Suhail Bhat
Srinagar Apr 22: The largest Tulip garden in Asia has experienced an unprecedented surge in visitors this season, with over 4.2 lakh people, including nearly 3,000 foreign tourists, flocking to witness the breathtaking display of colorful bloom.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Zabarwan hills and overlooking the iconic Dal Lake, this season showcased a staggering 1.7 million Tulips of 68 different varieties, drawing admirers from across the nation and around the globe since it opened its gates to visitors on March 23.
Despite the season nearing its end, visitors continue to pour into the garden, eagerly soaking in the beauty that surrounds them. The Department of Floriculture is expected to announce the culmination dates imminently.
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Mohammad Asif, the in-charge of the Tulip Garden, expressed his anticipation. “As of now, we have welcomed 4.2 lakh visitors, breaking all previous records for any tulip show. It is a remarkable achievement,” he said.
Regarding the lifespan of tulips, Asif explained, “Tulips have a brief life span of around 25-30 days, and we will soon announce the culmination dates.”
Highlighting the significant influx of foreign tourists, Asif mentioned: “We have a dedicated counter and facilities for foreign visitors, and this year we have recorded approximately 2,500-3,000 foreign guests. Both national and local tourists have flocked here in large numbers, and we anticipate this trend to continue in the coming days.”
Asif emphasized the continuous breaking of records. “Last year’s record of 3.7 lakh visitors has been surpassed, setting a new benchmark. The tradition of tulips consistently breaking past records is a testament to its enduring legacy,” he said.
Acknowledging the role of media and social media in amplifying the garden’s international reputation, Asif added: “The hype generated by the media, coupled with social media, has significantly contributed to the surge in visitors.”.
Tourists shared their enchantment with the garden. Narendra Kumar Gupta described it as “mesmerizing,” emphasizing the fleeting beauty of the flowers. “The sight is just incredible and soothing to the eyes and soul,” he said.
Another visitor, Nisha Gupta, expressed profound gratitude, saying: “Today, I realized what I have been missing. It refreshed my soul, and all my stress vanished with just one look. The view was spectacular.”
Advisor to LG, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, recognized the garden’s growing prominence as a tourist attraction. “The increasing footfall each year is a testament to its allure. It will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in attracting more tourists to the region,” he said.
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