Kashmir has added another jewel to its crown with the grand opening of Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, Asia’s largest chrysanthemum garden. Spread across five hectares inside Srinagar’s Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, this spectacular floral destination is redefining the region’s autumn landscape — traditionally considered the off-season for tourism.
A Blooming Marvel Beneath the Zabarwan Range
Nestled at the foothills of the scenic Zabarwan Range, the garden was inaugurated on October 25, 2025, by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the third edition of the Autumn Flower Festival. Designed to mirror the global success of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood aims to make Kashmir a year-round floral paradise.
Over One Lakh Blooms, Fifty Varieties
The garden showcases an impressive 1 lakh chrysanthemum plants in more than 50 vibrant varieties, with colours ranging from pink, violet, and yellow to red, white, and apricot. Visitors can spot indigenous and exotic cultivars such as Mount Aubisque Salmon, Aristic Dark Pink, Flavio, Cesar, Manga Red, and Nova Yellow.
The blooms are expected to last well into November, offering travellers an extended window to witness Kashmir in full colour. To enhance the experience, QR codes have been installed on trees, giving visitors detailed information about the region’s flora and conservation efforts.
A New Hope for Kashmir’s Tourism Economy
Beyond its beauty, the chrysanthemum garden carries immense economic promise. Officials estimate that it could draw around 30 lakh visitors in 2025, generating ₹500–700 crore in revenue. The initiative is expected to provide a strong boost to local livelihoods, from hotels and homestays to artisans and tour operators.
The timing couldn’t be better — as the region continues to recover from the travel disruptions following the Pahalgam tragedy in April, this new attraction symbolizes revival and resilience.
Extending Kashmir’s Floral Season
For years, Srinagar’s tulip garden has drawn global attention each spring. Now, with Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, Kashmir extends its floral season into autumn, ensuring that visitors can experience its botanical beauty beyond April.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted during the inauguration that the new garden highlights Kashmir’s rich biodiversity and showcases how tourism in the valley is evolving to offer fresh, sustainable experiences year-round.
A Symbol of Beauty and Resilience
From the air, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood looks like a tapestry of colour — a masterpiece woven from thousands of blooms. But it’s also a powerful symbol of hope and renewal, reflecting Kashmir’s determination to flourish despite challenges.
With this magnificent garden, Srinagar now holds the distinction of housing both Asia’s largest tulip and chrysanthemum gardens, solidifying its status as the floral capital of South Asia.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing Kashmir in full bloom — beyond the snow and tulips — this autumn’s Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood is your invitation to experience nature’s art at its finest.
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