“Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast” – Amir Khusrau. This phrase evokes images of Kashmir, famously regarded as paradise on Earth. Kashmir has something for every traveller with its stunning landscapes, from the picturesque Dal Lake to the exquisite Bangus Valley, and the exhilarating Gulmarg Gondola ride. As summer approaches, the region is set to dazzle visitors with its iconic Tulip Garden in Srinagar.
Set to open its gates on March 26, 2025, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, also known as Tulip Garden is nestled between Dal Lake and Zabarwan Hills. It is celebrated as Asia’s largest tulip garden. This expansive 74-acre garden is adorned with around 1.7 million vibrant tulips, alongside a stunning array of hyacinths, daffodils, and more.
The garden, inaugurated by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, traditionally features a ribbon-cutting ceremony; however, this year’s opening will be more peaceful due to the ongoing holy month of Ramadan. Originally known as Siraj Bagh, the garden first opened in 2007 with 50,000 tulip bulbs imported from the Netherlands. Now, it boasts 74 unique tulip varieties, enhancing the visual feast for visitors.
VIDEO | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: Workers are putting the final touches before Asia’s largest Tulip Garden opens to the public later this month. Nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain, overlooking the Dal Lake, the garden is open to the public each year for a brief… pic.twitter.com/QSpWnIfzTN
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 15, 2025
For those unfamiliar, the tulips in Kashmir bloom for about 15-20 days during March and April. In 2024, the garden welcomed 465,000 visitors, a significant increase from the 365,000 in 2023. This year promises an even better experience with upgraded parking facilities and e-ticketing options.
Additionally, you can look forward to two new tulip varieties, enriching the garden’s diversity. The entry fee ranges from ₹50 to ₹100 per person, making it an affordable destination for nature lovers.
The visiting hours for the tulip garden are from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. However, these hours can occasionally vary based on visitor traffic. It’s advisable to verify the timings ahead of your visit.
