Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 2: Kashmir’s iconic gardens and parks have witnessed 5.6 million visitors from April to October 2024, with the region’s local population dominating the footfall.
Kashmir’s famed gardens and parks are not just tourist hotspots but also a cherished part of everyday life for locals, as over 3.2 million local visitors, accounting for nearly 57% of total footfalls, thronged the valley green spaces.
According to the official data, from April to October 2024, the valley’s gardens and parks received 5,606,115 visitors, including locals and visitors from different parts of India and international destinations.
Of total visitor footfall in the valley parks and gardens, nearly 57% of the total 5.6 million footfalls account for the local population, drawing 3,243,465 local visitors, the data reveals.
Mughal gardens take centrestage
As per the data, the iconic Mughal gardens of Kashmir remain the star attraction for visitors, especially locals. Nishat Garden leads the way with 1,165,827 visitors, followed by Shalimar Garden with 614,830 and Cheshmashahi Garden with 482,436. These historical landmarks, known for their exquisite architecture and lush landscapes, remain a magnet for visitors from across the globe.
Local visitors dominate
Interestingly, a significant majority of visitors—3,204,996—who are locals highlight the deep cultural and emotional connection Kashmiris have with their gardens and parks. The Tulip Garden in Srinagar, a seasonal attraction, witnessed over 100,252 local visitors, showcasing its popularity during its blooming season.
Other popular attractions
Among other notable locations, Kokernag Garden recorded 404,714 visitors, and the Botanical Garden in Srinagar (NMBG) attracted 512,556 visitors. Urban parks like Iqbal Park and Badamwari have also seen impressive footfalls, offering recreational spaces for families and children, especially the locals.
Local engagement and demands
While locals enjoy these spaces, many have voiced demands for improved facilities within the gardens and parks. Residents have been urging authorities to provide free entry for children, reduced entry fees for locals, and better amenities like restrooms, drinking water facilities, and shaded areas to offer relief during extreme weather.
Locals have also been highlighting the need for maintenance of these facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, saying these gardens not only serve as major tourist draws but also as spaces of relaxation and cultural significance for the local population.
