Marking the arrival of spring in the Kashmir Valley, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden, drawing large crowds on its opening day.
Set against the foothills of the Zabarwan Range and overlooking the iconic Dal Lake, the garden has once again transformed into a vibrant landscape of colour, fragrance, and mountain views, signalling the start of one of Kashmir’s most anticipated seasonal attractions.
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Tulip Garden Srinagar Opening Date & Season Duration
The Tulip Garden officially opened to visitors on March 16, 2026, and is expected to remain open until mid-April, depending on bloom conditions.
- Opening Date: March 16, 2026
- Expected Closing: Mid-April 2026
- Peak Bloom Period: Late March to early April
The bloom typically lasts 2–3 weeks, with peak flowering offering the most vivid display of colours.
Inside Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden
This year, the garden features an impressive floral display designed to enhance both visual appeal and visitor experience. Spread across the slopes of the Zabarwan foothills, the layered design allows visitors panoramic views of both the flower beds and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
- 18 lakh tulips planted across terraced gardens
- 70+ varieties showcasing a wide range of colours
- Nearly 1 lakh additional flowers, including daffodils, hyacinths, and narcissus
What Visitors Experienced on Opening Day?
Visitors arriving on the first day described the garden as a visual spectacle.
A tourist from New Delhi shared that the experience felt “like walking through a canvas of colours,” while a newlywed couple visiting from Tripura said the contrast of blooming tulips against snow-capped peaks and Dal Lake created a “dreamlike setting.”
The opening day saw strong footfall, with authorities expecting record visitor numbers in the coming weeks.
Location & Setting of the Tulip Garden
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is located in Srinagar, at the base of the Zabarwan Range. Its elevated position provides a rare combination of floral landscapes and lake views, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Kashmir during spring.
- Overlooks Dal Lake, one of Kashmir’s most iconic landmarks
- Approximately 8–10 km from Srinagar Airport
- Easily accessible by road from Lal Chowk and major city areas
Tourism Push Amid Recovery Phase
Alongside the inauguration, Abdullah called on the Floriculture Department to gradually develop indigenous tulip bulb rootstock, reducing the Valley’s dependence on European imports. He acknowledged the support of SKUAST Kashmir would be essential to achieving that goal.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released a tourism promotional song titled Wadi-e-Sumbul and inaugurated exhibitions by the Handicrafts and Handloom departments. The Tulip Festival is expected to run through mid-April, with peak bloom anticipated in the coming weeks.
The push to drive tourism comes at a significant moment. The sector took a severe hit last year following the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, and the government has since stepped up efforts to rebuild visitor confidence in the region.
What Visitors Should Know Before Planning a Visit
For those planning to visit the Tulip Garden this season:
- Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April (peak bloom)
- Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds
- Time Required: 1–2 hours for a comfortable visit
- Crowd Insight: Weekends and peak bloom days see the highest footfall
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About the author
From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
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