Kashmir is a synonym of beauty for its snow-clad Himalayan ranges, tranquil blue lakes, and a variety of colourful flowers that carpet the valley. Spring is the season when nature is at its best, the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in full bloom, especially tulips. One of the unmissable attractions on a tour to Kashmir is the Tulip Festival that is held around April every year. The spring season in Kashmir spans March, April, and May, and April is the best time to see the beautifully blooming tulips that create a riot of colours.
Srinagar is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir and one of its most popular tourist destinations. Apart from being known for the Dal and other lakes, some ancient monuments and good marketplaces, Srinagar is the site of the world-famous tulip garden which is Asia’s largest and a must-visit place in J&K. The Tulip Festival 2022 will be held at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar from April 3 to April 30 and the vibrant blooms will herald the spring season in Kashmir. The festival, like every year, will attract several tourists from around the world. Those fond of flowers, especially tulips, nature lovers and photographers, couples, families, and even solo travellers will be drawn to the tulip festival in large numbers. The rich blooms are a treat to the eyes and will surely soothe your soul. Let’s look at the highlights of the Tulip Festival 2022.
Different varieties of tulips that you will find at the festival include standard tulips, bi-colour standard tulips, double bloom tulips, parrot tulips (those with ruffled petals of different colours), fringed tulips (those which are fringe-shaped), Rembrandt tulips (those which are faint coloured and tall), fosteriana tulips, lily-flowering tulips (those with long pointed petals that have arches at the tips), single late tulips (those which are cup-shaped), and triumph tulips.
At the Tulip Festival this year, visitors will find free Wi-Fi, washrooms, and drinking points. There will be different facilities for differently abled people. This year’s event will feature more fountains, more greenery and visitors will be able to see other flowering plants like daffodils, hyacinths, narcissus, and many ornamental plants. In the area outside the garden, visitors will be able to purchase souvenirs and relish Kashmiri dishes. There will be kiosks or stalls of Kashmir’s local handicrafts.
Tourist Attractions Near the Tulip Garden, Srinagar
Apart from attending the Tulip Festival at the garden, you may also like to explore some nearby attractions which mainly include temples, gardens, and lakes. You might also want to spend some time shopping at some of the best marketplaces in Srinagar.
So, after you have enjoyed the festival of flowers at the Tulip Garden, you may consider visiting some of these places around the garden site.
Dal Lake: You can’t move out of Srinagar without visiting this wonderful lake, known for its Shikara rides and scenic beauty.
Nagin Lake: This is one more famous lake of Kashmir which is worth visiting if you have spare time when in Srinagar.
Hazratbal Shrine: It is also called Dargah Sharif and regarded as the holiest Muslim shrine in Kashmir. It is located to the north of Dal.
Mughal Gardens of Srinagar: These are situated near Dal Lake and have the Zabarwan mountain range as their backdrop. These gardens include Shalimar Garden, which is known as the Crown of Srinagar and considered as an example of Mughal architecture, Nishat garden, a terraced Mughal garden which means ‘Garden of Joy’, and Chashme Shahi, which is the smallest of the three and known for the freshwater spring that flows in it.
Pari Mahal: Known as the Palace of Fairies, it exemplifies Islamic architecture. Originally built as a library and residence of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh in the 1600s, it was later used as an observatory and for teaching astrology and astronomy.
Shankaracharya Temple: Located at an altitude of about 1000 feet in the Zabarwan range, this temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and visited by many devotees.
Markets: Srinagar is one of the best cities for shopping in Jammu and Kashmir. So, why miss the opportunity when you are already there for the Tulip Festival! Explore the local markets and get your hands on some exquisite pieces of Kashmiri handicrafts like shawls, carpets, and dry fruits.
The Tulip Garden in Srinagar, the venue for the Tulip Festival of 2022, is easily accessible from the Srinagar Airport. After spending a few hours at the festival, you could also visit these nearby attractions. So, if you are on the lookout for a great vacation destination in India during the spring season, the Tulip Festival at Srinagar has to be on your list.
