The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden, ensconced between Dal Lake and the Zabarwan hills here is in full bloom and ready to welcome tourists form next week.“Preparations like gardening, engineering, fungicide treatment, nutrient spraying and minor repair which we do before the tulip show are going on,” Inam-ul-Rehman, in-charge of the tulip garden, 

Around 1.6 million tulips of 68 varieties have been planted in the garden this year to attract visitors. Lt-Governor Manoj Sinha personally invited tourists from all over the world to make a plan to witness the sublime beauty of nature.

Addressing the gathering of special invitees including investors from UAE  during the opening ceremony LG Manoj Sinha said, “I invite people from all over the world to visit J&K and discover the mesmerising beauty of 16 Lakh tulip flowers & enjoy the warm hospitality of our people”

The Tourism department is already expecting a heavy tourist influx this year as compared to last year. Last year, as many as 3.66 lakh tourists thronged the garden, which was the highest ever.

1.2 lakh tourists visited the kashmir valley in the month of February this year raising hopes of hoteliers and all other stakeholders of a buoyant tourism season ahead.   The floriculture department has expanded the channel to the top of the garden. In addition, some fountains have been set up in the garden to make it more attractive.