Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Mar 26: Asia’s largest tulip garden, overlooking the iconic Dal lake, opened to visitors today, marking the start of the tourist season in Kashmir with a stunning display of 1.7 million tulips.
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Spread over 30 hectares at the foothills of the Zabarwan range, the garden features 72 varieties of tulips, creating a mesmerizing floral spectacle.
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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the garden, expressing optimism about its impact on tourism. He was accompanied by Agriculture Minister Javeed Dar and the Chief Minister’s Advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister highlighted the Tulip Show as a celebration of Kashmir’s diverse natural beauty and a key attraction for nature lovers worldwide.
He emphasized Jammu and Kashmir’s timeless charm and scenic landscapes, inviting tourists to explore its unmatched splendor.
Interacting with visitors, Omar welcomed them to the “Paradise on Earth”, encouraging them to cherish and share their experiences of the Tulip Garden in their home countries.
Senior officials present at the occasion included ACS to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; DC Srinagar Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat; Director Floriculture Kashmir Shakeel-ur-Rehman; and other senior officers from the Floriculture Department.
Speaking to reporters at the event, Wani called the garden’s opening a key moment for the tourism season. “This is a great start, and we have ensured the timing aligns with peak tourist arrivals,” he said. He also announced plans for an almond blossom festival and a cherry blossom festival to further boost tourism.
The garden, first opened in 2007 under then-Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to promote tourism, has expanded with new terraces, water channels, and fountains. In addition to tulips, it also features daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers.
Agriculture Minister Javeed Dar anticipated a surge in visitors as the tulip bloom coincides with increased tourist footfall in the Valley. “This is a promising start, and we are hopeful that the tourist season will flourish like these flowers. People are arriving in large numbers, some even walking from Boulevard Road to witness this spectacle,” he said.
Tourists were captivated by the vast expanse of tulips in different shades. “I have always heard that Kashmir is paradise on earth, and seeing this garden on its first day makes me feel lucky,” said Raman, a tourist from Dubai, who was accompanied by his daughter Snehal. “My parents always called Kashmir heaven, and now, seeing these colorful tulips, I understand why.”
Although not all flowers have fully bloomed yet, tourists expressed excitement about the experience. “I have never seen so many tulips in my life. It is absolutely wonderful, and I would love to visit again,” Sumaira, another tourist, said.
Sanvi Dikshit from Maharashtra, capturing moments for social media, described the garden as “a photographer’s dream,” while her fellow traveler Abhishek from Mumbai said, “We never expected our trip to coincide with this grand opening. Everyone should visit this garden at least once in their lifetime.”
Officials remain optimistic about the season ahead. “The situation is conducive for tourists. We are blessed with beauty, and it is our responsibility to channel it properly. The Chief Minister is personally monitoring efforts to ensure a successful season.”
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