Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s musing about Kashmir, “If there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here,” stands true till date and will always be… It’s a land of abundant beauty, and every spring this beauty multiplies as Kashmir observes the Tulip Festival. By Kumar Shree
With the onset of spring, let’s welcome the spectacular Tulip Festival in Kashmir. The Tulip Festival celebrates the blooming season of splendid flowers that are on a stunning display at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Kashmir. This year the festival is being observed from April 01 to April 05. Try not to miss it!
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Speaking about the eminence of the Tulip Festival, the garden’s name was registered among one of the top five Tulip destinations in the Tulip Summit Canada 2017. Set in the foothills of magnificent Zabarwan Range, the seven-terraced garden is a sight to behold during the Tulip Festival — it’s an absolute sensory delight! Apart from the five days of the Tulip Festival, you can visit the place anytime between late March to late May.
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The garden is home to around 60 varieties of Tulips. Imagine standing in front of a lane, where bright-hued tulips stand in a neatly organised line while swaying in joy as the wind brushes them like a tease! Apart from the regular tulips, you can spot Parrot Tulips (their ruffled petals appear like a parrot), Rembrandt Tulips (taller than the usual tulips and pale in colour), Lily-Flowering Tulips (long, pointed petals), Triumph (wide range of shades), Fosteriana Tulips (variable height and pretty buds) and Double Bloom (has layers instead of single petal) at the festival.
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Other plantations such as ornamental plants and hyacinths, and narcissus and daffodils have also been plated this year to ensure enough variety to the eyes. What has been touted as the icing on the cake about this Tulip Festival is that the garden also overlooks the awe-inspiring Dal Lake. You can also lay your hands on some ornate handicrafts of Kashmir and indulge in all the Kashmiri cuisine you want. All of these are available on the decorated stalls and kiosks outside the garden.
Once done with the garden, you can definitely head out to the other nearby attractions like Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple and Pari Mahal.
Getting There:
Srinagar airport is the nearest and you can get a taxi from there. Bus services at minimal charges are also available.
Entry Fee:
INR 25 for children and INR 50 for adults.
Entry Timings:
9 AM to 7 PM
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