Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 16: The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, located in the foothills of Zabarwan, is likely to be opened around March 15, subject to favourable weather conditions, officials said.
The officials at Asia’s largest tulip garden said the preparations are in the final phase, adding that the wait is only for the weather.
Imran Ahmad, Assistant Floriculture Officer, said that the department has shifted into “wait and watch mode” as climatic conditions will determine the exact opening date.
“Everything now depends on the weather. If the weather remains favourable, there is a possibility that the Tulip Garden will open around March 15,” Ahmad said.
He said that apart from bulb plantation, finishing works are currently underway in the garden located on the foothills of the Zabarwan range overlooking Dal Lake.
“Works like tightening and repairing railings, fixing and reshaping flower beds, repairing pathways, painting and upgrading washrooms and others are going on in full swing,” he said.
Ahmad further informed that this year, the department has increased the density of flower beds to enhance the visual impact of the garden.
“Earlier, 30 to 35 beds would fit in a particular patch. This year, we have increased it to more than 42 beds in the same space to make the display denser, more vibrant and more attractive for visitors,” he added.
Notably, the garden is expected to showcase nearly 1.8 million tulips of 70–75 varieties this season, promising a beautiful floral display.
Meanwhile, the Tulip Garden set a new record last season by witnessing an unprecedented footfall of 8,55,125 visitors during its 30-day opening period from March 26 to April 24, 2025. The record-breaking number included locals, domestic tourists and international visitors who thronged the garden to witness over 1.7 million blooming tulips. (KNO)
