By Majid Nabi
Srinagar- Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar saw a record number of 1, 58, 000 visitors in the first 12 days, with a peak of 31, 000 visitors on the third day of its opening on March 22.
Officials told Kashmir Observer that the garden has sprouted with around 80 percent tulips so far and is expected to be at full bloom in the coming few days, if the weather remains favorable.
They said Asia’s largest Tulip Garden situated on the foothills of Zabarwan mountain range saw a record footfall of visitors in the first twelve days of its opening.
They said the garden is likely to be closed for visitors from April 20; however it may continue till April 25, if the weather remains favorable.
They said the garden, which spans over 52 hectares of land, receives 20, 000 to 25, 000 visitors on an average a day.
“Tourists in hoards visited Tulip garden this year, a record number of 1, 58, 000 visitors visited the garden from March 20 till date. A single day spike of 31, 000 was witnessed in the garden on March 22. The footfall of tourists was better than in previous years ,” Tulip Garden in-charge, Inam-ur-Rehman, told Kashmir Observer.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is presenting a mesmerizing look and is attracting both tourists and locals in hordes to enjoy the natural beauty.
In-charge Tulip garden further said the footfall of locals declined with the commencement of the holy month of Ramzan, however non-local tourists have been visiting the garden in hordes since its opening twelve days ago.
“Since the footfall of local visitors declined in view of the holy Ramazan, non-local tourists visit the garden in hordes and I hope the tourist flow will further increase with the improvement in weather. 95 percent of visitors are non-local tourists,” Inam told Kashmir Observer.
He said 16 lakh Tulips bulbs of 68 different varieties are in bloom at the Tulip Garden while four new varieties have also been added in the nursery this year, he added.
“Besides 16 lakh Tulips, the garden has other spring flowers as well. The Floriculture Department has installed ornamental lights for the tourists who stay in the garden till late evening,” he added.
Arun Kumar, a native of Gujarat who lives in South Africa, said he has never seen anything so beautiful.
“This is mind blowing. I feel very happy to have come here. This garden is stunning. I think it is one of the most beautiful gardens, huge. So many tulips, so much beauty, many waterfalls, just so amazing. Truly a ‘Jannat’ (paradise),” he said. “I will keep coming here.”
While most of the visitors were enchanted by the sight of the flowers, and could not help but take pictures of them, some, who wanted to touch the bulbs, were dismayed at the fences surrounding the flower beds.
“I hope they have some more photographic places. They have covered the flowers with fences. We cannot go and touch tulips. It would have been amazing if we could do that,” Surmil said. (With PTI Inputs)
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