Kashmir's Tulip Garden opens with 1.75 million flowers

Kashmir's Tulip Garden, the largest in Asia, opened to the public on Wednesday, attracting many visitors. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the garden, showcasing over 17.5 lakh tulips across 74 varieties, with many flowers already in bloom. Visitors enjoyed the charming atmosphere, even amidst light rain. Omar, dressed in traditional Kashmiri attire, took photos and shared his excitement on social media. He highlighted the garden's significance and the expected influx of tourists in the coming weeks. The garden, established in 2006, spans 4,500 kanals and offers stunning views of the Zabarwan mountain range and Dal Lake. It typically remains open for four weeks during peak bloom, featuring not only tulips but also other vibrant flowers like daffodils and roses. The floral display has gained popularity, setting a record for foot traffic. Last year, more than 465,000 visitors came, and this year, officials expect that number to surpass 500,000. The garden's history includes growing tulips in home gardens for hundreds of years, which led to its current celebration of nature's beauty.