Tulip festivals are held in many regions of the world, but for Asia, the festival in Srinagar, Kashmir, stands out. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, named after the former Prime Minister and more commonly known as Siraj Bagh, is the largest in Asia.
The 12 hectare garden is located on
the bottom of the Zabarwan Range in the state capital, commanding a view of the Dal Lake. It hosts
the popular Tulip Festival each year, which is am unforgettable event.
Millions of bulbs of more than 60
varieties can be seen at the gardens. Thousands of tourists from Asia visit
Kashmir during the tulip season and enjoy these flowers in full bloom, a unique
sight.
The experience is heightened with
the nearby snow-peaked mountains and the Dal Lake.
Sightseeing in Srinagar
Apart from strolling in the garden
among the different tulips, you can indulge in other activities, and visit the
nearby famous places of Srinagar. You can take boat rides, known as shikaras,
on the famous Dal Lake, go swimming or even travel on a houseboat. The lake
offers the best views of the Kashmir Valley. You can also visit the Mughal
gardens on the banks of the lake, next to the Siraj Bagh.
One of them, Pari Mahal (Fairy
Palace), was built by son of Shaj Jahan, Dara Shikoh for his tutor. It also
served as an observatory for astronomy and astrology, and is now a paramilitary
camp. In contrast to Pari Mahal, there’s the renowned Shalimar Bagh, built by
Emperor Jahangir. It was the summer abode of the emperor and his wife Nur Jahan
as they loved Kashmir. The garden has elaborate architecture and many ponds and
fountains. The Bagh is now a public park.
The Dachigam National Park in the
Zabarwan range is known for possessing Asia’s largest number of black bears,
and for being the sole habitat of the Kashmir stag, along with many other
animals.
The Kashmir Valley
Other than Srinagar, there are many
more popular places that people visit when they come for the Tulip Festival.
There’s Pahalgam, famous for its numerous pilgrimage sites and breathtaking
valleys. The valleys are regular spots for trekking and hiking.
Gulmarg is a stunning mountain
resort, renowned for the highest golf course in India. It also has an
exceptional ski resort which is why it was named “heartland of winter sports in
India” by CNN.
You can go snowboarding,
tobogganing, heli skiing, and normal skiing. Extreme snow sports enthusiasts
flock to Gulmarg every year.
If you wish to go river rafting and
indulge in other water sports, then head to Sonamarg. It’s another popular hill
station and is known as the “Meadow of Gold”. For mountaineers, Kashmir has
many peaks that are frequent trekking and climbing spots.
Dates for the Tulip Festival
The festival also has exhibitions
of the Kashmiri handloom and crafts. There’s delicious Kashmiri cuisine you can
gorge on as you watch folk dancers and musicians perform. The festival is
an opportunity to learn about the
culture of Kashmir.
The festival is held every year in
the month of April, usually in the first two weeks. The flowers are planted in autumn, and only bloom
for 15 days, and the exact dates of the festival depend on when they bloom. So
make sure to confirm the dates in February/March before visiting.
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