Tourism – Srinagar Tulip Garden Season Ends After Record Visitor Turnout
Tourism – The famed tulip garden in Srinagar, regarded as Asia’s largest of its kind, is set to close its gates to visitors on Thursday, bringing an end to a vibrant and highly successful season. Opened to the public on March 16—earlier than usual due to a noticeable rise in temperatures across the valley—the garden drew an exceptional number of visitors over the past few weeks.
Record Footfall Reflects Tourism Recovery
This year, the garden witnessed an unprecedented surge in footfall, attracting nearly 3.70 lakh visitors during its operational period. Among them were approximately 2.10 lakh domestic tourists, along with more than 1,100 international travelers. Officials believe that the final count may have reached close to 3.9 lakh, marking one of the highest visitor numbers in recent years.
The strong turnout is being seen as a positive indicator for the region’s tourism industry, which had experienced setbacks in the past due to security concerns, including last year’s incident in Pahalgam. The steady influx of visitors this season has brought renewed optimism to stakeholders associated with tourism and hospitality in the valley.
A Seasonal Attraction with Lasting Impact
The tulip garden, known for its expansive layout and colorful display of blooms, has long been a key attraction during the spring season. Its early opening this year allowed visitors to experience the flowers at their peak, contributing to the overall rise in tourist numbers.
Local businesses, including hotels, transport services, and handicraft vendors, also benefited from the increased tourist activity. The success of this season is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the local economy.
Revival of a Traditional Transport Symbol
Amid the modern bustle of Srinagar’s streets, an old mode of transport is quietly making a return. The traditional horse-drawn tonga, once a common sight in the city, is being reintroduced by a 70-year-old resident, Ghulam Rasool Kumar.
Kumar, who hails from the historic Habba Kadal area, had been associated with tongas during their peak in the 1960s. At that time, they served as a primary means of commuting for residents. However, with the gradual expansion of motorized transport in the late 1980s, the demand for tongas declined sharply, forcing many operators, including Kumar, to leave the profession.
After years of working as a laborer, Kumar has now returned to his roots, bringing back a piece of the city’s cultural heritage. His tonga has become a symbol of nostalgia, reminding people of a slower and simpler era.
Universities End Academic Agreements with NGO
In a separate development, three universities in Kashmir have decided to terminate their academic collaborations with a United States-based non-governmental organization. The institutions involved include the University of Kashmir, the Islamic University of Science and Technology, and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir.
The decision to cancel these agreements was taken following what officials described as “adverse intelligence inputs.” All three universities have issued formal orders ending their memorandums of understanding and any associated arrangements with immediate effect.
Authorities clarified that no financial transactions had taken place under these agreements, and no liabilities were incurred during their duration. The move has been presented as a precautionary measure to ensure institutional integrity and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Balancing Growth and Caution
Together, these developments reflect a region navigating both growth and caution. While the tourism sector shows signs of strong recovery, administrative decisions in the education sector highlight a focus on security and oversight.
As the tulip garden season concludes, the record-breaking turnout stands as a reminder of Kashmir’s enduring appeal. At the same time, efforts to preserve cultural traditions and maintain institutional safeguards continue to shape the region’s evolving landscape.