Wildf lower Lupine: New attraction for tourists in Gulmarg

Srinagar, July 12: The bloom of wildflower Lupine that grows naturally in famous tourist destination Gulmarg has become a new attraction for tourists and social media influencers.
During the months of mid-June to July end, Gulmarg becomes adorned with a vibrant carpet of Lupine flowers. These beautiful wildflowers bloom in various shades of purple, pink, and white, creating a breath-taking sight for visitors.
The spots of purple-colored flowers dotted in famous tourist destination have become exciting spots with local and non-local tourists seen clicking pictures there.
Ishfaq Ahmad, a tourist guide from Gulmarg said since the bloom started tourists have been attracted to the purple colour flower lupine then the famous parks.
“These days the spots where lupine grows naturally remain abuzz with tourists. Hundreds of people visit these spots to see the vibrant lupine flower blanket,” he said.
Ishfaq said the Gulmarg Development Authority and other concerned stakeholders should try to explore measures to grow the wildflowers at a larger scale to attract more tourists.
Many social media influencers have also taken to the internet and shared attractive pictures of lupine. “Gulmarg is famous for winter skiing but one really needs to visit Gulmarg during summers when lupines bloom in glory. And Gulmarg is the only place in India where lupines bloom. So one should visit Gulmarg during July,” one of the netizens wrote on Facebook.
Assistant Director Tourism Gulmarg, Javeed-Ur-Rehman said the tourist spot is known as a winter destination but there are a number of wildflowers that grow naturally.
“Tourists keep coming and they enjoy taking pictures with the lupine flowers. The wildflower lupine has become a new attraction in Gulmarg. It grows naturally. There are patches at different places throughout Gulmarg,” he said.
The Assistant Director Tourism said the flower blooms in June-July and is seen around the boundaries of Gulmarg Golf Course, near the St Mary’s Church, HighLand Park and other places.
“The flowers have attracted many social media influencers who have also uploaded videos and pictures of the flower which is a good thing for tourism,” he said.
Javeed-Ur-Rehman said there are many other wildflowers that grow naturally in Gulmarg like primrose that is seen in Botapathri, focus glow, narcissus (daffodils) etc.
“The most visible among all the flowers is lupine owing to its flower length and attractive colours like purple, white and pink. It is a good attraction for tourists and they enjoy it,” he said.