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Srinagar: Asia’s largest tulip garden will open to the public from March 23

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, fondly hailed as Asia's largest tulip garden, is preparing to welcome tourists this upcoming weekend. Nestled between the serene waters of Dal Lake and the majestic Zabarwan Hills, this breathtaking garden, formerly known as Siraj Bagh, has become an iconic landmark in the region. Officials from the floriculture department have announced that the garden will open its gates to the public on Saturday, just in time for the blooming season of tulips of various hues.
Officials further disclosed that this year's tulip display boasts the inclusion of five new varieties, augmenting the existing collection of 68 varieties. Additionally, the department has expanded the tulip garden's collection by incorporating an additional two lakh bulbs. With a staggering total of 17 lakh tulip bulbs now adorning the garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden spans across 55 hectares of land, as confirmed by the officials.
In addition to the stunning tulip varieties, visitors to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden can look forward to being mesmerized by an enchanting array of other spring flowers. Among these are the hyacinths, daffodils, muscari, and cyclamens. This diverse floral display not only adds to the visual appeal but also provides a delightful sensory experience for visitors.
With meticulously landscaped pathways, stunning vistas, and a myriad of vibrant tulip varieties on display, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden promises to offer an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The establishment of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in 2007 marked a significant milestone in the tourism landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Initiated by the visionary efforts of then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the garden was conceived as a means to extend the tourism season beyond the conventional summer and winter months. By showcasing the beauty of spring blooms amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the region's natural landscapes, the garden has played a pivotal role in attracting tourists and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir throughout the year.
Last year, the garden attracted over 3.65 lakh visitors, including both domestic and foreign tourists, while in 2022, it saw a footfall of 3.6 lakh people. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the garden has also become a preferred location for filming movies and videos, with numerous film crews from across the country choosing it as a backdrop for their projects.
There is also a significant expansion of parking facilities, amounting to nearly 22,000 square feet of additional space. This expansion addresses the growing demand for parking due to the increasing popularity of the garden among tourists. With more parking space available, visitors can expect smoother access to the garden without concerns about finding adequate parking.

Source: Times of India