Srinagar, Feb 21 (KNO): The famous Tulip Garden, located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains here, is proving to be a ‘goldmine’ for the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
According to the official documents accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the garden generated Rs 14.35 crore revenue in the year 2024, an all-time high since it was first inaugurated in 2007 by then J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Notably, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was among the first to enter into the garden in 2007, buying a ticket for Rs 50 out of her own pocket.
The documents reveal that the garden’s revenue has seen a steady increase over the years. In 2020-21, it generated Rs 2.49 crores, followed by Rs 6.70 crores in 2021-22. The revenue rose to Rs 13.46 crores in 2022-23 and reached an estimated Rs 14.35 crores in the last financial year (2023-24). This revenue was generated from entry tickets, permissions for videography, and the sale of plant material.
Notably, the Tulip Garden, a visual spectacle of vibrant colors, showcased 1.7 million flowers this year, including 73 varieties of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring blooms.
The 2023-24 season witnessed an unprecedented 4.46 lakh visitors, comprising local, national, and international tourists, marking an all-time high in the garden’s history.
The Tulip Show has become a gateway for tourism in the Kashmir Valley, attracting visitors from across the globe. The event not only provides a glimpse of the region’s natural beauty but also serves as a platform for local businesses, including hotels, transport services, and handicraft vendors, to thrive.
Officials attribute the record-breaking footfall and revenue to improved infrastructure, better marketing strategies, and the growing reputation of the Tulip Garden as a must-visit destination. “The garden’s strategic location adds to its value. We are hopeful about attracting more visitors this season than last year,” an official from the Department of Floriculture told KNO—(KNO)