If you want to see two million tulips spread over 20 acres at an altitude of 5600 feet, you should visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, the largest tulip garden in Asia. Spread over an area of about 12 hectares at the foothills of the Jabarwan range, the Tulip Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kashmir, situated along the picturesque and world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. There are many types of tulips here. It is no wonder that upon entering this garden, one feels as if one has entered paradise.
The garden was earlier established as ‘Model Floriculture Centre’ through the initiative of former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, to promote eco-tourism and floriculture in the Kashmir valley. This tulip garden has 48 varieties of tulips like roses, daffodils, hyacinths, irises etc. It is located near Shalimar Garden, Chashm-e-Shahi Gardens, Nishad Garden and many other Mughal gardens. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is spread over seven terraces and built in a sloping ground style. The array of colorful flowers like red, orange, yellow and purple throughout the garden will attract our attention.
The Tulip Festival is an annual celebration aimed at showcasing the beauty of garden flowers as part of the tourism initiatives of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It also showcases the natural beauty, rich Kashmiri culture, handicrafts and cuisine. This tulip festival is organized at the beginning of spring in Kashmir Valley. The tulip festival held here is a highlight that attracts tourists from all over the world. The garden is open throughout the year, although March to May is said to be the best time to visit. The entrance fee for going here is 50 rupees for adults and 25 rupees for minors.
