Srinagar, March 26, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has officially thrown open Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, in Srinagar, signaling the commencement of the region’s much-anticipated spring tourism season. Nestled between the tranquil Dal Lake and the scenic Zabarwan Hills, the garden is now a floral haven, showcasing a vibrant display of over 1.5 million tulips in full bloom.
The grand opening ceremony, held on Wednesday, highlighted the garden’s immense beauty, spanning 55 hectares and featuring 74 varieties of tulips. This year, two new varieties were introduced, adding even more color and variety to the expansive landscape. In addition to the iconic tulips, visitors can enjoy a rich mix of other spring flowers, including daffodils, hyacinths, and cyclamens, enhancing the garden’s charm.
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Abdullah emphasized the garden’s importance in promoting tourism and showcasing Kashmir’s natural splendor. “This garden is a symbol of our region’s magnificence and a beacon for visitors from around the world,” he said. His remarks highlighted the role of such attractions in boosting the local economy. Last year, the garden attracted more than 4.5 lakh visitors, and authorities expect this number to grow even further in 2025.
To streamline the visitor experience, the Floriculture Department has introduced an online ticket booking system, which includes QR code-based entry, available at key locations like Srinagar Airport. The garden will remain open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with officials recommending a visit between late March and mid-April for the best experience of the tulips in full bloom.
In anticipation of large crowds, the Srinagar Traffic Police have issued an advisory and implemented one-way traffic regulations on holidays to ensure smooth access to the garden. The garden’s entry into the World Book of Records as Asia’s largest tulip garden further solidifies its status as a must-visit destination, blending natural beauty with cultural significance.