, both from the mountains and its cities & towns.

Srinigar itself, surrounded by the mountains and constantly overlooked by the imposing Kashmir Fort, is known as the Venice of India, for all the water ways that thread through its entire city. Local transport through these waterways comes from the Shikarah, where the occupants sit comfortably whilst gliding on a tour or simply going to the shops or one of the famous beautiful gardens, taking in the breath taking beauty of the mountains, the city and the lakes & waterway with natural growing lotus flowers lining the route, and eagles passing overhead. Srinigar also remains lined with traditional buildings & wonderful architecture.

Typical view one of Srinigar's waterways Taking a ride around Kashmir's lakes
on a Shikarar (boat taxi)

The unique Kashmir experience is topped with accommodation on a Houseboat, an idea taken from the British Raj days (the area was popular with the British as a holiday destination but land was not permitted to be sold so they invented the Houseboat on the lake), which now sees these luxury “caravan-esque” boats comfortably situated on one of Srinigar’s lakes. The famous and very populated Dal Lake is now crowded with hundreds of Houseboats, however, 15km down the road is the much quieter, tranquil & exquisite Nagin Lake, which boasts the most well maintained luxury boats, whilst providing stunning panoramic views of the mountains all around.

Houseboat on Niggin Lake (was my home for 2 months) Nomadic Gypsy Woman

Local Kashmiri Lady going to the shops

Personal Story

During my second trip to India (first for 6 months, second for 9 months) I visited the glorious Kashmir again to soak up the splendour, relax on a houseboat, and trek in the mountains. But I couldn’t leave, and stayed for 2 months, falling more and more in love with the place and the items they produced. So I decided to start a new business trading in their produce. In total I was there for 3 months, learning as much as I could about the merchandise, whilst sourcing only the best. My business partner/supplier became my best friend, and we are in this together. I assure you, as he assured me, that everything I sell is only of the highest quality, and truth comes as standard.

My aim is simple. Whilst traveling in India, I fell in love with Kashmir, the place, the people & the handicrafts. So I made the decision to sell the crafts here. I have sourced only the very best quality, and my aim is to sell beautiful items from a beautiful place that people will love as much as I do. Pure & Simple.