Kashmir’s First Chrysanthemum Garden Bursts Into Full Bloom – Extending the Valley’s Tourist Season

Kashmir’s First Chrysanthemum Garden Bursts Into Full Bloom

By: JKL Travels | October 2025

A Floral Marvel in the Heart of Srinagar

In a stunning new addition to Kashmir’s horticultural landscape, the Bagh-e-Gul Dawood — the Valley’s first-ever Chrysanthemum Garden — has officially opened its gates inside the famed Botanical Garden near Cheshma Shahi.

Spread across more than 100 kanals, this botanical wonderland showcases over 30 lakh blooming chrysanthemums, painting a breathtaking canvas of color beneath the majestic Zabarwan Hills.

Extending Kashmir’s Tourist Calendar

Traditionally, Kashmir’s tourism peaks during the spring tulip season and tapers off by late summer. However, this garden marks a strategic shift in Kashmir’s seasonal tourism approach.

Unlike tulips, which bloom in April, chrysanthemums flourish in October and November, bringing a new reason for travelers to visit the Valley in late autumn.

Tourism officials view it as a way to extend the Valley’s visitor calendar into the colder months, offering fresh experiences before winter snow transforms the region into a white wonderland.

“This is beyond my imagination,” said one visitor from Uttar Pradesh, admiring the serene ambiance and the stunning color palette of the garden. “I’ve seen tulips in spring, but this autumn bloom feels even more peaceful.”

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50+ Varieties of Colorful Blooms

From fiery reds and pastel pinks to golden yellows, crisp whites, and rustic browns — the diversity of floral species here is extraordinary.

More than 50 exquisite varieties have been carefully cultivated by the Department of Floriculture, showcasing both indigenous and hybrid chrysanthemums.

Each cluster adds to a mesmerizing mosaic of hues, making Bagh-e-Gul Dawood a paradise for photographers, botanists, and nature lovers.

A Garden with a Vision

The Chrysanthemum Garden is more than a scenic attraction — it’s a symbol of Kashmir’s evolving tourism strategy.

The initiative was personally championed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with ₹2 crore allocated to turn the project into reality.

By blending beauty with long-term planning, the garden aligns with the government’s broader mission to promote sustainable, year-round tourism while highlighting Kashmir’s rich floriculture heritage.

Why Chrysanthemums Matter to Kashmir’s Tourism Economy

1. Extended Tourist Season: Encourages travel in late autumn, a traditionally lean period.

2. Floriculture Boost: Promotes local flower farming and horticultural innovation.

3. Employment Creation: Seasonal jobs for gardeners, vendors, and guides.

4. Eco-Tourism Appeal: Attracts nature lovers, photographers, and eco-travelers.

5. Complement to Tulip Garden: Diversifies Srinagar’s floral attractions and draws repeat visitors.

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Visitor Experience & Access

• Location: Inside the Srinagar Botanical Garden, near Cheshma Shahi, about 10 km from Lal Chowk.

• Timings: Open daily, 9 AM – 6 PM (October–November bloom period).

• Entry Fee: ₹50 (adults), ₹25 (children).

• Best Time to Visit: Late October to mid-November, when all varieties are in full bloom.

• Nearby Attractions: Tulip Garden, Dal Lake, Pari Mahal, Zabarwan Park.

Local Insights & Travel Tips

• Plan Early: Hotels near Dal Lake and Boulevard Road fill up fast during the bloom season.

• Combine Tours: Pair your visit with Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, or a Shikara Ride for a full-day itinerary.

• Photography Tip: Visit during golden hours (8–10 AM or 4–6 PM) for the best lighting.

• Sustainability Tip: Avoid plucking flowers and dispose of waste responsibly to help maintain the garden’s beauty.

Beyond the Blooms – A Step Toward Eco-Cultural Revival

Kashmir’s floriculture department has long been recognized for its tulip garden — once Asia’s largest. Now, the Chrysanthemum Garden adds a new dimension to the region’s horticultural charm.

Officials emphasize that this project is not only a tourism booster but also a way to revive traditional horticultural practices and promote environmental consciousness among visitors and locals alike.

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Voices from the Valley

“Bagh-e-Gul Dawood represents Kashmir’s promise to the world — that beauty here is eternal, no matter the season,” said a senior official at the Department of Floriculture.

“Our goal is to ensure that tourists have something new to experience each time they visit — from tulips in spring to chrysanthemums in autumn.”

A New Landmark for Kashmir Tourism

With its vivid landscapes, thoughtful planning, and perfect autumn timing, the Chrysanthemum Garden is already being hailed as Kashmir’s newest floral wonder.

It seamlessly bridges the gap between spring’s tulip spectacle and winter’s snowy allure, inviting travelers to witness a different shade of paradise.

Quick Summary

FAQs: Chrysanthemum Garden in Kashmir

01. Where is the Chrysanthemum Garden located?
It’s located inside Srinagar’s Botanical Garden near Cheshma Shahi, surrounded by the Zabarwan Hills.

02. When is the best time to visit the Chrysanthemum Garden?
Late October to mid-November is the ideal period to see the flowers in full bloom.

03. How is it different from the Tulip Garden?
The Tulip Garden blooms in spring (March–April), while the Chrysanthemum Garden comes alive in autumn (October–November), extending the tourist season.

04. How many varieties are displayed?
The garden features over 50 varieties in vibrant shades of red, pink, yellow, white, and brown.

05. Who inaugurated the garden?
The garden was developed under the leadership of CM Omar Abdullah with support from the Department of Floriculture.

06. What’s the entry fee and timing?
Entry costs ₹50 for adults and ₹25 for children. Timings are 9 AM–6 PM during the bloom season.

07. Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it’s a perfect picnic and photo spot for families and tourists.

08. Can professional photographers shoot here?
Yes, but commercial shoots may require prior permission from authorities.

09. Are food or refreshments available nearby?
Yes, small kiosks and tea stalls are located within and near the Botanical Garden complex.

10. How does it impact local tourism?
It’s expected to attract thousands of additional visitors during the shoulder season, boosting Srinagar’s economy and floriculture sector.

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Final Word:

The Chrysanthemum Garden of Kashmir isn’t just a floral showcase — it’s a testament to innovation in tourism. By celebrating autumn’s forgotten beauty, Kashmir has added yet another jewel to its crown of natural wonders.