You all must be wondering why the hell am I sharing a pic of barren leafless trees for the Thursday Tree Love post? The thing is that these trees may appear lifeless but are actually the life of the landscape of Kashmir.
This is the Chinar tree or Platanus which is the pride of Kashmir and is covered with vibrant green leaves during spring and summer. Autumn is when these leaves turn yellow, orange and red. That’s the best time to view the Chinar tree but I love the sight of these skeletal ones too for they signify winters in this heaven on earth.
“Gar firdaus bar-rue zamin ast, hami asto, hamin asto, hamin ast.”
I had taken this picture in February 2017 on a trip to Srinagar and this is the island in the middle of Dal lake, known as Char Chinar. There are four (char) Chinar trees on this island on each corner and its quite the touristy spot. One of the trees is smaller than the other three as its been newly planted. It’s predecessor died of a natural cause and so a new one was planted.
All the shikara-wallahs love to suggest this spot to the tourists who happily oblige. In season, one can spot photographers with Kashmiri dresses that they offer for the tourists to wear and get clicked. There would also be a number of food vendors at the Char Chinar with Kehwa, roasted corn cobs, cucumbers, etc.
But during winters, all is silent and the trees stand bereft of their leafy cover. One can’t make out if their reflections are more serene of the actual tree. I was out for a shikara ride when I spotted this and just had to capture it in my camera. Chinar is my favorite tree in the world and I would do anything to be under them, summer or winter!
Leaving you with a shot of the Chinar tree in spring when its lush and green with life. Do you know that its always cooler under a Chinar tree as it keeps the sun’s rays at bay?
Intrigued? Pin it for later!
Joining in the #Thursdaytreelove linky with Parul which is a fortnightly feature every month.
My previous post for this linky can be found here
⇐Check out this post on Kashmir with some interesting tidbits about the Chinar tree ⇒
Leafless trees in winter have a charm of its own. Always reminds me that everything is temporary.
What a lovely perspective Damyanti and so true.
Thanks for sharing this picture of bare trees . It is a stunning composition and possibly looks better in its bare skeletal beauty than it does in full splendour . All I can say is Wow ! And how lucky you are to see these beauties in every season !
You are welcome Sunita. So happy to see people enjoying this vista despite its barreness. I love taking shots of the skeletal trees too as they really bring out the power of a tree for me.
I suppose its barebones structure has its own magic
The bare trees have a unique beauty! Lovely capture indeed!
Yeah Archana the barren look brings to light how majestic and strong the trees can be despite their bareness
I like taking pictures of trees that have shed their leaves. They have a charm of their own.
I totally agree on that Reema. I am here in Uttarakhand currently and have taken a few pics of the same to be shared on successive Thursday tree love post. Do keep a Lok out for them.
OMG! How much I loved yuor Char Chinar. I haven’t seen the Dal lake and I would love to see the Char Chinar. Thank you, Shalini for making me want to go back to the mountains. I hope to see you on the 27th! Thank you!
So happy to hear that Parul. I just love Kashmir and can’t stop sharing pics from there or gushing over it. I hope the situation becomes normal soonest and you are able to go and have a great visit.
The tree is simply beautiful:) huge and green, I also loved the first picture with it reflection, I am tempted to make a trip to see the char chinar, thanks for sharing about these trees, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Angela. It’s a sight worth seeing. I hope you get to go in person to enjoy some time at the Char Chinar in Srinagar.
Wow, you took me back to memories when I was in chinar land. I had always loved the shape of its leaves, no wonder its called Platanus orientalis… ornamental design i take it as.
Thanks Pragun. I also love the Chinar tree a lot and think it’s pretty ornamental. It’s used very extensively as a motif in embroideries and metal wrk of Kashmir region