Tulip Garden, Srinagar: The Most Beautiful Tulip Garden in Asia

After laying down the mighty mountains, after etching graceful rivulets of clear water, after hanging the shining sun and the glowing moon in the sky, God felt the need to add colours and that’s when Tulips took birth.

Rainbow on the earth, sweetness in the air, tulips are the harbinger of the mirthful spring. Found in many different colours and a variety of floral fragrances, tulips are rather special and unique as each colour symbolises something different. But where can one spot so many colours of tulips? Well, let us tell you a story!

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Once upon a time, in the faraway land of Srinagar, there was a motley bunch of beautiful tulips (there still is,) known as Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. With around 65 varieties of tulips, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is one of the must-visit places to visit in Srinagar and was opened to the general public in 2007.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar was originally named Model Floriculture Centre and is the largest tulip garden, not just in India but in entire Asia. Usually, the flowery meadows, magnificent valleys, lakes and houseboats in Srinagar are primary attractions for travellers but Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is no less popular amongst the visitors.

Spread over an area of about 74 acres, the rainbow flower beds in Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden, Srinagar can almost be a psychedelic sight and the very reason why tourists from all over the world come here to witness the elegance of tulip flowers. Recently, species of other flowers such as - hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus have been added as well. If you are in Srinagar, Tulip Garden can be a very pleasing spectacle with just mesmerising colours and colours as far as the eye can see.

Owned by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and operated by the Department of Flori-culture, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Srinagar, holds the title of Asia's largest tulip garden.

Tulip Festival

As mentioned earlier, the bloom of the tulip flower signifies the onset of spring and with it, begins the grand Tulip Festival of Srinagar. The widest variety of tulip is on the showcase for the tourists such as Standard Tulips, Parrot Tulips, Lady Tulips, Red Cross Tulips, Flax-leaved Tulips, Tulipa Humilis, Candia Tulips, and so on.

For travellers seeking to witness the beauty of nature in Srinagar, Tulip Festival can be a one-of-a-kind opportunity with so many colourful tulips on the display. A perfect place for newlyweds as nothing can be as romantic as walking amidst the kaleidoscopic arrangement of flowers.

For children, visiting the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden in Srinagar can be an enriching experience with so many species of tulip and other flowers to explore.

Tourists can now try out a variety of authentic Kashmiri dishes from the pavilions located right outside the garden area. There are other stalls with traditional handicrafts on display, so souvenir and memento collectors will have plenty of options to choose from.

Tulip Garden Timings

It is important to know the timings to visit Tulip Garden, Srinagar to enjoy the fresh bloom. Although the best time to visit the garden is from March-end to early April to witness the fervour of the Tulip Festival, visiting the garden in the first week of April would be the best idea as the rush is comparatively less.

The opening time of the tulip garden, Srinagar is 7 in the morning and it closes by 7:30 in the evening, so reach in the early hours to behold the magnificence of the tulip flowers in the ‘blue hours’.

Reaching Tulip Garden

Prominently situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Range, Tulip Garden is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. From Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar to Tulip Garden, the distance is around 18kms and one can take private or shared taxis to reach the garden.

From Jammu Tawi or Udhampur railway station, it may take half an hour to reach the garden by taxi.

Tulip Garden’s location is another factor that makes it a popular tourist destination in Srinagar. There are many other attractions that you can visit near Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Srinagar:

Pari Mahal

Overlooking the iconic seven-terraced garden, also known as Chashm-E-Shahi Garden, Pari Mahal can be an interesting visit and the best part; it is on a walking distance from Indira Gandhi Tulip garden.

Dal Lake

Again, situated within walking distance from the tulip garden, Dal Lake can be another heavenly sight to behold. A Shikara ride in Dal Lake will allow you to witness the magnificent valleys of Srinagar.

Local Markets

Shoppers will always have a merry time no matter where they go. Around Indira Gandhi Tulip garden, you can find local markets selling traditional Cashmere Shawls, handicrafts, rugs, and dry fruits etc. so tourists wishing to indulge in tourist affairs.

Flowers can make anyone smile and this Tulip Garden has witnessed many smiles over the years. The best Srinagar packages will always have the famous tulip garden in the itinerary so make sure you choose only the best one.