Hundreds of visitors on Sunday evening flocked Asia’s largest Tulip garden overlooking the world famous Dal Lake after it was thrown open by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Around 1.6 million tulips of 68 varieties have been planted in the garden this year to attract visitors. Lt-Governor Manoj Sinha personally invited tourists from all over the world to make a plan to witness the sublime beauty of nature.
Addressing the gathering of special invitees including investors from UAE during the opening ceremony LG Manoj Sinha said, “I invite people from all over the world to visit J&K and discover the mesmerising beauty of 16 Lakh tulip flowers & enjoy the warm hospitality of our people”.
He also directed the Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir to make arrangements for growing Tulip’s planting material in J&K instead of relying on imports. The effort will ensure that J&K is able to tap the Rs 400 crores market of Tulips in the country, he added.
Sinha also patted the back of gardeners and all others who worked laboriously behind the scene to decorate the 30 hectares of Tulip garden.
The Tourism department is already expecting a heavy tourist influx this year as compared to last year. Last year, as many as 3.66 lakh tourists thronged the garden, which was the highest ever.
1.2 lakh tourists visited the kashmir valley in the month of February this year raising hopes of hoteliers and all other stakeholders of a buoyant tourism season ahead. The floriculture department has expanded the channel to the top of the garden. In addition, some fountains have been set up in the garden to make it more attractive.
