THE TULIP FESTIVAL OF KASHMIR VALLEY,
SRINAGAR
Tulip festivals are held in many
regions of the world, but for Asia, the festival in Srinagar, Kashmir, stands
out. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, named after the former Prime
Minister and more commonly known as Siraj Bagh, is the largest in Asia.
The 12 hectare garden is located on the
bottom of the Zabarwan Range in the state capital, commanding a view of the Dal
Lake. It hosts the popular Tulip Festival each year, which is am unforgettable
event.
Millions of bulbs of more than
60 varieties can be seen at the gardens. Thousands of tourists from Asia visit
Kashmir during the tulip season and enjoy these flowers in full bloom, a unique
sight.
The experience is heightened with the nearby snow-peaked mountains and the Dal Lake.
Sightseeing in Srinagar
Apart from strolling in the garden
among the different tulips, you can indulge in other activities, and visit the
nearby famous places of Srinagar. You can take boat rides, known as shikaras,
on the famous Dal Lake, go swimming or even travel on a houseboat. The lake
offers the best views of the Kashmir Valley. You can also visit the Mughal
gardens on the banks of the lake, next to the Siraj Bagh.
One of them, Pari Mahal (Fairy Palace), was built
by son of Shaj Jahan, Dara Shikoh for his tutor. It also served as an
observatory for astronomy and astrology, and is now a paramilitary camp. In
contrast to Pari Mahal, there’s the renowned Shalimar Bagh, built by Emperor
Jahangir. It was the summer abode of the emperor and his wife Nur Jahan as they
loved Kashmir. The garden has elaborate architecture and many ponds and
fountains. The Bagh is now a public park.
The Dachigam National Park in the
Zabarwan range is known for possessing Asia’s largest number of black bears,
and for being the sole habitat of the Kashmir stag, along with many other
animals.
The Kashmir Valley
Other than Srinagar, there are many
more popular places that people visit when they come for the Tulip Festival.
There’s Pahalgam, famous for its numerous pilgrimage sites and breathtaking
valleys. The valleys are regular spots for trekking and hiking.
Gulmarg is a stunning mountain resort,
renowned for the highest golf course in India. It also has an exceptional ski
resort which is why it was named “heartland of winter sports in India” by CNN.
You can go snowboarding, tobogganing, heli skiing, and normal skiing. Extreme
snow sports enthusiasts flock to Gulmarg every year.
If you wish to go river rafting and
indulge in other water sports, then head to Sonamarg. It’s another popular hill
station and is known as the “Meadow of Gold”. For mountaineers, Kashmir has
many peaks that are frequent trekking and climbing spots.
Dates for the Tulip Festival
The festival also has exhibitions of the Kashmiri handloom and
crafts. There’s delicious Kashmiri cuisine you can gorge on as you watch folk
dancers and musicians perform. The festival is an opportunity to learn about
the culture of Kashmir.
Post a Comment