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I visit the garden on Day 4 every year — that’s when the second wave (yellow) hits peak. Day 1 is mostly red. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is Asia’s largest, with about 17 lakh tulips across 74 varieties spread across seven terraced tiers on the lower slopes of the Zabarwan Hills. It opens for two and a half weeks every spring and pulls roughly 4 lakh visitors during that window. Here’s everything you need to know to time your visit right.
The garden was established in 1969 and significantly expanded in the 2000s. It sits between Cheshma Shahi spring and the Dal Lake shoreline, with Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh within 4 km — which makes it the anchor of a full-day Mughal gardens circuit in spring. The terraced structure means each level holds a different colour and variety palette, and the view from the uppermost tier looking back down across the tulip fields toward Dal Lake with the Pir Panjal range visible in the distance is the most photographed image in Srinagar in spring.
When Is the Tulip Garden Opening in 2026?
Expected: last week of March 2026 (typically 22–26 March). The exact date is announced by J&K Tourism in the first week of March on its official social media handle.
Bloom Waves by Week — What Colour to Expect When
The 17 lakh tulips don’t all bloom simultaneously — they open in successive waves tied to variety and altitude within the terraced garden.
- Days 1–4 (opening week) — Reds dominate: Apeldoorn, Oxford, Red Impression.
- Days 5–10 (peak week) — Yellow, orange, and white varieties join: Golden Parade, Yellow Flight, Maureen White.
- Days 11–18 (closing wave) — Purples, bi-colours, and late fringed varieties: Purple Prince, Angelique, Flaming Parrot.
Ticket Prices 2026
- Adults: ₹75
- Children (3–12 years): ₹30
- Foreign nationals: ₹150
- Drone: strictly not allowed. Srinagar has restricted airspace; fines start at ₹50,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry fee for Tulip Garden in 2026?
₹75 for adults, ₹30 for children (3–12), ₹150 for foreign nationals.
See also: Best time to visit Kashmir · Honeymoon package (April tulip itinerary) · Family package · Cab service · Airport pickup