Surprise shower refreshes tourists at Peer Ki Gali

Shopian, Jul 5: As Kashmir continues to remain caught in the throes of a punishing heatwave, a brief spell of rain on Saturday brought much-needed respite to visitors at Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road.

While temperatures in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir crossed 37 degrees Celsius, spurring many to stay indoors, visitors at the high-altitude Peer Ki Gali, a 50-minute drive from south Kashmir’s Shopian town, found themselves briefly caught in an unexpected rain.

“We came here hoping to escape the heatwave, but were caught off guard when it suddenly started to rain,” said one traveller, nearly soaked through as the unexpected downpour swept across the idyllic destination.

Muzamil Yaqoob, a local journalist, told Greater Kashmir that a brief drizzle followed by a cool breeze prompted some travellers to step out of their vehicles, soaking in the sudden change in weather and snapping photos against the misty backdrop. “It was a momentary escape from the heat gripping the rest of Kashmir,” he said.

The travellers also visited a local shrine in the area, where they offered prayers for rain and an end to the ongoing heatwave that has gripped Kashmir.

“It is for the first time in many decades that we have witnessed such a hot and humid season. We hope the prayers are answered,” said 70-year-old Ghulam Muhammad.

The serene landscape, usually a favourite for summer trips, came alive as families sipped tea at roadside stalls along the road in Heerpora and Dubijan areas.