Be it autumn or Spring, the Karewa area of Pampore Pulwama district has always got something to offer to sightseers.
In October Karewa ( table land) on either side of Srinagar Jammu National Highway wears a beautiful look after blooming of purplish saffron flowers.
This time of the spring it has other hues to offer.
The wild tulips in pink and white against a yellow background of mustard flowers is an enticing view for onlookers .
Dr Suhail, Senior Scientist and In Charge Regional Research Station of Indian Grass Land and Fodder Research Institute identifies the wild tulip growing in Pampore Karewa as Tulipa Stellata.
Dr Niyaz, Associate Professor at SKUAST-K’s advanced research station for saffron and seed spices said that Tulipa Stellata grows as an associated weed with saffron.
He said that this naturally occurring perennial herb grows from bulbs.
Experts said that this Asian Tulip species belongs to the family Liliaceae and is native to India, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq and the western Himalayas.
It grows up to 30 cm in height and bears a terminal flower with six identical brightly coloured petals, three sepals and three petals.
The star-shaped pink and white flowers stand out from a far distance against a yellow background.
The aura is so captivating that many visitors travelling along the National Highway halt their vehicles near Lethpora and adjoining areas to have a closer look.
Many tread through the saffron beds to experience the beauty of delicate flowers by touching and smelling.
A few capture these precious leisure moments on their mobile phones by way of group photos, selfies and videos.
Tejandar Singh Sandhu, from Patiala area of Punjab, is one such visitor. “ I have heard that this land is known in the world for producing the best quality saffron flowers,” Sandhu said, adding that he came to enjoy saffron bloom.
“ I was a little upset after learning that the saffron blooms in October,” he said, adding that after observing a sea of wild tulips he was cheered up.
“This is a nice experience. I enjoyed a brief stay in Pampore Karewa along with my family,” he said.
The appeal of brightly coloured wild tulips is attracting locals too.
Bhat Adil, a local youth from Pampore town, said that despite the holy month of Ramadan many throng the Karewa to enjoy blooming mustard and tulips.
“Many visit the Karewa with their families during the evening to enjoy natural scenery,” Adil said, adding that this time the saffron beds are hard enough and one can walk over them without causing any damage to underground corms.