TULIP GARDEN : SRINAGAR
Tulip garden in Srinagar is the largest tulip garden in Asia spread over an area of about 74 acres. It is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Range with an overview of Dal Lake. The garden was opened in 2007 with the aim to boost floriculture and tourism in Kashmir Valley. Apart from tulips, many other species of flowers – hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus are there as well. The Tulip Festival is held at the beginning of spring in Srinagar, between March and May, when the tulip buds are ready to bloom. This festival lasts for fifteen days or a month as different flowers continue to bloom creating a rainbow of colours. The weather dictates when the Tulip Festival begins each year.
Tulip festival is an annual celebration that aims to showcase the range of flowers in the garden. It is organized during the onset of spring season in Kashmir valley. Nature has bestowed the garden with more varieties of flowers. More green spaces are included in the garden area keeping in mind the comforts of the tourists. Water channel running through the terraces will add charm to the garden. Visitors will be able to buy souvenirs and savor Kashmiri dishes from outside the garden area. This will be possible because of the decorated stalls and kiosks exhibiting cuisine and handicrafts of Kashmir.
Once called the Model Floriculture Center, the Tulip Garden was first opened by the former Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad. The Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, and Chashma Shahi Garden surround this gorgeous garden on three sides. This flower field was the first largest landscaping project undertaken by the government after the Mughals built pleasure spots in Kashmir in the 16th century. This terraced garden is built on a mountain slope. There are seven terraces each with a different variety of flowers, especially tulips. With more than 46 varieties and 15 lakh tulips, new flowers are added each year. The tulip is a novelty, however, the climatic conditions of Kashmir are most suited for it.
