Tulip Festival In Kashmir – Everything you need to know

After the harsh winters and before the scorching sun sets in, the month of April brings with it hope for Spring. To bid adieu to the earnest longing and finally welcome “Sonth”, the Tulip Festival in Kashmir is celebrated with great zeal and joy!

The Tulip Festival in Kashmir is held at The Indira Gandhi Tulip Memorial in Srinagar. The garden was previously a Floriculture Centre inaugurated back in 2007 by the Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir. In an attempt to promote tourism and showcase to the world yet another shade of ‘Jannat-E-Kashmir.’  

 Overview of the Tulip Festival in Kashmir

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Zabarwan hills, overlooking the Dal Lake, it is the largest Tulip Garden in all of Asia. Sprawling over an exorbitant 30 hectares with manifold levels and terraces.  Around 1.5 billion tulip buds in 62 different shades and types are scattered over the land. The flowers come into full bloom under the right temperatures between the months of March- April. This is why spring is the best season to experience the Tulip Festival in Kashmir.

What is really special about the Tulip garden is that apart from tulips, other ornate flowers have also been planted. Daffodils, Hyacinths, Narcissus, Roses, and Irises add more charm to the venue making it the most exquisite flower garden in all of India.

Check this out: Experience the best of Spring in Kashmir

 When does the Tulip Festival in Kashmir start?

The commencing date for The Tulip Festival in 2023 is the 3^rd of April. It will continue till the 23^rd of April. The Kashmir Tulip Festival usually lasts for 15 days. But as of 2023, it has been extended, as two more days have been added.

Where is the Tulip Garden in Srinagar?   

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden which is where the Tulip Festival is held is in Srinagar on the Cheshma Shahi Road. The venue is in close proximity to Nishat Bagh which is approximately 3 Kilometers away from it. Other places such as Hazrat Bal and Dal Lake are also nearby.

Check out the exact location here.

What is the best time to visit The Tulip Garden in Srinagar?

The garden opens at the onset of Spring in the month of April when the flowers bloom. If you want to see Tulips in Kashmir, then the best time to visit would be April, especially the first two weeks.

As for the timings of the garden, it opens at 8 am and closes at around 7 pm. The best time to visit would be early in the morning or late afternoon. You can stroll around in utmost comfort and experience the place draped in its best hues. 

What is the entry fee to enter The Tulip Garden?

There is a basic ticket price of Rs. 25 for children and Rs.60 for adults to be cut at the spot for entry. The entry fee for foreigners is Rs. 300.

Highlights of the Tulip Festival in Kashmir in 2023

• Cultural Programs & Exhibition 

• To make people aware of the dynamic culture of Kashmir, an array of folk dances and live music are also included in the festival. You can see several local artists performing in the background as you enjoy the fiesta.
• As of 2023, the organizers have also set up many kiosks and shops outside the garden area. Tourists can buy souvenirs in the form of handicrafts, apparel, tangible art, etc.
• There is also an assortment of Kashmiri Cuisines being freshly made for you to indulge in and refresh yourself. Apart from that you can also shop for packed delicacies to take back home.

Suggested read: Frequently asked questions about Kashmir

• Wide Variety of Flora

There are 62 different types of tulip buds that are sown. Each and every bud is beautiful on its own. But here are a few unique ones that are bound to catch your attention :

• Lily Flowered Tulips –
• Most elegant in how they are shaped, with pointed petals and graceful stems, it’s a mix of the flower lily and a tulip.
• Parrot Tulips – As the name suggests, the petals of one resemble a parrot’s feathers – unfurling and vibrant!
• Double Bloom – Unlike others, the petals of this flower are layered one upon another making it the prettiest of all.
• Triumph Tulips – Boasting a range of colors starting from yellow to purple, the bulbs are cup-shaped with sturdy long stems.
• Bi-color tulips- The petals of this kind of tulip are shaded in two contrasting colors. One makes the base of it and the other rises up like flames.

• Places to visit nearby the Tulip Garden in Srinagar

The venue itself is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar. The garden overlooks the majestic Dal Lake, surrounded by lush green hills and other gardens from the Mughal Era. Apart from spending a few hours rejoicing here, here’s a list of a few places you can visit nearby –

• Dal Lake: The beauty of Dal Lake can only truly be felt by floating on its waters, chasing the sunset in a Shikara.
• Nagin Lake – The shimmering water reflecting the beauty of its surrounding makes it yet another classic spot that shall not be missed.
• Shankaracharya Ashram –  Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is a must-visit Hindu temple situated at a striking height of 1100ft giving you an unobstructed view of the snow-laden Pir Panjal Range!
• Shalimar Bagh – To please his highness Noor Jahan, Jahangir built ‘The Garden of Delight’ and it truly is a reflection of their age-old love with blooming flowers, waterfalls adorned with Mughal Architectural details on a few monumental walls.
• Local Markets – To truly understand the feel of a place one has to step onto the roads and explore the lanes and markets not too far, you will find shops selling Cashmere Shawls, Leather products like bags, boots, etc, and even fresh dry fruits.

How to reach the Tulip Garden in Srinagar?

Located at the foothills of The Zabarwan Hills, The Indira Gandhi Memorial can be reached by air, railway, or road. The venue is at a prime location in Srinagar making it easily accessible

• Air – There are direct flights flying from the capital New Delhi to Sheikh-Ul Alam Airport in Srinagar. The flights are scheduled at regular intervals.

• Railway – You can reach Srinagar by taking a train to Jammu Tawi or Udhampur Railway station. And then take a cab to the garden.

• Road – The roads to Srinagar are nothing short of magic. And if you are a long-drive enthusiast you can drive to the city. But we recommend that you take the JKRSTC bus from Jammu, Chandigarh, or Delhi.

Kashmir has never failed to leave its visitors absolutely spellbound. Being here at the onset of the Spring Season, we promise you would be gasping at the views! We’ve already planned out the Best Kashmir Itinerary for Spring. Hop on!