Curtain falls on Tulip Garden after record 4 lakh footfall

Srinagar, Apr 23:  After welcoming over 4 lakh visitors, the curtains are set to fall on Srinagar’s Tulip Garden, which has etched its name into the annals of history with this remarkable milestone.

As the vibrant blooms bid farewell, the authorities have decided to close the garden to the general public from Wednesday evening, owing to the shrinking bloom.

An official from the Floriculture Department confirmed that the garden, overlooking the famous Dal Lake, will be closed to visitors on Wednesday evening, as the tulips have begun to wither.

The staggering footfall of over 4 lakh people during the month-long opening period surpassed all previous records, cementing the Tulip Garden’s status as a premier tourist attraction.

The garden erupted in a kaleidoscope of colours, with a staggering 1.7 million tulips unfurling their petals, including five new vibrant varieties.

This floral extravaganza, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Zabarwan hills, left both locals and tourists spellbound.

The Floriculture Department officials expressed their elation at the record-breaking visitor numbers, which surpassed the 4 lakh mark – a first in the Tulip Garden’s history.

The highest single-day footfall was recorded on April 11, the second day of Eid-ul-Fitr, when over 30,600 people flocked to the garden, comprising 18,888 locals, 11,693 national tourists, and 78 foreign visitors.

Foreign tourists, drawn by the garden’s beauty, have praised its resemblance to the tulip landscapes of Europe, further amplifying its international acclaim.

As the Tulip Garden bids farewell to this season’s floral fanatics, the Floriculture Department stated that it remains committed to enhancing its allure, anticipating an even more spectacular display in the years to come, cementing Kashmir's position as a world-renowned destination for nature enthusiasts and tulip aficionados alike.

Established in 2008 by former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden spans 600 kanal (over 30 hectares) and features an impressive array of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and Muscari.

Late-blooming cultivars have been introduced to extend the bloom period, ensuring an enchanting display for visitors to enjoy.

With spring temperatures hovering between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, the garden provides an idyllic setting for the vibrant tulip blossoms to flourish.

The Tulip Garden divided into 36 plots with 16 to 18 beds each, is meticulously tended by a dedicated team of 60 gardeners, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty.

Complemented by three parks within the complex, the garden offers a serene sanctuary for visitors to immerse themselves in nature's splendour.