Srinagar: Marking the beginning of the new tourist season in the Valley, Asia’s largest tulip garden overlooking the world-famous Dal lake is likely to be thrown open for tourists on March 19, with around 1.6 million tulips of 68 varieties set to mesmerize the visitors this year.
Director of Floriculture, Farooq Ahmad Rather, said that the garden has been meticulously maintained and groomed to create an idyllic and serene atmosphere for visitors. He elaborated that the trees have been pruned and manicured to perfection, allowing visitors to bask in the beauty of the verdant surroundings.
Additionally, Rather emphasized that public amenities such as potable drinking water and shelters to shield visitors from the rain have been made available. “The primary objective of the garden is to offer a plethora of healthy and vibrant flowers in a pristine and sanitized environment,” he stated.
“Furthermore, to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for visitors, public utilities such as water ROs, ATMs, and hygienic restrooms have been installed. Lastly, in anticipation of unexpected inclement weather, rain shelters have been thoughtfully provided to enable visitors to continue their enjoyment of the garden, even during sudden downpours,” he said.
Last year, the Director said the garden received around 3 lakh visitors, and this year, authorities are expecting even more due to increased promotion and a positive response from visitors. “Thanks to our successful tourist promotion efforts and the enthusiastic response from visitors, we are anticipating even more people to visit this year. We are confident that we will surpass last year’s figures and continue to attract more visitors who are eager to experience the natural beauty and serenity of our garden,” he said.
The garden has been awarded the title of second-best tulip garden in 2015, making it a must-visit tourist attraction. The authorities have appealed to visitors not to bring plastic or food items into the garden, as it may litter and spoil the serene environment. The garden has sufficient food facilities available outside, and visitors can book their tickets online.
“To avoid overcrowding, visitors have been requested to plan their visit on weekdays instead of weekends. To help keep it clean and beautiful, we kindly request that you refrain from bringing plastic, food items, or any other objects into the garden. These items can quickly accumulate and create a messy, unsightly environment,” Rather said.
Mohammad Yousuf Khan, the head gardener, said that his team is working at its full potential to ensure that the garden is open on time. “Every year, we look forward to welcoming visitors to the garden to behold its beauty, and this year is no different. We have been working hard to make sure that everything is in place,” he said.
He added that he and his team are delighted when visitors come to see the garden, and they take great pleasure in seeing people enjoy the views and the colorful displays. “The garden is a labor of love for us. We spend countless hours planting, pruning, and nurturing the plants to create a space that is not only beautiful but also peaceful and refreshing,” he said.
This year, he added, he and his team have introduced four new varieties of tulips, adding even more color and variety to the garden’s already impressive collection. “We are always looking for ways to make the garden even more spectacular,” he said.
