Srinagar’s iconic Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden opened to the public on Wednesday, signaling the start of a new tourism season in Kashmir. Nestled between Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Hills, the garden is a major attraction for tourists visiting the region. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the event, inviting visitors to witness the vibrant blooms.
History and Development of the Garden
The tulip garden was established in 2007 by Ghulam Nabi Azad, the then Chief Minister, to extend the tourist season in the Kashmir valley, which was earlier limited to summer and winter. Originally known as Siraj Bagh, the garden began with 50,000 tulip bulbs imported from The Netherlands and has since grown in popularity and scale.
New Varieties and Expansions
This year, the Floriculture Department introduced two new tulip varieties, taking the total number of flower varieties to 74, including hyacinths, daffodils, muscari, and cyclamens. Around 17 lakh tulip bulbs have been planted over an expansive area of 55 hectares, making it Asia’s largest tulip garden.
Visitor Footfall and Popularity
The garden attracts both domestic and international tourists. Last year, over 4.65 lakh visitors explored the tulip blooms, a significant increase compared to 3.65 lakh visitors in 2023. The phased planting of tulip bulbs ensures that the flowers remain in bloom for over a month, extending the tourist season.
Future Prospects
With nearly full capacity reached, officials aim to maintain and enhance the garden’s charm, ensuring it continues to attract millions of visitors annually.
