Srinagar, Mar 26 (KNO): Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar was officially opened to the public on Wednesday, showcasing a breathtaking display of 17 lakh tulips across 74 varieties.
The annual floral spectacle, which draws visitors including locals and from across the country and beyond, is the result of a meticulous, year-long effort by around 100 gardeners, including casual labourers and technical staff.
Speaking to the news agency - Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a senior official from the floriculture department overseeing the project said there was a rigorous work schedule involved in maintaining the world-renowned attraction. “It is not just a seasonal endeavour. The work on the tulip garden continues throughout the year—right from planting and maintaining the bulbs to grading and cleaning after the bloom fades,” he said.
The garden, situated on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range with the iconic Dal Lake in the backdrop, has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Kashmir region.
The official said the tulips are primarily imported from Holland and require an optimal temperature of 17–18°C to thrive. Once the blooming period—lasting around a month—ends, the gardeners begin removing bulbs, preparing the soil, and strategising the floral landscape for the next season.
Besides planting tulips, the garden’s landscape is reshaped annually with new floral designs and colour patterns, making each year’s bloom a unique experience for visitors. This time, authorities have also introduced one or two new tulip varieties to enhance the appeal.
With over 18,000 visitors recorded on the opening day itself, the tulip garden plays a crucial role in J&K’s tourism-driven economy, the official said, adding, “This is not just about flowers, it’s an economic lifeline. The direct revenue generated and the trickle-down effect on local businesses—hotels, transport, and handicrafts—is substantial.”
Meanwhile, as the garden continues to attract visitors for the next 30 days, the dedicated workforce behind its success remains unsung heroes. The commitment of these gardeners ensures that Asia’s largest tulip garden retains its charm year after year, making it one of the Valley’s most-awaited spring attractions. (KNO)