The Pampore Karewas—large, flat areas of elevated land—are currently covered in bright yellow mustard flowers and wild tulips. These fields are not planned gardens or tourist spots, but their beauty competes with Kashmir’s more famous spring attractions, like tulip gardens. Unlike formal parks, the tulips here grow freely, without human control. While the mustard flowers are spread widely across the fields, the local wild tulips grow naturally, not planted in straight lines. Together, they form a vibrant scene that shifts with the wind and sunlight. Visitors travelling on the Srinagar–Jammu highway often stop to admire the view, not because they planned to, but because the raw beauty catches them by surprise. The relaxed, open environment encourages people to slow down and appreciate the moment, unlike the structured experience of official parks. In recent weeks, these fields have become popular for travellers looking for authentic natural beauty, rather than typical tourist photos. Families picnic nearby, school groups walk carefully through the flowers, and solo visitors pause to take in the quiet scenery. While this growing interest is positive, it also raises concerns. The flowers and ecosystem here are delicate. Their survival relies not just on good weather and healthy soil, but also on visitors behaving responsibly. Stepping on flowers or leaving trash could damage the area. Protecting this landscape doesn’t require banning visitors. Instead, it means creating smart, low-impact ways for people to enjoy it. For example, marked dirt paths could keep foot traffic away from fragile zones. Local guides could lead educational tours to teach visitors about the plants and their role in the ecosystem. Simple additions, like wooden benches, signs explaining the flowers, and trash bins, would help without harming the environment. Large structures, like concrete platforms or commercial attractions, would clash with the area’s natural charm. The goal is to balance access with preservation. The mix of mustard flowers and wild tulips in Pampore represents more than a pretty sight—it reflects a connection between the land, local history, and seasonal cycles. It also shows that not every beautiful place needs to be developed for tourism. Some, like these Karewas, simply need to be appreciated on their own terms. Schools, community groups, and responsible travellers can all play a role by following guidelines, avoiding littering, and staying on paths. The government must issue an advisory where visitors must be advised to follow essential guidelines to help preserve this fragile natural wonder for future generations. They should stay on natural pathways to avoid trampling delicate flowers or disturbing the soil, and refrain from plucking wildflowers, which play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. All waste, including food wrappers and bottles, must be carried back to maintain cleanliness and prevent harm to the environment. Picnicking should be done only on open edges, not directly within flower zones, to avoid damaging vegetation. Parents and group leaders should be urged to guide children in respecting the landscape, while photographers should use zoom lenses, rather than stepping into fields for close-up shots.
Fragile Beauty
