Srinagar, March 22, 2025 – The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, renowned as Asia’s largest tulip garden, is set to open its gates to the public on March 26, marking the start of the much-anticipated spring tourism season in Kashmir. Nestled between the serene Dal Lake and the majestic Zabarwan Hills, this floral paradise promises to captivate visitors with its vibrant display of over 1.7 million tulips across 74 varieties.
Floriculture Department officials confirmed the opening date, noting that preparations are in full swing to ensure a spectacular experience. “The tulips are beginning to bloom, and we’ve added two new varieties this year, enhancing the garden’s allure,” said Asif Ahmad, Assistant Floriculture Officer. Spanning 55 hectares, the garden features meticulously terraced slopes adorned with not only tulips but also hyacinths, daffodils, and cyclamens, creating a kaleidoscope of colors against the Himalayan backdrop.
Initiated in 2007 by then-Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the garden has become a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism efforts, extending the region’s appeal beyond traditional summer and winter seasons. The annual Tulip Festival, coinciding with the opening, will showcase Kashmiri culture through music, handicrafts, and cuisine, drawing nature lovers, photographers, and tourists from across the globe.
This year’s bloom is expected to attract record footfall, building on last year’s success when over 365,000 visitors flocked to the site. Enhanced facilities, including expanded parking and online ticketing (₹75 for adults, ₹30 for children), aim to accommodate the anticipated crowds. The garden, located 8 km from Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and 17 km from Sheikh ul Alam International Airport, is easily accessible by taxi or local transport.
As Kashmir gears up for this floral spectacle, the March 26 opening signals a vibrant start to spring, reinforcing Srinagar’s reputation as a must-visit destination. Visitors are advised to plan early, with peak bloom expected in early April.