Srinagar, March 25: The iconic Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden, was thrown open to visitors in Srinagar on Wednesday, marking the arrival of spring in Kashmir.
Nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan range and overlooking the famous Dal Lake, the garden has bloomed into a vibrant spectacle, drawing nature lovers and tourists from across the country.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the garden.
The garden, spread over 30 hectares, boasts over 1.7 million tulips in more than 60 varieties, creating a mesmerizing display of colors. Besides tulips, the garden also features daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers, adding to its charm.
Tourism officials anticipate a surge in footfall as the tulip bloom coincides with an increase in tourist arrivals.
The garden will remain open to the public for nearly a month, depending on weather conditions and the lifespan of the flowers.
Authorities have also introduced online ticket booking to manage the rush and avoid long queues.
Speaking to the media, Shakeel Ur Rehman, Director of the Tulip Garden, said that QR codes and other online facilities have been made available for tourists and visitors to book tickets.
“Our goal is to manage the crowd efficiently. Ticket booking facilities have been set up at the TRC and the garden itself, including QR codes and other gateways,” he said.