Srinagar: Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, holding the distinction of being Asia's largest, is gearing up to showcase a dazzling display featuring 1.7 million tulip bulbs, including six new varieties imported from Holland. Surpassing last year's presentation, the garden now boasts an impressive collection of 74 varieties, promising a breathtaking spectacle for visitors.

With the aim of surpassing the previous record of 3.65 lakh footfalls, the department is working diligently to make the garden more attractive than ever. Visitors can anticipate a diverse and enchanting array of tulips, enhancing the allure of this botanical haven.

A dedicated team of 500 gardeners and staff is tirelessly working day and night, with a meticulous six-month preparation process leading up to the public opening. Advanced planning ensures that every aspect of the garden is meticulously arranged to create a captivating experience.

“In the Tulip Garden, every bulb we plant is a promise of joy. It’s not just about flowers, it’s about painting smiles on the faces of those who visit,” said Abdullah, a gardener.

“We create crates from greenhouses, ensuring tulips bloom within them so that visitors are surrounded by the vibrant blossoms at the opening. These crates also adorn the main gate, enhancing the welcoming ambiance. With meticulous effort, we prepare around 3000 flower pots to delight our visitors. There's magic in the soil. We plant dreams and with each bloom, those dreams blossom into a kaleidoscope of beauty,” he added.

As part of the Tulip Garden expansion, the nearing completion of the adjacent ‘Sakura Garden’ marks a significant addition. The concerned department has crafted expansive green areas on approximately 50 kanals of land, enhancing the visitor experience within the garden. This expansion promises to offer an enthralling experience for tourists as they leisurely revel in the garden's beauty.

The garden, nestled in the foothills of the Zabarwan range and spread over 30 hectares, is set in a terraced fashion with seven terraces offering an overview of Dal Lake. The necessary civil work has already been completed, and around 80 individuals, including casual labourers and permanent gardeners are diligently tending to the garden's needs.

The department expects a timely completion of the planting process, “We commenced planting tulip bulbs by last month and proceeded without hindrance, thanks to favourable weather conditions. We managed to complete the work on schedule,” said an official supervising the work.

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is expected to open its gates to the public any time after March 20 next year, depending on the temperature.

This mesmerizing tulip haven earned a prestigious spot in the World Book of Records in London in April, recognized for being the most beautiful and largest in Asia. Over the past few years, the Tulip Garden has become a magnet for tourists worldwide, with a record-breaking 3.65 lakh visitors this year alone.

As the tulips prepare to bloom in a riot of colours, Srinagar's Tulip Garden is poised to captivate visitors with its breath-taking beauty, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Established in 2008 by the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, the garden was designed to draw an increased number of tourists to the Valley during the spring season.