The skies of Kashmir opened up, pouring down a steady drizzle, but that did not stop the steady stream of visitors making their way to the renowned Tulip Garden in Srinagar.
Even as the rain dampened the lush green lawns, the vibrant tulips stood tall and proud, their petals unfurling in a stunning display of colour. For the thousands who braved the weather, the annual tulip carnival was a mesmerising sight to behold – a true testament to the resilience and beauty of Kashmir’s natural wonder.
In a record-breaking turn of events, the Tulip Garden has already welcomed 3,99,138 visitors since its opening on March 23 – and there is still over a week left in the season. This figure includes 2,738 foreign tourists, 3,06,230 national tourists, and 90,170 local visitors.
The highest single-day footfall was recorded on April 11, the second day of Eid-ul-Fitr, when over 30,600 people flocked to the garden. Of these, 18,888 were locals, 11,693 were national tourists, and 78 were foreign visitors.
Floriculture department officials say this year’s visitor numbers are set to surpass the 4 lakh mark – a first for the Tulip Garden’s history. The vibrant blooms and picturesque landscapes continue to captivate tourists from near and far, undeterred by the occasional showers that have graced the valley.
Commissioner Secretary Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad said “The Tulip Garden in Srinagar continues to bloom as a symbol of Kashmir’s natural splendour, captivating hearts with its kaleidoscope of colours. With the addition of new tulip varieties and an expanded area, we are witnessing a surge in its popularity year after year. This expansion reflects our commitment to preserving and enhancing this cherished cultural heritage, inviting visitors from far and wide to experience the magic of Kashmir’s springtime.”
More than 3.99 lakh visitors have flocked to Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar within 31 days of its opening, marking a remarkable start to the season. This year, the garden boasts over 1.7 million tulips across 73 varieties, nestled amidst the picturesque backdrop between Dal Lake and the Zabarwan hills. Renowned as one of the Valley’s main attractions during the spring season, the Tulip Garden has surpassed previous visitor records, building on the momentum of last year’s remarkable turnout of 370,000 visitors.
A Floriculture Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the overwhelming response from visitors this year, noting that the total count has nearly reached 3.99 lakh within 31 days, setting a new benchmark for tourist footfall. With the addition of five new tulip varieties, the department remains dedicated to enhancing the garden’s allure, anticipating a surge in local and international visitors post-Eid.
The Tulip Garden, a key driver of tourism in the Kashmir Valley during spring, has prompted the government to open its gates earlier than usual, with this year’s opening ceremony held a week ahead of schedule on March 23. The influx of domestic and foreign tourists underscores the garden’s global appeal, reminiscent of the scenic tulip fields of Amsterdam.
Over 150 dedicated gardeners and staff have tirelessly worked to prepare the garden for public enjoyment, investing months of meticulous planning and effort to ensure a breathtaking spectacle. Foreign tourists, drawn by the garden’s beauty, have praised its resemblance to the tulip landscapes of Europe, further amplifying its international acclaim.
“It’s beautiful and very much like Amsterdam. I have been there, and I have seen tulips there but this is very beautiful. We have been travelling around India for four months and this is our last spot and it’s very beautiful here. We came yesterday and it’s the first day and it’s such a scenic beauty,” said Mukesh Kumar from Bangalore.
The Tulip Garden will remain open throughout April, inviting visitors to revel in its splendour. To streamline visitor experiences, the Traffic Police Department has implemented a route plan and issued a traffic advisory to manage traffic flow and prevent congestion along the designated stretch. This annual tradition heralds the commencement of the tourism season in the Kashmir Valley, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s natural wonders.
Established in 2008 by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden spans 30 hectares and features an impressive array of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and Muscari. Late-blooming cultivars have been introduced to extend the bloom period, ensuring an enchanting display for visitors to enjoy. With spring temperatures hovering between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, the garden provides an idyllic setting for the vibrant tulip blossoms to flourish.
The Tulip Garden, divided into 36 plots with 16–18 beds each, is meticulously tended by a dedicated team of 60 gardeners, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty. Complemented by three parks within the complex, the garden offers a serene sanctuary for visitors to immerse themselves in nature’s splendour.
