The saffron fields between Pampore and Anantnag are the only commercial saffron-producing region in India, planted with the autumn-flowering Crocus sativus. The harvest runs through late October and early November, when the fields turn lilac with millions of small flowers and every available pair of hands is out picking. Each flower yields three crimson stigmas, which are dried into the world's most expensive spice.
Outside the harvest the fields are unremarkable scrubby plateaus, so time your visit if you want to see it. Local growers will sell direct, but be careful — most of what is sold to tourists is adulterated.