Srinagar: Who doesn’t like flowers? And when it’s tulips, there are no questions asked. Then it should not come as a surprise that Asia’s largest tulip garden in Kashmir located in the foothills of the snow-clad Zabarwan mountain range, has attracted a record number of visitors since it opened on March 25.
Official figures say that more than 2.15 lakh visitors have arrived in this iconic garden during the last 22 days. Along with tourists from different parts of the country, Tulip garden also attracts local visitors every year, News 18 reported.
“Last year, the garden was closed due to coronavirus lockdown which left many visitors disappointed but this year a huge rush was witnessed in the past 22 days,” Farooq Ahmed Rather, Director of the Forticulture Department, adding that out of 2.15 lakh visitors, 1,43,000 were locals while nearly 72,000 were tourists from different states was quoted as saying.
The department had planted nearly 15 lakh tulip bulbs of 64 varieties this year for which preparation began in December. Most of these varieties were imported from countries like Holland.
Dr. Inaam, in charge of Tulip garden, was quoted as saying, “We had ensured that all Covid-19 protocols were being followed strictly despite the huge rush of visitors. Rapid testing facilities were kept available while visitors were constantly being asked to maintain social distancing.”
“Regular announcement is also being made on loudspeakers asking people to wear masks and maintain social distance,” he added.
With an aim to make Tulip show 2021 a grand success, the Department of Tourism also conducted a two-day-long “Tulip festival” on April 3. Cultural and musical events were held in which Bollywood rapper and singer Badshah performed, the report added.
