Get ready to be dazzled! Asia’s biggest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, throws open its gates to visitors this weekend, showcasing a vibrant explosion of colors. Nestled amidst the picturesque Dal Lake and Zabarwan Hills, the garden, previously known as Siraj Bagh, will be unveiled on Saturday as the magnificent tulips begin their colorful display.
This year, visitors can expect an even more impressive spectacle. Floriculture department officials announced the addition of five new tulip varieties to the existing collection of 68, bringing the total to a dazzling 73. The department has also expanded the tulip haven by incorporating an additional two lakh bulbs, for a record-breaking 1.7 million tulips blooming across a sprawling 55 hectares.
But the floral feast doesn’t stop there! Spring beauties like hyacinths, daffodils, muscari, and cyclamens will also be on display, adding to the kaleidoscope of colors and textures.
Established in 2007 by then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden aimed to extend Jammu and Kashmir’s tourist season beyond the traditional peaks of summer and winter.
The garden’s journey began modestly, with just 50,000 tulip bulbs imported from the Netherlands. However, it quickly blossomed in popularity, captivating tourists with its vibrant displays. This popularity continues to grow year after year, with visitor numbers steadily increasing. Over 3.65 lakh tourists, both domestic and international, flocked to the garden last year, following a similar number in 2022 (3.6 lakh).
The garden’s allure extends beyond tourists, attracting filmmakers as well. Several film crews from across India chose the tulip haven as a backdrop for their projects last year.
