Srinagar, Apr 03: Asia’s second largest Tulip garden has welcomed nearly 105,861 tourists, including both domestic and foreign visitors, over the past 11 days.
Managed by Khan Mudasir, the garden opened to the pu03blic on March 23, attracting an unprecedented response within the first five days. This year, unlike the previous year’s count of 1500 foreign tourists, the garden has seen 415 foreign visitors along with 5112 locals so far.
The total number of visitors, including locals and foreigners, has reached 105,861. Additionally, 100,334 tourists from various parts of the country have visited the garden in the last 11 days.
To enhance visitor experience, online ticket processing has been introduced, and students are being offered a special 20% discount on tickets until April 10.
Despite challenges like pre-booked accommodations hindering travel to Kashmir, officials anticipate surpassing last year’s record of 366,000 visitors, with expectations of a further surge in tourists after Eid. Visitors have commended the government’s efforts in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience at the garden.
The floriculture department has added five more tulip varieties to the garden to enhance its enchantment this year. Visitors are enjoying their visits, and we are ensuring everything is in place for a smooth experience.
The establishment of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in 2007 marked a significant milestone in the tourism landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Initiated by the efforts of then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the garden was conceived as a means to extend the tourism season beyond the conventional summer and winter months.