Srinagar, Mar 25: Tourists planning to visit the renowned Tulip Garden in Srinagar can now book tickets online, as authorities have introduced an online and QR code-based ticketing system at multiple locations, including Srinagar Airport. The announcement was made by Floriculture Director Shakeel-ul-Rehman Rather on Tuesday.
The garden is set to open for the public on Wednesday, with an impressive display of 17.5 lakh tulip bulbs and other flowers enhancing its beauty.
“This year, we have introduced an online ticket booking system,” Rather said. “We have also partnered with tourism departments of several countries, and their websites now provide a direct link for online ticket purchases. In addition, tickets will still be available through physical counters.”
For the first time, a QR code-based ticket booking facility has been set up at the Tourist Reception Centre and the airport to reduce congestion at the garden. Tickets are also available at several hotels across Srinagar.
“We aim to gradually transition to a completely online system over the next two to three years,” Rather added. “In the future, we hope only ticket-holding visitors will enter the garden, helping to manage traffic and minimize overcrowding.”
Expressing optimism about visitor turnout, Rather said, “Last year, the garden opened with about 15 days left before the holy month of Ramzan. This year, the inauguration falls in the last days of Ramzan, so we expect to surpass last year’s footfall of 4.5 lakh visitors.”
Nestled between Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Hills, the opening of Asia’s largest tulip garden marks the beginning of the tourism season in Kashmir.
Established in 2007 by then-Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was designed to extend Jammu and Kashmir’s tourist season, which was previously limited to summer and winter. Formerly known as Siraj Bagh, the garden spans 55 hectares, offering a breathtaking floral spectacle to visitors from around the world.