How to Reach Tulip Garden
Many seem of opinion that Srinagar is “Paradise on Earth.” Srinagar is a gem in the Kashmir Valley. Picturesque landscapes, serene lakes, and elegant gardens find shelter for travelers from around the world. Such attractions include the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, commonly referred to as the Tulip Garden Srinagar, which is located at the foot of the Zabarwan Range and from where one gets a view of the sparkling Dal Lake. This is Asia’s largest such garden and springs to life with colors during spring, bringing in tourists and photography enthusiasts in droves.
This blog will guide you on how to get to the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, including what to expect during your visit and provide you with some hints on maximizing your experience. This could be a family vacation or a romantic holiday, or even a solo adventure, but the great opportunity the Tulip Garden offers is to immerge oneself fully into nature and tranquility.
Introduction to Tulip Garden
Before jumping into the details of how to reach the Tulip Garden, let us delve more profoundly into what makes the garden special.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is Asia’s largest tulip garden, spread over 12 hectares of land. The garden was opened in the year 2007 as an initiative by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department. It is located between the towering Zabarwan Range to the south and the shimmering lake to the north, near Dal Lake. Tulips bloom every spring, usually in March or April, depending on the weather, and it is a short but spectacular event. During that time, the garden is full of vibrant hues of red, yellow, pink, and purple tulips, and it’s really a beautiful sight for the visitors.
This is not merely a sight, but a photographer’s paradise and nature lovers’ abode for many who just want some silence. If flowers are attached to mountains covered with snow, the outcome can only be magic-which one carries back long after one leaves this place.
Best Time to Visit Tulip Garden
The Tulip Festival in Srinagar usually takes place during the spring season, usually between March and early April. This is usually when the tulips bloom at their peak. Blooming period is three weeks, and the peak time for the tulips usually falls somewhere in the middle of this period.
For the best, visit the garden at the middle of the blooming season when flowers blossom in full and the garden looks very colorful. The spring weather in Srinagar is also quite nice since temperatures range between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and all the places within the city can be visited.
Why Spring Is the Best Time
Spring in Srinagar is a season in itself. It is neither too cold nor too warm. The bright sunlight drenches the entire place, and the gentle cool breeze has made it a favorite destination for walking through the beautiful Tulip Garden, having a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, or exploring the nearby Mughal gardens. Moreover, during this time, other gardens in the city, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, are adorned with colorful flowers and lush greenery.
Local events, such as the Tulip Festival in spring can also be seen, which mostly comprises of traditional Kashmiri music and dance and craft exhibitions. This will impart a flavor of native culture to your tour.
How to Reach Tulip Garden Srinagar
With knowledge about visiting this destination, let’s explore the ways you can get there. Srinagar has good connectivity by air, by train, and by road, making it somewhat less stressful for tourists to visit this garden of colors.
- By Air (Fastest and Convenient Way
The shortest distance to Srinagar can be covered through air. Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) is an entry point to the state, and Srinagar connects to all the prime cities of India, for instance, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chandigarh, among others.
Airport to Tulip Garden:
The travel distance from Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport to Tulip Garden is around 13 km.
- Taxis and private cabs are available in the airport for your easy visit to the garden. That takes about 25-30 minutes from there, depending on the traffic
- One can hire tourist vehicles and even rent Shikaras if the idea is not to use any straight, direct route to come to the garden.
This tourist city does some direct transportation from the airport to the garden, availing oneself of which proves reasonably feasible to an initial visitor; on second thoughts, all may, however, choose other possible means of going around:
- Via Road (Beautiful and Gossipworth Visit)
Tourists who do the entire journey by roads should appreciate its connectivity through National Highway by Road transport for getting up close and personal with nature’s splendour.
- The approximate distance between Delhi and Srinagar is 850 km, and the journey usually takes 18-20 hours if traveled by car. The connecting highway between Delhi and Srinagar is primarily the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, NH 44.
- On the way, one would pass through Patnitop, Udhampur and other scenic towns.
- If travelling by bus, then there exist private and government buses run from Delhi to Srinagar. It takes way longer, about 20 hours.
ii. From Jammu to Srinagar:
- From Jammu, if traveling, it is even less in distance, 270 km and would take only 6-7 hours via car.
- Good road with scenery of valleys of Jammu and Kashmir mountains.
- You can board any local taxi or auto-rickshaw directly from Srinagar to Tulip Garden.
- By Train (which costs cheaper but takes too much time)
While Srinagar does not have a direct railway station, you may reach there by train by reaching the nearest major railway station at Jammu Tawi and further road travel is possible from there.
Jammu Tawi to Srinagar-270 km. Road distance would take almost 6-7 hours.
Another way to reach Srinagar by train is to reach Udhampur, which is about 150 km from Srinagar, and then by road.
- Local Transport in Srinagar
There are several local transport options in Srinagar from which to explore the city and its attractions. Included among them are:
i. Taxis:
The most convenient manner of getting around Srinagar is by taxi. Half-day or full-day taxi sightseeing tours are an easy way to visit this garden and other attractions near about.
ii. Auto Rickshaws:
Srinagar also has auto-rickshaws; however, they are not used more often as a taxi. It is a short ride and is conveniently priced.
iii. Shikara Ride:
The ride in the Shikara on Dal Lake is pretty famous and serene with a fantastic view. Tulip Garden is not actually on the lake, but the places nearby including the Dal Lake make the experience on water not one to be forgotten.
Things to See and Do Around the Tulip Garden
The beauty of Tulip Garden lies in one of the pretty parts of Srinagar, and there are several attractions nearby that are worth exploring during your visit.
- Dal Lake
Dal Lake, commonly known as the Lake of Flowers, is one of the attractions in Srinagar. There is a Shikara ride on the lake, through which you can view the entire landscape around it, including that of the Zabarwan Range and Shankaracharya Hill. The floating market on the lake is another interesting experience through which vendors sell everything ranging from fresh vegetables to handicrafts of Kashmir.
- Mughal Gardens
Many beautiful and artistically designed Mughal gardens are found all over Srinagar. Some of the most prominent ones near the Tulip Garden are Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These gardens are epitomes of the Mughal period landscaping in all aspects-the terraced structure, fountains of water, and flower beds of a designed type. These offer an extremely beautiful and peaceful place for rest and excursion.
The Shankaracharya Temple affords an excellent view of the town and its surroundings. This is a temple to Lord Shiva and, for a pilgrim, it forms an excellent visit. This is located on top of a hill and one would have to climb up there which would be compensated by the view one gets of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
- Hazratbal Shrine
One of the most significant religious places for Muslims is the Hazratbal Shrine on the northern shore of Dal Lake. The shrine is said to contain a relic, which is a strand of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) hair. It is, therefore, a place of worship and pilgrimage. Thus, it is serene and peaceful for its visitors.
Best Places to Stay in Srinagar
Srinagar offers diverse accommodations to suit every pocket. One could find luxury hotels and even houseboats on Dal Lake. Here are some good choices:
Luxury Stays:
- The Lalit Grand Palace – 5-star property, a palace situated on the banks of Dal Lake, with a wonderful room view.
- Vivanta Dal View – a premium hotel with a great panormic view of the Dal Lake and mountains all around.
- Dal Lake Houseboats – To see the Srinagar truly, consider one of Srinagar’s popular houseboats. These are floating abodes that deliver a true flavor of Kashmir.
Budget Accommodations:
- Shah Abbas Hotel – middle-end hotels with comfy rooms, relatively close to most of attractions
- New Shaheen Guest House – economy class; close to Dal Lake.
Travel Guide during Tulip Garden Tour
Some of the useful tips on how to keep up when visiting the Tulip Garden include:
- Knowing when the flowers will bloom: Since the season is short, the opening dates of the garden should be confirmed before traveling.
- Book tickets in advance. The garden becomes very congested during the Tulip Festival. Therefore, tickets should be booked in advance if possible.
- Pack for unpredictable spring weather; carry a light jacket or sweater, along with sun protection. Wear comfortable shoes since much walking will be done at the garden.
- Carry your camera; this is paradise for photographers, and a photographer would want to seize opportunities around the flowers, the setting view around the garden, and a bird’s view of the Dal Lake in the background.
Conclusion
The Tulip Garden in Srinagar is one of those magic destinations which come in a bucket list. Be it to go there to see the tulips, have an experience of the adjacent landscapes, or to get beautiful cool spring weather, this garden is undoubtedly a place worth visiting in Srinagar. If you prepare and plan things accordingly, there can be nothing more memorable than visiting the Tulip Garden amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Kashmir.
Visit Srinagar when vibrant colors of the Tulip Garden fill your senses, too, and your memory bank for the rest of your life.
How to book Kashmir tour?
Contact a travel agency that specializes in Kashmir tours. You can reach out to the following for assistance:
- Phone:
- +91 7889 655596
- +91 7006 891267
- Email:
Inquire about tour packages, itineraries, and pricing, and confirm your booking for a memorable winter experience!
People Also Ask
How do I reach Tulip Garden from Srinagar?
The Tulip Garden, located in Srinagar, is around 10 km from the city center. You can reach it by hiring a taxi or using local transportation. There are buses and taxis that run regularly to the garden during the Tulip Festival.
When is the best time to visit Tulip Garden?
The best time to visit the Tulip Garden in Srinagar is during the Tulip Festival, which generally takes place from March to April, depending on the blooming season.
Can I visit Tulip Garden by bus?
Yes, you can take a bus from Srinagar to the Tulip Garden. Local buses or taxis are available, and the travel time is around 30-40 minutes.
What is the nearest airport to Tulip Garden?
Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar Airport) is the nearest airport to Tulip Garden. From there, you can take a taxi to reach the garden.
Is there an entry fee for Tulip Garden?
Yes, there is an entry fee to visit the Tulip Garden during the festival. The fee is generally nominal and may vary each year.
How far is Tulip Garden from Dal Lake?
The Tulip Garden is about 4-5 km from Dal Lake, and it takes approximately 10-15 minutes to reach by car or taxi.
Are there any guided tours to Tulip Garden?
Yes, many travel agencies offer guided tours to Tulip Garden, especially during the festival season. They often provide transport and a guide for the tour.
What are the timings for Tulip Garden?
The Tulip Garden is typically open from early morning until late afternoon, usually between 7 AM and 7 PM during the Tulip Festival.
Is Tulip Garden open year-round?
No, the Tulip Garden is only open during the blooming season, usually from March to April. Outside of that period, the garden is closed for maintenance.
How can I reach Tulip Garden from Gulmarg?
Tulip Garden is about 50 km from Gulmarg, and you can take a taxi or private vehicle to reach there. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Can I reach Tulip Garden by bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike in Srinagar and ride to the Tulip Garden. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
Are there any public transport options to reach Tulip Garden?
Yes, there are local buses and auto-rickshaws that connect Srinagar to the Tulip Garden. Taxis and private cabs are also readily available.
How long does it take to visit Tulip Garden?
A visit to the Tulip Garden typically lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on how long you want to spend admiring the flowers and taking pictures.
Is there a direct road from Srinagar to Tulip Garden?
Yes, there is a direct road that connects Srinagar to the Tulip Garden, making it easily accessible by car or taxi.
Can I visit Tulip Garden with kids?
Yes, the Tulip Garden is family-friendly and is a great place to visit with children. The vibrant flowers and the spacious garden make it an enjoyable experience for families.
Are there any nearby attractions to Tulip Garden?
Yes, there are several nearby attractions, including Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Mughal Gardens. Dal Lake is also close by.
What should I wear when visiting Tulip Garden?
It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as you may walk a lot. Depending on the weather, a light jacket or sweater might be necessary, especially in the early morning or evening.
How do I reach Tulip Garden from Pahalgam?
The distance between Pahalgam and the Tulip Garden is about 90 km, and you can take a taxi or private vehicle to reach the garden. The journey takes around 2-3 hours.
Is it safe to visit Tulip Garden during the Tulip Festival?
Yes, it is generally safe to visit the Tulip Garden during the festival. However, as with any popular tourist spot, it’s advised to be cautious with your belongings and follow local guidelines.
What is the best way to reach Tulip Garden from Jammu?
You can travel from Jammu to Srinagar by train, bus, or taxi. From Srinagar, take a taxi or local transport to reach the Tulip Garden.
Can I take my pet to Tulip Garden?
It’s best to check with the authorities before bringing pets, as pets might not be allowed in the garden during the peak season.
What is the distance between Tulip Garden and Sonamarg?
The distance from Sonamarg to the Tulip Garden is approximately 80 km. It takes around 2-3 hours to drive there.
Are there any food stalls near Tulip Garden?
Yes, during the Tulip Festival, there are often food stalls and small cafes near the garden where you can enjoy snacks and beverages.
What is the cost of parking near Tulip Garden?
Parking is available near the garden, and the cost usually varies depending on the season. During the festival, parking charges may be slightly higher due to the high number of visitors.
Can I visit Tulip Garden on a weekend?
Yes, the Tulip Garden is open on weekends during the festival season. It can be a great weekend getaway, especially if you’re looking to experience the beauty of the tulips in full bloom.
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