Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 19: The gardeners have begun sowing bulbs in the famous Tulip garden in Srinagar, anticipating a mesmerising display of nearly 1.7 million tulips in various varieties in March next year.
Situated on the picturesque slopes overlooking the famous Dal Lake and nestled in the lap of the Zabarwan Hills, the tulip garden spans a vast area of approximately 74 acres. In a noteworthy expansion, an additional 2-3 hectares of land have been incorporated into the planting this year, promising an even more enchanting spectacle.
Click here to watch video
In-charge of the Tulip Garden, Asif Masoodi, explained that the meticulous cultivation of tulips involves a continuous process, from harvesting in April to careful storage at specific temperatures until November. “Following this, the planting resumes, leading to the much-anticipated bloom in March,” he said.
Apart from tulips, the garden boasts a diverse selection of flora, including hyacinths, daffodils, roses, ranunculi, muscaria, and iris, enhancing the overall vibrancy of the landscape. He said that as part of ongoing efforts to improve the quality of the display, the authorities have dedicated green resting spaces for tourists, addressing the feedback received in previous years.
“We have addressed the lack of resting places for tourists by creating dedicated green spaces on the right and left portions of the area,” he said. Additionally, he revealed plans for new attractions, such as cherry plantations, scheduled for the upcoming year, further enhancing the allure of the Tulip Garden.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden stands as the largest tulip garden in Asia, characterised by its terraced layout comprising seven terraces, offering a captivating panorama of the Dal Lake.
The garden saw a significant surge in visitors last year, with an astounding 3.65 lakh people touring its colourful tulip displays. With this spike, the tourist season got off to a strong start, and officials anticipate breaking past records this year.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
