My first trip to Kashmir was during winter, a season when tulips don’t bloom, so the garden was closed. Even though I knew this, I felt disappointed. Later, I visited Kashmir again at the end of March, and on the first day, I entered the Tulip Garden. It felt like nature had created this garden for a princess. It seemed like a dreamland. In this blog, I will share detailed information about my visit to Tulip Garden in Srinagar.

I took a tuk-tuk from Gulab Bagh Road, next to Dal Lake, and headed toward the Tulip Garden. After some time, I arrived at the entrance of the garden. Its official name is Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden. First, we collected our tickets. For foreigners, it was 200 rupees; for locals, it was 24 rupees; and for children, it was 12 rupees. After showing the tickets, we entered. The garden is enormous. It is said to be the largest tulip garden in Asia, spread over 74 acres, with various types of red, blue, and yellow tulips blooming. The sight was truly amazing. My eyes were delighted. Some flowers were arranged in rows, while others were in circular patterns. While walking in the garden, I took photos and videos. I’ve heard that many Bollywood movie songs have been shot here.

In addition to tulips, I noticed many unfamiliar flowers like daffodils in the garden. Later, from the information on the wall, I learned that there are 73 varieties of tulips here, which were brought from England’s famous Amsterdam tulip garden. Additionally, there are 46 types of flowers that were brought from the Netherlands.

Walking through the garden refreshed my mind. I felt so good that I wanted to walk along the garden path for a thousand years. The mountains surrounding the garden looked stunning. There is also a fountain in the garden, where the water display and the colorful surroundings made me lose myself in a world of dreams.

If you want to be enchanted by the beauty of the tulip garden, come around the end of March. It is generally open from mid-March to mid-April. It remains closed for the rest of the year. Since the opening time is not fixed, it depends on when the flowers bloom. So, plan to come either at the end of March or the beginning of April. I hope you too will get lost in this colorful dreamland.

As time was running out, I had to leave the garden. There are still many more gardens to see! I will share those travel experiences with you as well. Stay tuned.

The Tulip Garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountains, near Dal Lake in Srinagar. From the gulbart road along Dal Lake, I hired a toto and headed towards the garden. Along the way, I was mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the mountains and lake. The cold morning breeze and serene surroundings made the journey even more exciting.

As I reached the garden entrance, I saw a vast area filled with blooming flowers. With every step forward, it felt like stepping into a colorful magical world. The garden’s official name is Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. I first bought a ticket—100 rupees for foreigners and 50 rupees for locals—and then entered the garden.

The Tulip Garden is 18 km from Srinagar International Airport. You can fly to Srinagar from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata and then take a taxi or public transport to the garden.

You can also travel by train. First, reach Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is 300 km from Srinagar. From there, head to Udhampur Railway Station, which is 18 km from the garden. Then take a taxi or public transport.

There are bus services connecting Srinagar to various cities, though this can be quite tiring for tourists. The nearest bus stop is on gulbart road near Chashme Shahi garden, 900 meters from the Tulip Garden. The main bus station, Lal Chowk, is 8 km from the garden.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest tulip garden in Asia, covering 30 hectares (74 acres). Besides tulips, the garden has hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus. I even spotted some unfamiliar flowers. Information on a board revealed that the garden has 73 varieties of tulips brought from the famous Amsterdam Tulip Garden in England. It also features 46 types of flowers imported from the Netherlands.

As you enter the garden, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant world of colors. Millions of tulips create a stunning visual feast. Red, white, yellow, pink, orange, and purple tulips form a breathtaking display. Some are neatly lined up, while others are arranged in circular patterns.

The best time to visit Srinagar’s Tulip Garden is from late March to mid-April when the annual Tulip Festival takes place. During this time, the garden is bustling with tourists. This festival is not only about enjoying nature’s beauty but also about experiencing local Kashmiri culture, food, and handicrafts. It’s a favorite spot for both tourists and locals, especially nature lovers and photographers. The festival also features traditional Kashmiri music and dance performances, adding to the charm.

Also Read:What To Bring With You To KashmirKashmir Travel

Standing in the middle of the Tulip Garden and feeling the cool Kashmiri breeze was truly a unique experience. Each corner of the garden has a different floral theme, making it perfect for photography. The peaceful atmosphere, chirping birds, and mountain air brought a sense of deep tranquility. Walking through the garden refreshed my mind. I felt so good that it seemed like I could walk along these garden paths for eternity. The surrounding mountains were stunning, and the fountain in the middle of the garden added to the beauty. The play of water and the vibrant colors made me feel like I was in a dream. Every step in the Tulip Garden felt like walking in a fairytale. The natural beauty, cold breeze, and colorful flowers provided an unmatched sense of peace. For anyone looking to escape life’s monotony, there’s no better place than the Tulip Garden.

Each corner of the garden is an ideal spot for photographers. I captured this natural wonder through my camera lens, taking photos and videos as I walked. I’ve heard that many Bollywood songs were filmed here.

• If you want to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir’s Tulip Garden, visit in late March. The garden is open from mid-March to mid-April, depending on when the flowers bloom. Be sure to check beforehand or visit around late March or early April to fully enjoy the colorful dreamland.
• Garden opening hours: The garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• It’s best to visit in the morning when the garden is less crowded. However, the lively afternoon crowd may also appeal to you.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll need to walk a lot to explore the garden’s beauty.
• Do not pick or touch the flowers. Follow the authorities’ instructions to preserve the garden.
• Dress appropriately: The weather can be chilly, so wear warm clothes to ensure a comfortable visit.
• Try the local food. Outside the garden, you’ll find delicious Kashmiri dishes to enjoy.

Also Read:Traveling to Kashmir

The Tulip Garden was opened in 2007 to promote floriculture and tourism in the Kashmir Valley. It was initially called the Model Floriculture Center and was also known as Siraj Bagh. In 2008, it was renamed Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.

Several tourist spots are located near Srinagar’s famous Tulip Garden, making them easy to include in your trip. These include Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi Garden, Pari Mahal, Achabal Bagh, Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Mosque, Floating Vegetable Garden, Zabarwan Park, and Nigeen Lake. Close to the garden, you’ll also find Jawahar Lal Memorial Botanical Garden, Royal Springs Golf Course, Lalit Grand Palace Hotel, Hotel Vivanta by Taj, private golf courses, apple orchards, handicraft showrooms, Noon Kun Park, Foreshore Road, Harwan Bagh, Dachigam National Park, Char Chinar at Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Hari Parbat, and Shri Pratap Singh Museum.
For more details, visit: https://www.goindigo.in

Kashmir’s Tulip Garden is a gift of nature that not only pleases the eyes but also nourishes the soul. If you’re a nature lover or seeking colorful memories, this garden will feel like paradise.

As time ran out, I had to leave the garden. So many more gardens await exploration! I’ll share those experiences with you too. Stay tuned.