Srinagar, Mar 23 (KNS): Situated in the foothills of Zabarwan mountains, authorities on Saturday opened Indra Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar to public. On its opening a large number of visitors throng to the garden and expressed their satisfaction over arrangements made by department of Floriculture Jammu Kashmir.
This year's display boasts 1.7 million tulips, including five new varieties, promising a breathtaking spectacle for both local and international tourists.
As crowds gathered to marvel at the garden's beauty on opening day, officials anticipate full bloom in the coming days. The garden features a diverse array of tulip bulbs in shades of red, yellow, and pink, offering early and late blooming varieties.
Besides lauding the efforts of UT administration for establishing the garden in mesmerizing picturesque in the foothills of Zabarwan range, the tourists were seen praising hospitality of Kashmiri’s and their love towards guests.
Many tourists who spoke to Kashmir News Service (KNS), at the occasion expressed happiness over being a visitor of the garden, and appealing people outside J&K to don’t waste their time in travelling other than Kashmir when they have paradise in their neighbourhood.
Ashish, from Kolkata talking to KNS said that as the garden was not opened earlier, he visited few destinations of Valley but after visiting here today, the blooming Tulips erased all memories in me as the Garden is best destination across the globe.
I feel that I have landed in heaven, its beautiful al around, this has been our childhood wish to come here, it got fulfilled today, he added.
Another couple from Banglore on their maiden visit to Tulip Garden expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements made UT demonstration.
We are experiencing smooth visit to Tulip Garden, we feel that the government has made very good arrangements for visitors, we want everyone to come here at least once, they said.
Notably thousands of local and non-local tourists visited the Tulip garden on the first day of its opening and it is expected the number will rise high and probably break records this year as garden will remain open for a month this year.
On the sidelines of the opening, commissioner Secretary Floriculture Sheikh Fayaz talking to media said that we added new more verities this year, adding total to 73, with 1.7 million tulips which is record making.
He also said that last year Tulip garden recoded footfall of around, 3.77 lakh, we ae hopeful that this year we wil move beyond this number.
"This year, we've expanded by an additional 4 Kanals, with officials now deployed round the clock to address visitor grievances," he added.
Commissioner Secretary Floriculture Sheikh Fayaz, was joined by Director Floriculture and other officials from department.
Discussions centred on traffic management, parking facilities, sanitation, online ticketing, and other logistical arrangements to enhance the visitor experience.
With meticulous planning and the addition of new flower varieties, this year's Tulip Garden promises to captivate visitors with its scenic splendour and colourful blooms.(KNS).