Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – Spring in the Kashmir Valley is about to burst into a kaleidoscope of colors as Asia’s largest tulip garden prepares to open its gates. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, nestled along the banks of Dal Lake, has seen over 1.8 million tulip bulbs planted this season, promising one of the most spectacular floral displays in recent years.
Located in the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, the 55-acre garden often called “Sir Syed Masjid Park” by locals spans a breathtaking landscape that draws over a million visitors annually. This year’s planting, completed ahead of the garden’s tentative opening in early April, features 1.8 million bulbs across 82 varieties. Vibrant hues of red, yellow, pink, white, and purple will soon carpet the slopes, creating Instagram-worthy vistas against the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountains.
Floriculture officials report that the bulbs, sourced from the Netherlands and acclimatized locally, were planted in phases starting November 2025. Favorable winter conditions, including adequate snowfall and controlled irrigation, have boosted survival rates to over 95%. “We’re expecting a bumper bloom this year,” said garden director Sheikh Imran, emphasizing sustainable practices like organic fertilizers and drip irrigation to combat climate challenges.
The garden isn’t just about tulips. Complementary blooms like hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus add to the spectacle, while new additions such as tulip-muscari blends and fringed varieties promise fresh appeal. Beyond aesthetics, the event generates significant economic buzz: last year, it contributed over ₹100 crore to the local economy through tourism, handicrafts, and hospitality.
Visitors can expect enhanced facilities this season, including better parking, food stalls showcasing Kashmiri cuisine like wazwan and kahwa, and cultural performances. Entry fees remain affordable at ₹50 for adults and ₹25 for children, with free access for students.
As Kashmir shakes off winter’s chill, the tulip garden reaffirms its status as a global floral gem. Mark your calendars nature’s masterpiece is set to unfold.
