Spring in Srinagar's Tulip Garden is no longer what it used to be

The largest tulip garden in Asia, located in the foothills of the Zabarwan Hills, is set to open to the public on March 19th.

The garden, situated at an altitude of 5,600ft, will showcase over 16 lakh tulips of various kinds along with other flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, and buttercups.

Officials have urged visitors to book tickets in advance online and have planned a grand opening ceremony on the first day. Last year, the garden saw a footfall of around 360,000 visitors, and the authorities hope to surpass that number this year.

Director of Floriculture, Farooq Ahmad Rather, assured visitors of the garden's cleanliness, upkeep, and basic amenities like drinking water and rain shelters.

Tulips and the impact of climate change

Climate change has become a major concern globally, and its impact on various ecosystems, including gardens, is increasingly evident. The tulip garden, located in Srinagar, is not immune to the effects of climate change.

Tulip gardens, like all other plant species, will be impacted by climate change. The effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, can affect the growth, blooming, and overall health of tulip gardens.

One of the main impacts of climate change on the tulip garden is the change in temperature and precipitation patterns. Warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall can affect the growth and bloom of tulips, which require a cool and moist environment.

Changes in the timing of the seasons and the duration of winters can also affect the timing of the tulip bloom, which is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar.

Uncharacteristically, this year there has been a lack of heavy snowfall and rainfall that is typical of the season. Kashmir experienced high temperatures in February that are usually not seen until the end of March.

This unusual weather pattern has the potential to impact the lifespan of Tulip bulbs, which typically last between 15 to 17 days. If the current weather persists, it could result in a reduction of the Tulips' lifespan.

Another impact of climate change is the increase in extreme weather events such as floods, storms, and heat waves. These events can damage the garden's infrastructure and plants, and even threaten the lives of garden visitors and staff.

Tulip garden Srinagar

Srinagar, the summer capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. The city is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges, and its scenic beauty is enhanced by the presence of the famous Dal Lake, which is a major tourist attraction.

Srinagar is also famous for its gardens, which are spread across the city and attract thousands of tourists every year. Among these gardens, the Tulip Garden in Srinagar is one of the most famous and unique.

The Tulip Garden, also known as the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, is situated in the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking the famous Dal Lake. It is located on the banks of Dal Lake, near the famous Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh gardens.

The garden is spread over an area of around 30 hectares and is surrounded by beautiful mountains on all sides.

Established in 2007

The Tulip Garden in Srinagar is the largest tulip garden in Asia and is one of the most beautiful gardens in India. It was established in 2007 with the aim of promoting tourism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The garden is named after the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, who was known for her love for flowers and gardens.

The Tulip Garden in Srinagar is unique in many ways. It is the only tulip garden in India and is home to more than 1.6 million tulips of different varieties and colours.

The garden is open only for a few weeks every year, from the end of March to the beginning of April, when the tulips are in full bloom.

Garden attracts thousands of tourists

During this period, the garden attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world who come to witness the beauty of the tulips in full bloom.

One of the unique features of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar is the shade provided by the surrounding mountains. The garden is situated at an altitude of around 5,600 feet above sea level, and the mountains around it provide a natural shade that protects the tulips from direct sunlight.

This makes the garden an ideal place for the cultivation of tulips, which require a cool and shaded environment.

The Tulip Garden in Srinagar is not only a major tourist attraction but also an important source of livelihood for many locals. The garden provides employment to a large number of people during the tourist season and also helps in promoting local handicrafts and cuisine.

Variety of other flowers

Apart from the tulips, the garden also has a variety of other flowers, including daffodils, hyacinths, and ranunculus. The garden is divided into different sections, each of which has a unique layout and design.

The main attraction of the garden is the Tulip Terrace, which is located at the highest point in the garden and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and Dal Lake.

Visitors to the Tulip Garden in Srinagar can also enjoy a range of other activities, such as horse riding, boating on the Dal Lake, and shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs. The garden also has a food court that offers a variety of local and international cuisines.

The Tulip Garden in Srinagar has become a symbol of the beauty and resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite the many challenges faced by the state over the years, the Tulip Garden has continued to bloom every year, attracting tourists and spreading joy and happiness to everyone who visits it.

Keep Reading

• ‘Spring season’ is dead, there is summer just after winters
• Spring is no longer what it used to be… and it comes earlier
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