Tulip Garden to welcome visitors from Mar 16

Saqib Rather
Srinagar, Mar 10: The world-famous Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, known as Asia’s largest tulip garden, will open its gates to visitors on March 16, marking the beginning of the much-awaited spring tourism season in Kashmir.

Nestled along the foothills of the scenic Zabarwan mountain range and overlooking the iconic Dal Lake, the garden has been meticulously prepared by the Floriculture Department to host thousands of visitors, including tourists from across the country and abroad.
Officials said the garden is currently witnessing the blooming of vibrant tulip varieties, transforming the terraced landscape into a spectacular sea of colours. This year, the garden will feature nearly 1.8 million tulips representing around 70 to 75 different varieties, making the floral display more diverse and visually captivating than previous seasons.
Director Floriculture Kashmir Mathoora Masoom said the department has completed all necessary preparations ahead of the opening.
“We are delighted to announce that the Tulip Garden will be open to the public from March 16. The tulips have started blooming and we expect the garden to be at its most beautiful in the coming weeks,” Masoom said.
She added that special efforts have been made this year to enhance the density and layout of flower beds to create a richer visual experience for visitors.
“Our team has worked tirelessly over the past several months to ensure that the garden presents a vibrant and colourful display. With more varieties and improved plantation patterns, visitors will witness an even more striking floral landscape this season,” she said.
Spread over several terraces along the Zabarwan hills, the garden offers panoramic views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains, making it one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the region during spring.
Officials said the opening of the garden traditionally signals the beginning of Kashmir’s spring tourism season, drawing thousands of visitors every year. The site also serves as the venue for the annual Tulip Festival, which showcases not only the tulip bloom but also the rich culture, cuisine and handicrafts of the Kashmir Valley.
Masoom expressed optimism that this year’s bloom will attract a large number of visitors.
“The Tulip Garden has become a symbol of Kashmir’s spring. We are expecting a significant footfall this season as tourists look forward to witnessing the spectacular bloom against the backdrop of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountains,” she said.
The Floriculture Department has also strengthened arrangements inside the garden to ensure a smooth experience for visitors, including improved pathways, seating areas and maintenance of the terraced lawns.
Authorities have urged visitors to help preserve the beauty of the garden by following guidelines and avoiding damage to the flowers.
With the bloom gradually unfolding, the garden is expected to remain a major attraction for the coming weeks, offering visitors a colourful glimpse of Kashmir’s famed springtime charm.