Have you ever walked through a sea of colourful Tulips in the lap of the Himalayas? If not, the Kashmir Tulip Festival is your chance to witness it. Held annually at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, the Tulip Garden Festival transforms the landscape into an awe-struck paradise of over 1.5 million tulips. In full bloom! 

Coming into view at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountain Range, the Tulip Garden Festival 2025 marks the arrival of spring in the Kashmir Valley. It draws visitors from across the country. Looking to plan your trip there? Discover the details herein.

Tulip Garden Festival 2025

Aspect	Details
Location	Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Starts	March 20th
Best Visiting Time	1st to 3rd week of April (for full bloom)
Opening Hours & Fees	7:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Rs. 50 for adults, Rs. 25 for children)
How to Reach	8 KM from Lal Chowk, 18 KM from Srinagar Airport, 17 KM from Railway Station

The Origins of the Tulip Garden

The Tulip Garden was inaugurated in 2007 by the then Chief Minister of Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad. The place was originally known as Siraj Bagh, or the Model Floriculture Center. It was opened to promote tourism and floriculture in Kashmir. Since its inception, it has contributed significantly to the region’s economy. Over time, it has become an integral part of Srinagar’s tourism landscape.

Festival Dates and Best Time to Visit

The Tulip Festival usually takes place from late March to mid-April, depending on the bloom cycle. In 2025, it is expected to be held from 20th March. Since tulips stay fresh for only 15-20 days, you need to time your visit to catch their grandeur.

Best time to visit:

• Go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. You can also enjoy the golden hour for photography.
• Weekdays are good if you prefer a peaceful experience without a heavy tourist rush.
• The first two weeks of April are usually the best for peak bloom.

Location and How to Reach

The Tulip Garden blooms at the foot of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking the Dal Lake in Srinagar. Its picturesque setting makes it even more appealing.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Srinagar International Airport (22 KM away). Taxis and cabs are available for hire.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station (approx. 270 KM away). From there, you can take a cab or bus to Srinagar.
• By Road: The garden is just 8 KM from Lal Chowk, Srinagar’s city centre. Buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available.

What to Expect at the Tulip Garden Festival

As you enter the garden, you’ll be welcomed by a seven-tiered terrace filled with over a million tulips. The vibrant hues of red, yellow, pink, purple and white create a mesmerising view. But the festival gives out more than just flowers.

• Tulip varieties: Strong Gold, Ile de France, Kung Fu, Margarita, Candela, Early Harvest and more.
• Other flowers: Daffodils, hyacinths, ranunculus and cherry blossoms.
• Cultural performances: Enjoy live Kashmiri music, folk dances and traditional art displays.
• Handicrafts and handloom stalls: A live exhibition featuring authentic Kashmiri carpets, pashmina shawls, papier-mâché items and walnut wood carvings.
• Local food stalls: Taste traditional Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Nadru Monje and Noon Chai.

Entry Fees and Visitor Information

• Entry Fee: ₹50 per adult & ₹25 per child
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM (open all days during the festival)
• Facilities: Free WiFi, drinking water stations, restrooms, fountains, open-air cafes and seating areas.

Photography and Travel Tips

The garden is a dream destination for photography lovers.

Best Photography Spots

• Top terrace: This gives a stunning panoramic view of the entire garden and Dal Lake.
• Close-up shots: Capture detailed patterns of tulip petals.
• Golden hour (early morning or sunset): For breathtaking light and soft shadows.

Travel Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes: The garden is spread over 30 hectares and involves walking.
• Carry a light jacket: Srinagar’s weather can be unpredictable, with cool breezes.
• Pack sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun can be strong at noon.
• Book accommodation in advance: Since the festival attracts thousands of tourists, hotels fill up quickly.
• Respect local customs: Kashmir has a rich culture; dressing modestly and being mindful of traditions is recommended.

Nearby Attractions

• Dal Lake (1 KM away): Take a Shikara ride and enjoy the floating gardens and houseboats.
• Nishat Bagh (3.3 KM away): A Mughal garden offering breathtaking views of the lake and Pir Panjal mountains.
• Shalimar Bagh (6.2 KM away): Known as the “abode of love,” built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife.
• Chashme Shahi (2.2 KM away): A beautiful Mughal-era spring garden.
• Pari Mahal (3.8 KM away): A historic palace offering a bird’s-eye view of Srinagar.
• Shankaracharya Temple (7 KM away): A spiritual retreat with panoramic views of Srinagar.

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Conclusion

The Tulip Garden Festival in Kashmir is about witnessing nature at its finest. A million tulips in full bloom, the stunning backdrop of Dal Lake and the crisp mountain air make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Plan your visit between late March and early April to catch the peak bloom. Arrive early to beat the crowds. Don’t forget your camera! If you’ve never seen Kashmir in spring, this is your chance. Pack your bags and let the valley’s beauty leave you speechless!

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