Srinagar, March 25, 2025 – Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, is gearing up for its grand opening on March 26, 2025, with an innovative measure to streamline visitor access. Shakeel ul Rehman, Director of Floriculture, Parks, and Gardens, Kashmir, announced that online tickets have been made available to avoid the anticipated rush at the popular tourist destination. This move aims to enhance visitor experience and manage the expected influx of tourists drawn to the vibrant display of 1.75 million tulip bulbs.
Nestled between Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains, the 74-hectare tulip garden has become a hallmark of springtime tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. With preparations in full swing, the Floriculture Department has introduced an online ticketing system accessible via its official website. “We are expecting a huge rush this year, and the online ticket facility will help visitors plan their trips efficiently while avoiding long queues,” said Shakeel ul Rehman.
The garden, which attracts lakhs of visitors annually from across India and abroad, has been meticulously prepared for the season. According to officials, tulip bulbs were planted in phases to extend the blooming period, ensuring a prolonged spectacle of colours for tourists. “This year, we’ve planted 17.5 lakh tulip bulbs sourced from the Netherlands, and the phased planting will allow the flowers to bloom for over a month,” Rehman added.
The initiative for online tickets follows a directive from Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, who recently reviewed arrangements for the garden’s opening. Bidhuri emphasised the need for a massive publicity campaign and a seamless ticketing process, leading to the launch of the online booking platform. Visitors can now secure time slots and purchase tickets in advance, a step that promises to reduce congestion at the entry gates.
The Tulip Garden has been a key driver of tourism in the region since its inception in 2006. With an annual budget of approximately ₹3 crore—most of which is allocated to importing fresh tulip bulbs—the garden continues to captivate nature lovers and photographers alike.
Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, expressing support for the initiative, said, “The introduction of online ticketing for the Tulip Garden is a positive step towards improving the overall tourist experience. It will help in managing the crowd efficiently while allowing more visitors to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir’s spring.”
For those planning a visit, the online ticketing link is now live on the Floriculture Department’s official website. Ticket prices and specific timings are expected to be detailed soon, aligning with the garden’s operational hours, typically from late March to late April. As Srinagar prepares to welcome a surge of visitors, the online ticket system marks a significant step toward modernising access to one of Kashmir’s most cherished natural wonders.