&THE SAFFRON HARVEST
Under the serene gaze of the snow-capped Himalayas, Kashmir’s saffron harvest unfolds like a vibrant tapestry of gold and purple hues. As the crisp autumn air gently whispers through the Valley, fields of delicate saffron crocuses awaken in a symphony of colors, each delicate flower harboring the essence of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. Local farmers, adorned in traditional attire, delicately pluck the crimson stigmas from the flowers with practiced precision, their hands stained with the essence of this prized spice. The earthy aroma of saffron permeates the air, mingling with the faint echoes of centuries-old melodies that seem to dance through the rustling leaves. Against a backdrop of ancient terraced gardens and wooden huts, the saffron harvest in Kashmir is not just a seasonal affair but a timeless ritual that weaves together the past, present, and future of this enchanting land.
Kashmir holds a prominent place on the itinerary of any travel photographer. Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir in India, stands out for its breathtaking natural allure, rendering it a haven for photographers seeking picturesque landscapes and captivating scenes.
SRINAGAR HIGHLIGHTS –
• Dal Lake: This iconic lake is one of the most photographed spots in Srinagar. Early mornings and late evenings offer mesmerizing reflections of the surrounding mountains and houseboats on the tranquil waters.
• Shalimar Bagh: Built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, this beautiful garden offers lush greenery, colorful flowers, and intricate water channels, making it a favorite spot for nature and landscape photographers.
• Nishat Bagh: Another Mughal garden, Nishat Bagh is known for its terraced layout and stunning views of the Dal Lake and Zabarwan Range.
• Pari Mahal: This historic monument offers panoramic views of Srinagar and the surrounding mountains. Photographers often come here during sunset to capture the golden hues over the city and the Dal Lake.
• Hazratbal Shrine: This revered Muslim shrine, located on the banks of Dal Lake, is an architectural marvel. Capture its intricate white marble structure against the backdrop of the lake and the mountains.
• Old City: The narrow lanes and bustling markets of Srinagar’s old city offer ample opportunities for street photography. Photograph the vibrant life, colorful shops, and traditional architecture of this historic area.
• Floating Vegetable Market: Experience the unique sight of vendors selling fresh produce from
their shikaras (traditional boats) at the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake. It’s a fascinating subject for documentary-style photography.
• Shikara Ride: Take a leisurely shikara ride on Dal Lake and capture the everyday life of the locals living on houseboats, floating markets, and the stunning landscapes that unfold around you.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nov 10 -New Delhi
Upon arrival, you will be transported to our hotel near the New Delhi airport.
We will have a meet and greet dinner and trip orientation meeting.
Radisson Blu or Similar
Day 2: Nov 11- New Delhi/Srinagar
Morning flight to Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. We will check into our houseboat and have lunch. An afternoon photo shoot in the market surrounding the Hazratbal Mosque will then be on the agenda.
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day 3: Nov 12- Srinagar
We will leave early in the morning after breakfast and drive to the scenic Pirpanjal range, which is the main area for saffron growing. We will photograph the saffron harvesters in the fields surrounding the villages of Pampore. We will have lunch in the home of a local family. If possible we will have a speaker join us and present on the history of Kashmir.
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day 4: Nov 13- Srinagar
The group will have an early morning photo shoot in the floating vegetable market. We will paddle the waters of Dal Lake by shikara and return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon we will take the short drive to the side of Srinagar that is bordered by the river. We will photograph the shikara builders at work, the women washing shawls and dying fabrics and photograph the winding streets of this old city.
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day 5: Nov 14- Srinagar
The group will photograph the saffron workers after harvest in traditional villages. We will visit rural mountain villages on the outskirts of Srinagar with farmers as they work in their homes, sheds and farms. Lunch will be at the home of a local family. Sunset photoshoot from the Taj Vivanta Hotel, which overlooks Dal Lake. Evening photo critique on the houseboat.
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day 6: Nov 15 – Srinagar
In the area of Baba Nagri we will photograph the famous shrine and the worshippers. We will continue to the 1000 year old shiva temple in Narang. Proceeding afterwards we will immerse ourselves in the Kangan bazaar. Lunch will be picnic style on the banks of Sindh River. We also stop at Manasbal Lake and photograph the local population. A stop will be made in the village of Wangath where we will photograph the mixed classes of Islamic school children in their 300 year old wooden school building
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day: 7 Nov 16 Srinagar
Today we will head out to the area of Naranaag. Our first stop will be the very colourful Kangan Bazaar where will spend a good amount of time photographing the locals. This is the main market where people from around the villages and even Kargil come to shop— a great location to find some great bearded men for some portraits.
We will then continue to the 1,000 year-old Shiva temple in Naranaag. Followed by visit to the local villages. If we are luck, we may hear about a local Gujjar (the local shepherd tribe) wedding in the area which always provides a great opportunity for photography. Lunch will be picnic style on the banks of Sindh River. We will stop in the village of Wangath where we will photograph the mixed classes of Islamic school children in their 300 year old wooden school building.
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day 8: Nov 17- Srinagar
After breakfast, we will take a motor launch ride on the River Jhelum and photograph the unique colonial architecture of Srinagar. We will have lunch in a local Kashmiri restaurant. In the afternoon we all take the short drive to Idd Gah. This village is well know for their weaving and we will also photograph the farmers who grow vegetables and harvest lotus root. The village is on the periphery of scenic Anchaar Lake. For those that want to buy crafts we will go to the largest craft emporium in Srinagar.
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day 9: Nov 18 – Srinagar
We will document the saffron harvesters in the villages surrounding Pampore which is the center of the saffron growing region. Sunset photoshoot from the banks of Dal Lake. Dinner in a local Srinagar restaurant.
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day 10: Nov 19 – Srinagar
This day of the photo tour will be spent entirely in Srinagar. The morning will be spent in the Sultan-Ularfeen or Mehboobul-Alam Mosque. Photography is permitted here and many sufi singers may bewalking the perimeter of the mosque. We will also photograph the interior of the Jamia Masjid mosque, the pillars of which are of architectural significance. Lunch will be in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we will wander independently the streets of Lal Chowk photographing street scenes
and spice merchants. Evening photo critique and image sharing.
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day 11: Nov 20 – Srinagar
Today we will drive to Pampore and photograph the Shokbab Sahib’s sufi shrine. Pampore shirmaal bread is famous and we will visit the bakers and local people. On this last day we will also stop at local villages to photograph the farmers. Craft shopping for those that are interested.
O/N Royal Houseboats
Day 12: Nov 21 – Srinagar – New Delhi
We will fly back to New Delhi today. The rest of the day will be free until dinner when we will meet for a farewell dinner. Most international flights go out very late or extremely early in the morning. Therefore, we are providing overnight rooms, so you will keep your room until your transfer to the airport.
Radisson Blu or Similar
Day 13: Nov 22 – Departure
Transportation to the airport will be provided for those leaving today.
