Kashmir, one of the most ethereal places in the world, is a place known for its natural beauty. The pristine lakes, majestic mountains, and breathtaking valleys are so pure that your mind and body will take some time to absorb it all in! Every year, thousands of tourists visit Kashmir for various reasons. Some like to experience the mouth-watering Wazwani delicacies, while others love to ski in the snow-capped mountains. Besides these enjoyable experiences, there is one more thing you can do on your vacation in Kashmir - attend the Tulip Festival in Srinagar. Organised every year in the month of April, this flower festival is held at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. There are several Kashmir holiday packages to book but your focus should be on the one that offers a visit to this garden. Read on to know more about the Tulip Festival of Jammu and Kashmir.
About Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Nestled on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, revered as the largest tulip garden in Asia. It was established in 2007 by the government to boost floriculture and tourism in the valley area. A decision that was not only good for the environment but also the local economy, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was set up with more than 1.5 million tulip bulbs! Moreover, it has 46 varieties of flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus. With the crystal-clear waters of the Dal Lake on one side and the majestic Zabarwan Hills on the other, this garden is a piece of paradise that should be on your bucket list.
Why Should You Visit the Tulip Festival in Kashmir?
There is a reason why Kashmir is fondly known as “Heaven on Earth”. Its natural beauty is so enigmatic that you cannot compare it to anything else on this planet! When we talk about the Tulip Festival in Kashmir, it is vital to know that the evergreen beauty of this state is further enhanced by hundreds of tulips blooming with all their might. So, why won’t you visit this beautiful tulip garden in Srinagar? Trust us, it is worth it. To make it even more exciting for you, remember that the Tulip Festival is the perfect amalgamation of Kashmir’s nature and culture. You get to attend musical shows, food events, and so many other programs that it would be an experience that stays with you forever.
What are the Timings of the Tulip Festival in Kashmir?
The Tulip Garden opens at 8 am and closes at 7 pm. So, if you are planning to visit it, especially during the tulip season in Kashmir, then it is best to spare a few hours in your travel itinerary. This is mainly because you will be able to appreciate different varieties of tulips in this garden without rushing yourself. There is something so peaceful about spending time in nature, right? Hold on to this feeling when you plan to visit the Tulip Festival in Srinagar.
How Can You Reach the Tulip Festival in Kashmir?
The Tulip Garden in Kashmir is a sight to behold, especially during the month of April. It is an exciting time in the valley, for locals and tourists alike. For those who are planning to visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Garden to attend the Tulip Festival in Kashmir, the following points will come in handy:
By Road - Srinagar is easily accessible from major cities like Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jaipur, etc., so planning a road trip is possible. However, it is important to keep in mind that the rough terrain of the Himalayas may restrict travellers from planning a road trip from their home towns. Thus, it is advisable to hire a taxi, book a self-drive or hail a bus in April on the Srinagar-Leh or Manali-Leh highways.
By Train - Since a lot of people aspire to attend the Tulip Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, it is best to book a train well in advance. The nearest railway station is Jammu, located 290 km from Srinagar. There are trains connecting to Jammu from all over the country, so you can make your bookings based on your budget.
By Air - The domestic airport of Srinagar, officially known as Sheikh ul Alam Airport, has flights arriving from several cities all year round. Therefore, travelling to Kashmir via air is one of the easiest ways to reach the beautiful Tulip Garden in Srinagar. Our tip would be to book a holiday package with a reputed travel company that would make your bookings in a timely manner.
Which are the Tourist Attractions to Visit Nearby?
The Tulip Festival in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the major reasons to plan a vacation with your friends and family members. But that’s not all! We all know that the northernmost state in India is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and magnetic culture. After attending Kashmir’s Tulip Festival, you can explore the following tourist attractions located close by:
1. Botanical Garden
Overlooking the world-famous Dal Lake is the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden in Srinagar. This one-of-a-kind experience is highly recommended to travellers who love basking in the beauty of plants in all their glory. It has four divisions, namely, the Plant Introduction Centre, the Research Section, the Recreational Garden, and the Botanical Garden with more than 150,00 ornamental plants and oak varieties.
2. Chashme Shahi Garden
Set near the Governor’s House or Raj Bhawan, Chashme Shahi Garden is another must-visit place in Srinagar. Constructed during the Mughal Era, this garden is sprawled across an acre of land, it is said to be a gift by Emperor Shah Jahan to his eldest son, Dara Shikoh. In modern times, the most endearing story of this garden is that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru used to bring back water from its spring to his residence in Delhi.
3. Pari Mahal
Literally meaning “fairies’ abode”, Pari Mahal used to be the official residence of Dara Shikoh in the Mughal times. A distinct characteristic of this historical sight is that it used to be an observatory to learn astronomy as well as astrology! This seven-terraced garden is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Srinagar with thousands of tourists flocking to it every year. When you are done treating your eyes with the Tulip Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, it is suggested to give them some more pleasure at the Pari Mahal.
4. Royal Springs Golf Course
Touted as one of the most awe-inspiring golf courses in Asia, the Royal Springs Golf Course is another treasure nestled in Srinagar that you should visit on your next vacation. During the tulip season in Kashmir, the golf course’s cork oaks are quite a sight. Its 18-hole course is famous for being challenging, so if you are an amateur golfer, the Royal Springs Golf Course to strike an ace!
5. Nishat Bagh
Another garden on the list is Nishat Bagh which has a number of fountains, 12 intrinsically-designed terraces, and rose-lined pathways. Popularly known as the “Garden of Bliss”, this place is ideal for dreamy-eyed travellers who enjoy some peace and solitude. It would be best to plan your visit during Kashmir’s tulip season in order to fully appreciate this garden’s enchanting aura.
6. Zabarwan Park
Although Srinagar has many tourist spots to explore, it is always better to venture out and find hidden treasures in and around the city. Zabarwan Park is one such place that is away from the city centre yet easily accessible by road. From horseback rides, swimming, and boating, to merely walking around, this park has something for everyone. Recently, hot balloon rides have been added to the list of adventurous things to do in Zabarwan Park too.
Aren’t you excited to attend the Tulip Festival in Kashmir? Book your holiday package and enjoy the most season in Srinagar right away!
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