The flowers and colours of spring in Kashmir are enthralling and a sight to behold. Kashmir, the ‘paradise on earth’ known for its snow-covered valleys, doesn’t disappoint its residents and visitors in this season as well. As the mesmerising landscape comes back to life after a harsh winter, almond blossoms, in delicate shades of pink and white, especially at Badamwaer on the foot hills of Koh i Maran, and the flowers at the Tulip Garden on the foothills of Zabarwan range is nature’s art at its best.
In the countryside, mustard flowers turn huge tracts of land into a yellow sea where people often become part of a painting and freeze the moments in their cameras and memories.
The arrival of spring is marked by the blossoming of cherry and apple trees that adorn the orchards with delicate blossoms. The famed Mughal gardens in Kashmir also attract hundreds of tourists and local people to view the emergence of a multitude of hues.
But amid all the colours and blossoms lie worries and concerns as unpredictable weather patterns take a toll on plantations along the Valley.
Almond and apple plantations are no longer as lucrative as they used to be, say the owners. Hybrid apples are flooding the market. With increasing demand for cheaper almonds, some people fear for the almond trees of the Valley. But the season of spring puts the concerns away for a while.
Spring in Kashmir is a time of blossoming hope and the local population welcomes the season of new beginnings as the Valley wakes up from winter’s embrace.
(Text by: Peerzada Ashiq)
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Beneath the blossoms: A Kashmiri shepherd herds a flock of sheep in a blossoming almond garden during the spring season in Pulwama.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Valley’s bloom: Wild tulip buds in saffron fields in Pampore, south of Srinagar.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Hands full: A Kashmiri farmer gathers a bunch of wild tulips from a field in Pampore.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Framed in yellow: A woman walks through a blooming mustard field in Pulwama, south of Srinagar.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Circle of life: A walk against the backdrop of snowclad mountains in an almond orchard makes for pleasant exercise indeed.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Calm and serene: A boatman rows his boat on a clear Dal lake as spring arrives in Srinagar.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Creamy petals: Cherry blossoms seen on a tree in Pulwama.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Crowd puller: Visitors surround a flowering tree in Srinagar.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Lavender hues: Common daisy (Bellis perennis) flowers add a cheerful touch.
Published – March 30, 2025 10:40 am IST
