Srinagar
As spring has set in Kashmir, this year a little earlier than its usual arrival, the Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar will be thrown open to the public on March 25.
Spreading over an area of about 15 hectares, the garden is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan range with an overview of picturesque world famous Dal Lake. The tulips of 46 varieties adorn and add colour to the landscape at 5,600 feet altitude.
This garden was conceived, conceptualized and created by then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, in 2006-07.
In 2014, it was declared as the second best tulip garden in the world by World Tulip Summit Society.
Visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi access, in addition to many other new facilities, when the garden opens to public later this month.
“With the need of staying connected increasing by the day, the floriculture department, in collaboration with the BSNL, is providing free wi-fi connectivity to visitors,” officials said.
They said several other initiatives have been taken to make the visitors, a large number of whom are tourists, feel comfortable during their visit to the Tulip Garden.
“We have added more green spaces inside the garden so that the visitors can rest and enjoy the beauty of the flowers in full bloom,” they said.
“We have added some other flower plants to the Tulip Garden this year which includes Hyacinths, Daffodils, Narcissus and other ornamental plants,” they said, adding this season, 40,000 Hyacinth bulbs have been planted in a separate terrace and more fresh plantation is in full swing.
The official said the department has added several new fountains to the garden.
“To make the garden more pleasing to the eye, there will be a water channel too running through the terraces,” they said.
More drinking points have been added for the convenience of visitors while a separate washroom has been constructed for the specially-abled visitors.
Giving details, she said a festival will be held at the Tulip Garden to coincide with its opening. “There will be decorated kiosks and stalls showcasing the handicraft and cuisine of Kashmir with traditional and ethnic touch,” officials added.
