Omar Abdullah opens Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Says situation changes like the weather

Srinagar, March 16, KNT: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday opened Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar, marking the formal arrival of the spring tourism season in Kashmir as authorities expressed hope for increased tourist inflow in the coming months.

Located at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range overlooking Dal Lake, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden attracts thousands of visitors every year during the brief spring bloom, when millions of tulips flower across its sprawling terraces.

The opening of the garden traditionally signals the start of the tourist season in the Kashmir Valley, a region known for its scenic landscapes and spring blossoms.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar Abdullah said the natural beauty of Kashmir continues to captivate visitors and expressed hope that tourists would enjoy the experience of the valley.

“Just like the weather keeps changing, situations also change,” he said, adding that the beauty of Kashmir enchants everyone who visits the region.

He said authorities were hopeful that both domestic and international tourists would visit the garden and explore the wider attractions of Kashmir during the upcoming tourist season.

Officials said several improvements have been made at the garden this year to enhance the visitor experience.

Additional terraces have been developed to expand the display area for tulips and other seasonal flowers, while souvenir shops have also been introduced to provide visitors with local products and memorabilia.

He said the changes would give tourists a different experience compared to previous years and help accommodate the growing number of visitors to the garden.

The Tulip Garden, spread over several hectares on the slopes of the Zabarwan hills, is considered the largest of its kind in Asia and hosts a wide variety of tulip species along with other spring flowers such as hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus.

Tourism officials expect a steady flow of visitors in the coming weeks as the flowers reach peak bloom.

Local visitors as well as tourists from different parts of the country and abroad are expected to visit the garden, which has become one of Kashmir’s most popular spring attractions.

The chief minister expressed hope that the tourist season would be successful and peaceful, encouraging more travellers to visit the valley.

He declined to comment on political matters during the event, saying the focus of the day should remain on the opening of the Tulip Garden.

Tourism stakeholders say a good spring season often sets the tone for the rest of the year, benefiting hotels, transport operators, artisans and other businesses linked to the travel sector. [KNT]