Jahangeer Ganaie
Pampore, Nov 6: The saffron fields of Pampore have become a centre of attraction for hundreds of tourists as they throng here to see the bloomed flowers.
With the recent saffron bloom, tourists have flocked to the saffron town to witness the maroon, yellow, and purple hues of the famed flowers.
Ghulam Rasool, a local resident, said that tourists have been visiting the fields for the past week and capturing the mesmerising scenery through photographs.
He said the recent rainfall has played a pivotal role in the blooming of saffron fields which are attracting an increasing number of tourists each day. “Similar to the way tourists capture the beauty of Dal Lake, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and other popular spots, the saffron fields have become a must-visit destination,” he said.
Bilal Ahmad, another local resident, said that visitors are not only captivated by the visual splendour but also by the fragrant aroma of saffron, prompting many to buy them on the spot.
Rajan, a tourist from Gujarat, said it was his dream to visit Kashmir and spend time in the saffron fields. Other visitors said that it is a rare experience to spend time in saffron fields and witness this flower considering it is the world’s costliest spice (by weight).
Officials said that this year, the bloom was delayed due to a sudden drop in temperature last October.
Ordinarily, the fields would be in full bloom by the last week of October, but despite the delay, the saffron fields continue to enchant visitors with their breathtaking beauty, they said.
