Kashmir Paradise lost 
News

Kashmir Paradise lost

These 1951 Trans World Airlines (TWA)--s tourism posters put India -- and Kashmir -- on the world tourism map

Author : Amit Dixit

We&rsquod like to believe that there was a time when Kashmir was just an earthly paradise, not a political (and literal) battlefield. These tourism posters from an era long gone happily help that fantasy along. If Kashmir is gritty on the ground today, the golden age of aviation seems over too. Trans World Airlines (TWA), which took wing in 1925 as the Transcontinental & Western Air, flying from New York City to Los Angeles, was one of the &lsquoBig Four&rsquo American carriers in its day. Under the legendary aviator and even more legendary recluse Howard Hughes, who took control of the airline in 1939, TWA rapidly expanded operations to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Its intentions may not have been purely philanthropic, but if the sheer number of tourism posters floating in cyberspace is anything to go by, TWA did do its bit to put India &mdash and Kashmir &mdash on the world tourism map. The 1951 TWA poster was a tie-up with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India and was printed at the Survey of India offices in Dehradun. Actually, we&rsquore not sure who was helping whom &mdash even in 1950, Kashmir boasted annual tourist arrivals to the tune of 25 million. Paradise doesn&rsquot need a calling card.

Forex Card Vs Cash: What Indian Travellers Should Know Before Going Abroad

The Chilling Story Of Roopkund: India’s Lake Of Skeletons In Uttarakhand

Lonar Crater Lake: Maharashtra’s Meteor-Born, Saline Sanctuary of Birdlife

Temple Street After Dark: Rediscover Hong Kong's Iconic Night Market

Gwalior Tourism Conclave Attracts INR 3,500 Crore Investment

SCROLL FOR NEXT