Srinagar, Mar 26: Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar has been officially opened to the public, marking the beginning of the spring .
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Wednesday, inaugurated the garden, unveiling a breathtaking display of over 1.7 million tulips.
Spanning 74 acres at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range, the garden is expected to be in full bloom over the next month.
A major attraction for both tourists and locals, the garden attracted more than 365,000 visitors last year. This season, officials are anticipating an even higher turnout, as the annual Tulip Festival continues to draw travellers from across the country and beyond.
After inaugurating the garden, Abdullah took to X (formerly Twitter), sharing: “After more than a decade, I was back at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar to officially open it for visitors. Over the next few weeks, thousands of people are expected to visit Asia’s largest tulip garden and enjoy the riot of colours. A true spectacle of nature’s beauty, this garden embodies Kashmir’s charm and warmth. I invite everyone to witness this breathtaking bloom and experience the magic of spring in the Valley.”
The Chief Minister also toured the garden, expressing optimism about its ongoing contribution to Kashmir’s thriving tourism industry.
Engaging with visitors, he welcomed them to the “Paradise on Earth,” encouraging them to cherish and share their experiences of the Tulip Garden back in their home countries.
He was joined by Minister Javid Dar, MLAs Tanvir Sadiq and Ahsan Pardeshi, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, and other senior officials.
Originally established in 2007 under the vision of then-Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the garden was created to promote floriculture and boost tourism. It is home to nearly 75 varieties of tulips and 46 other flower species, including hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus, many of which were sourced from Amsterdam. Opening day saw an overwhelming response from both tourists and locals, who marveled at the vast floral display. Entry is regulated through ticket sales to ensure a smooth experience for all visitors.
Tulips, native to Persia and introduced to Europe in the 17th century, are now cultivated worldwide, with the Netherlands being the largest producer. In Kashmir, tulip planting begins in September, setting the stage for the spectacular spring bloom.
With the garden now open, visitors can enjoy this month-long floral spectacle, further cementing Kashmir’s reputation as a prime tourist destination.
Meanwhile, The inaugural day of Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with both local and international tourists flocking to the garden.
The event, marking the official opening of the garden, set a new record with an impressive 17,259 visitors, signaling a massive response and a new milestone in its history.
In an official statement, the Department of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks expressed its gratitude to the public, particularly national and international visitors, for their enthusiastic participation in the grand opening of the Tulip Garden.
The department also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Divisional and District administrations, J&K Police, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, PWD, KPDCL, and other allied agencies, whose seamless coordination ensured a smooth and hassle-free experience for all visitors. Their diligent efforts in maintaining security, cleanliness, and essential services were crucial to the event’s success, as stated by the Department.
A special mention was made of the dedicated gardeners, field staff, and officers of the Floriculture Department, whose meticulous planning and hard work made the garden’s stunning floral display possible. With more than 1.7 million tulips in full bloom, the garden stands as a testament to their tireless commitment and passion for excellence.
The Department of Floriculture remains dedicated to enhancing the garden’s beauty and vibrancy and invites all to come and experience nature’s magnificence in the coming days, the statement said.
