Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden Set to Bloom in Srinagar on March 16

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is preparing to open its gates to visitors on March 16, 2026, showcasing a vibrant display of spring blooms. Regarded as the largest tulip garden in Asia, the garden spans approximately 30 hectares (74 acres) and offers breathtaking views of the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountain range.

A Floral Paradise in the Kashmir Valley

Originally known as the Model Floriculture Center, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was established in 2007 as part of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s initiatives to boost floriculture and tourism in the region. The garden features around 75 varieties of tulips, alongside 46 other flower species including hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus, many of which were imported from Holland.

What to Expect This Season

This year, the garden will display approximately 1.5 million spring-blooming bulbs. Director of Floriculture in Kashmir, Mathoora Masoom, has indicated improvements to the visitor experience, including the addition of selfie points and decorative planters. The blooms are expected to last for approximately 15 to 20 days, depending on weather conditions.

Visitor Information

The garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, roughly 12–18 km from the Srinagar city center and airport, near Chashme Shahi. Private taxis and local buses provide convenient access. Early mornings (before 9 am) and late afternoons are recommended for smaller crowds and optimal lighting for photography.

A Growing Tourist Attraction

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden has become a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists. In 2024, the garden welcomed over 430,000 visitors. Previous years have also seen high visitor numbers, with over 365,000 tourists, including 3,000 foreign visitors, recorded between March and April 2023.

The Tulip Festival

The annual Tulip Festival is held at the garden to celebrate the arrival of spring and showcase the diverse range of blooms. The festival aims to further promote tourism in the Kashmir Valley.