Tulip festival begins in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 8 (ANI): Seven-day long tulip festival being held here has given a boost to tourism in Kashmir.

One of the largest tulip flower garden in Srinagar, 'Siraj Bagh' was opened for the tourists to enjoy the festival.

The tourism authorities in the state said they are using the festival to promote the state as a preferred destination.

"Lot of Indians go to Holland just to see tulips, but now this place is near and more affordable for the domestic tourists. We feel we will get more tourists. We have come to know that about 12,00 tourists and mostly outsiders have come here," said Tanveer Jahan, a secretary of tourism department.

The garden at the foothills of Zabarwan overlooking the famed Dal Lake has about 60 varieties of multi-colored tulips.

The festival that also showcased, the state's traditional art and culture, was an instant hit with the foreigners.

"You cannot find any of these products in other parts of India. I have not seen something like this," said Peter Mathew, a tourist from Chile.

Lot of domestic tourists also visited the festival.

"The variety and the colour are very good. The art collection, the shawls and also the climate is very good," said Minakshi, an Indian tourist.

'Siraj Bagh', which has become home to tulips in Kashmir, has a unique and feasible topography that suits different varieties of flowers. It has slopes suited for different varieties of fruit plants and wilderness suitable for wild flora and bushes.

Tulip, which has its origin in Persia (Iran), was introduced in Europe in 17th century, where it had been developed in different varieties.

Holland is the largest producer of tulips, which inhabits the mountain areas extending from Europe to Central Asia.

The plantation of tulips begins from September, before the start of winter season. By Afzal Butt (ANI)