Srinagar ,23-Mar: Asia’s largest tulip garden, which has about 15 lakh tulips of 68 varieties in its lap the banks of world famous Dal Lake, with the backdrop of mighty Zabarwan range of mountains in the summer capital, Srinagar, was thrown open for gawking visitors on Wednesday, marking the beginning of new tourism season in the Valley.Chief Secretary AK Mehta, after inaugurating Tulip festival at Tulip garden told media persons that Kashmir in the month of March so far has recorded highest-ever tourist footfall and in the last six months the number of tourists visiting Kashmir remained all-time high.At the occasion, Dr Mehta congratulated people across and said the event will boost the tourism industry in Kashmir valley. He said the UT administration is working on the promotion of more destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, which will pave way to employment to local youth.He said the Department of Floriculture have planted 1.5 million flower saplings including Tulips in the garden and added the garden has total 68 varieties with 8 new varieties of different flowers.Meanwhile, amid a series of musical and cultural events, a large number of tourists and locals thronged the garden on the first day.Tourists, both local and foreigners, besides local people in long queues were seen waiting for their turn to enter the Tulip garden and enjoy the beauty of blooming tulips on a sunny Wednesday.“I have come here during this time of the year especially to see the Tulips and almonds bloom. In my last visit to the valley during summer last year, I was told by many local people that I should visit when the Tulip garden and almond orchards are in full bloom and I am glad that I came here as the beauty of this place is to die for,” Arun Mehta, a resident of Delhi, told CNS. (CNS)
