The curtain falls on Tulip Garden after a record number of 4 lakh visitors

Srinagar, April 23: After welcoming over four million visitors, the curtains are falling on Srinagar’s Tulip Garden, which has etched its name in the annals of history with this remarkable milestone.

As the vibrant flowers bid adieu, authorities have decided to close the garden to the general public from Wednesday evening due to dwindling blooms.

An official from the Floriculture Department confirmed that the garden, overlooking the famous Dal Lake, will be closed to visitors on Wednesday evening as the tulips have started to wilt.

The staggering attendance of more than 4 million people during the month-long opening period surpassed all previous records, cementing the Tulip Garden’s status as a premier tourist attraction.

The garden erupted in a kaleidoscope of colour, with a whopping 1.7 million tulips unfurling their petals, including five new, vibrant varieties.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Zabarwan Hills, this floral extravaganza left locals and tourists alike spellbound.

The officials of the Floriculture Department expressed their elation over the record-breaking footfall, which crossed the 4 lakh mark – a first in the history of the Tulip Garden.

The highest visitor numbers in a single day were recorded on April 11, the second day of Eid-ul-Fitr, when more than 30,600 people flocked to the garden, including 18,888 locals, 11,693 national tourists and 78 foreign visitors.

Foreign tourists, attracted by the garden’s beauty, have praised its similarity to the tulip landscapes of Europe, further boosting its international fame.

As the Tulip Garden bids farewell to this season’s floral fanatics, the Floriculture Department stated that it remains committed to enhancing its allure, anticipating an even more spectacular display in the years to come, cementing Kashmir’s position as a world-renowned destination for nature lovers and nature enthusiasts is strengthened. tulip lovers.

Established in 2008 by former Prime Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden covers 600 kanal (over 30 hectares) and features an impressive array of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and muscari.

Late flowering cultivars have been introduced to extend the flowering period, providing visitors with an enchanting display.

With spring temperatures hovering between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, the garden provides an idyllic setting for the vibrant tulip blossoms to bloom.

The Tulip Garden, spread over 36 plots of 16 to 18 beds each, is carefully maintained by a dedicated team of 60 gardeners, preserving its natural beauty.

Complemented by three parks within the complex, the garden provides a serene retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the splendor of nature.