SRINAGAR: After a record-breaking footfall last year, authorities have increased the parking capacity at Asia’s largest Tulip Garden to accommodate more visitors. The garden will open to the public after March 15 this year.
With 1.7 million tulip bulbs, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, located between Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Hills, will showcase two additional varieties imported from the Netherlands this year.
Javid Masood, In-charge of the Tulip Garden, said that preparations are in full swing, and the garden will open anytime after March 15.
“At present, 100 gardeners and casual labourers are working tirelessly to complete all necessary preparations and ensure the garden is ready for visitors,” he said.
Given last year’s record-breaking footfall, Masood said parking space has been expanded to accommodate more visitors. “We are expecting a huge number of visitors this year as well,” he said, adding that 4.5 lakh visitors toured the garden last year in just 30 days. “We are prepared to manage an even larger crowd this year,” he said, adding that visitors can also avail themselves of e-ticketing services.
He said that 1.7 million tulip bulbs with 75 varieties will bloom in the garden this year, as two more varieties have been imported from the Netherlands. The number of varieties has increased from 73 to 75.
Tulip Garden earned a place in the World Book of Records (London) as Asia’s largest in 2023. In 2024, the garden saw an extraordinary surge in tourism, with a record 4.45 lakh visitors, including approximately 2,000 from overseas. (KNO)
