Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, is gearing up to host the spectacular Tulip Festival 2025, promising a dazzling display of nature’s finest blooms. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Zabarwan Range and overlooking the serene Dal Lake, this annual extravaganza is expected to draw thousands of tourists and flower enthusiasts from across India and beyond.
Spanning 74 acres, the garden is home to over 1.7 million tulip bulbs, featuring 73 varieties in a kaleidoscope of colours—red, yellow, pink, white, and more. Authorities from the Jammu and Kashmir Floriculture Department have confirmed that preparations are in full swing, with the festival tentatively slated to commence in late March or early April 2025, depending on weather conditions and the bloom cycle. “This year, we’ve added new varieties and expanded the garden’s layout to enhance the visitor experience,” said a senior official. “The Tulip Festival is not just an event—it’s a celebration of Kashmir’s beauty and resilience.”
The festival, a cornerstone of the region’s tourism calendar, will feature guided tours, cultural performances, local handicraft stalls, and Kashmiri cuisine, offering a holistic experience of the Valley’s heritage. With an additional 5 lakh bulbs planted this season—including hyacinths, daffodils, and muscari to complement the tulips—the garden aims to break its own record for scale and splendor. Last year, the garden welcomed over 4.46 lakh visitors during the month-long bloom, a figure officials hope to surpass in 2025 amid Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing tourism boom.
Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Tashi Gyalson, recently highlighted the festival’s significance during a tourism promotion event. “The Tulip Garden is a jewel in Kashmir’s crown, showcasing nature’s artistry and boosting the local economy. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking to witness spring in all its glory,” he said.
The garden’s strategic reopening aligns with the region’s push to sustain its record-breaking tourism numbers—1.88 crore visitors in 2023 alone—and capitalize on the spring season. Enhanced connectivity, including the upcoming Vande Bharat Express and extended Vistadome train services, is expected to make the festival more accessible than ever. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like the Mughal Gardens and Dal Lake, amplifying the allure of Srinagar as a springtime destination.
Local stakeholders view the event as a symbol of “Badalta Kashmir” . “The Tulip Festival isn’t just about flowers—it’s about livelihoods. From growers to vendors, it sustains our community,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a floriculturist involved in the garden’s upkeep. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is also leveraging social media campaigns with hashtags like #TulipFestival2025 and #VisitKashmir to generate buzz.
As the Valley prepares to unfurl its floral masterpiece, the Tulip Festival 2025 promises to be a dazzling testament to Kashmir’s natural splendor and its growing stature on the global tourism map. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or simply seeking a serene escape, Asia’s largest tulip garden beckons with open petals and warm hospitality.