As the vibrant season of spring begins, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is set to open its gates to visitors on March 26. The inauguration will be officiated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, marking the beginning of the spectacular annual floral display. Notably, in 2024, the garden saw an impressive 4,65,000 visitors, a significant increase from 3,65,000 in 2023, showcasing its growing popularity as a must-visit destination.
Officials from the floriculture department announced that the garden will be open soon as tulips of various hues have begun to bloom. Visitors will also have the chance to marvel at other spring flowers, such as hyacinths, daffodils, muscari, and cyclamens, enhancing the garden's vibrant tapestry of colours.
Authorities anticipate an even larger turnout this season and have implemented several enhancements to elevate the visitor experience. These improvements include expanded parking facilities to accommodate the influx of guests and the introduction of e-ticketing, designed to streamline entry and minimise wait times.
Located against the majestic Zabarwan Mountains and offering a panoramic view of the shimmering Dal Lake, the expansive tulip garden has emerged as one of Kashmir’s premier tourist destinations since its inception in 2007. In 2023, this vibrant oasis achieved a remarkable distinction by being recognised by the World Book of Records (London) as Asia’s largest tulip garden.
Established by the then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was intended to extend the tourist season in Jammu and Kashmir beyond just summers and winters. Starting with a modest 50,000 tulip bulbs imported from Holland, the garden quickly gained popularity among tourists and has expanded annually in visitor numbers and tulip varieties. Recognised as a favourite location for film shoots, numerous film units have used its picturesque backdrop for their projects.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is designed on sloping ground and features seven terraced levels. In addition to tulips, the garden also showcases various other flower species, including hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus. The Department of Floriculture spends approximately six to eight months preparing the garden for public opening each year. The Tulip Festival is an annual event that celebrates the diverse range of flowers in the garden, aiming to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit from late March to early April, during the annual Tulip Festival, which features cultural programmes, handicraft exhibitions, and local Kashmiri cuisine.
Opening Time: The garden is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
