Tulip Festival in Kashmir: Dates, Highlights & What Makes It Special
The Tulip Festival in Kashmir is an annual spring celebration held at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Asia’s largest tulip garden. The festival usually takes place from late March to mid-April and lasts for around 40 days, is celebrated as the Tulip Festival in Kashmir, during which over 1 to 1.5 million tulip flowers bloom in vibrant shades of red, yellow, pink, purple and white. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Zabarwan Range and Dal Lake, the festival highlights Kashmir’s natural beauty while promoting tourism.
During this time, over 70 lakh flowers bloom across approximately 72 acres of land, beautifully arranged in colorful flower beds. During the festival, visitors can enjoy more than 68 varieties of tulips spread across a 30-hectare, seven-terraced garden, along with cultural performances, live music, local Kashmiri cuisine and handicraft stalls. It is considered a must-visit event for families, couples, photographers and nature lovers.
In addition to tulips, the garden is home to several other stunning spring flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths and ranunculus. The beauty of the garden is further enhanced by almond and apricot trees that bloom during the same period, adding beauty and charm to the already picturesque landscape.
Key information
- Venue: The festival takes place at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, the largest tulip garden in Asia. It is situated at the foot of the Zabarwan Range and overlooks Dal Lake.
- Time of year: The festival is held during the spring season usually in late March and throughout April depending on the weather and when the tulips reach peak bloom.
2026 dates: - Tentative dates for the 2026 festival are March 20 to April 26. The official opening and closing dates are announced by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department and can depend on the season’s weather.
When is the Tulip Festival in Kashmir 2026?
The Kashmir Tulip Festival 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar. While the garden typically remains open until late April, the best time to visit is the first two weeks of April, when the 1.7 million tulips reach their peak bloom.
Best Time to Visit the Tulip Festival Kashmir 2026
The best time to visit the Kashmir Tulip Festival 2026 is during the first two weeks of April. The peak bloom window usually lasts 10–15 days, depending on weather conditions. Visiting early in the morning on weekdays is ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photography.
- Early March: Buds begin to open at lower elevations.
- Mid-March to April: Full bloom across all terraces.
- Late April: Tulips start to fade, but higher-altitude varieties remain vibrant.
Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds!
How long is the Tulip Season in Kashmir?
The tulip season in Kashmir lasts for about 40 days, beginning in the third week of March and continuing until the last week of April, depending on weather conditions. This period marks the peak blooming phase at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, when millions of tulips and other spring flowers are in full bloom.
The most vibrant displays usually occur during the first two weeks of April, making it the best time for visitors to experience the garden at its colorful peak. Cooler temperatures or unexpected rainfall may slightly shorten or extend the blooming period.
Why Visit the Tulip Festival in Kashmir?
The Tulip Festival in Kashmir is one experience of a lifetime to enjoy nature at its best.
A Visual Extravaganza
The beautiful views of the 1.5 million tulips spread across 30 hectares create one of the best experiences you must enjoy once in a lifetime. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden (formerly known as the Siraj Bagh) is the centerpiece of the festival, with rows upon rows of tulips in vibrant colors such as red, yellow, purple, pink and white. This stunning view against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains creates a perfect photo opportunity. Hire a professional photographer for Kashmir photoshoot here.
Cultural Immersion
Visitors can enjoy various cultural performances during this festival. including traditional Kashmiri folk dances, Sufi music performances, and live craft exhibitions where skilled artisans showcase exquisite Kashmiri handicrafts and Pashmina shawls. Various Food stalls are also setup, where you can enjoy kashmiri authentic delicacies like Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Kahwa, offering a true taste of the valley.
Also check: Famous foods of Kashmir
What to Expect at the Tulip Festival in Kashmir 2026?
The Tulip Festival in Kashmir is not just about flowers. There are other activities and events make this festival a true cultural and touristic experience
Vibrant Blooms
The centerpiece of the festival is the garden spread over 12 hectares and host to more than 1.5 million tulips with an amazing number of over 68 varieties on displa
Cultural Performances and Exhibitions
The festival includes various cultural performances and exhibitions where visitors can enjoy traditional Kashmiri folk dances, Sufi music performances, and live craft exhibitions where skilled artisans showcase exquisite Kashmiri handicrafts and Pashmina shawls.
Delicious Food
Various food stalls will offer authentic Kashmiri delicacies like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Kahwa, providing a true taste of the valley
Facts about The Kashmir Tulip Festival
- In 2021, about 4.6 lakh tulip bulbs were brought to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden from Holland.
- The idea behind hosting this festival every year is to boost tourism in Kashmir while highlighting the cultural significance and beauty of this place.
- Multi-colored tulips will welcome you on your visit to this beautiful garden in Kashmir. All the flowers are grown in parallel rows. You will find red, yellow, and orange tulips, along with a plethora of hybrid variants.
- With an idea that visitors should be able to see the entire garden from all directions, this garden is constructed with more than seven terraces with a gentle slope.
- The tulip garden is one of the first projects taken up by the government to boost the tourism and economy of the state
Essential Travel Tips for the Tulip Festival
- Entry Fee: ₹75 per person, ₹30 for children and ₹200 for foreigners
- Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM daily.
- Book Early: Hotels in Srinagar fill up quickly during the festival.
- Weather Prep: Carry layers—mornings are chilly (10°C), afternoons warm (20°C).
- Respect the Blooms: Avoid stepping into flower beds.
Why Tulip Season in Kashmir 2026 is Special
The tulip season in Kashmir 2026 promises to be a spectacular event with an array of vibrant colors and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or a traveler seeking peace, the Tulip Festival Kashmir 2026 is the perfect reason to visit Srinagar.
In Which Month is the Tulip Festival celebrated?
The Tulip Festival in Kashmir is typically held in the month of April first week each year. In 2026, the festival is expected to begin around March 26th and last for approximately two weeks, depending on weather conditions and the blooming cycle of the tulips. The best time to visit to see the tulips in full bloom is generally during the first two weeks of April.
This festival typically begins in the third week of March and lasts until the end of April, depending on the weather and tulip bloom.
What Makes the Tulip Festival Special?
The Kashmir Tulip Festival isn’t just about the mesmerizing sight of tulips. It is a celebration of Kashmiri culture, traditions, and natural beauty. During the festival, you will experience cultural performances, including traditional Kashmiri music, and showcasing intricate Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, carpets, and paper mache art.
You can also enjoy authentic Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh, Gustaba, and the famous Kahwa tea. If you love to keep updating your followers, the tulip garden in Srinagar provides a great opportunity for photographers with its colorful tulip beds, fountains, and views of Dal Lake, offering countless Instagram-worthy moments.
Difference Between Tulip Garden and Tulip Festival
The Tulip Garden in Kashmir and the Tulip Festival are closely related but not the same. The Tulip Garden refers to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, which is a permanent tourist attraction that opens seasonally during spring. The Tulip Festival, on the other hand, is a special annual event organized to celebrate the peak tulip bloom.
The Tulip Garden remains the main attraction where visitors can explore landscaped terraces, colorful flower beds, fountains, and walkways. The Tulip Festival takes place within the garden during the tulip season and adds cultural elements such as live music, traditional Kashmiri cuisine, handicraft stalls, and performances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the Tulip Festival in Kashmir 2026?
The Tulip Festival 2026 is expected to take place from late March to mid-April, depending on the weather and blooming conditions.
What is the entry fee for the Tulip Festival?
- Adults: ₹60
- Children: ₹25
- Foreign Tourists: ₹200
Where is the Tulip Festival held?
The festival is held at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, near Dal Lake and the Mughal Gardens.
Are there any cultural programs at the festival?
Yes! The festival features traditional Kashmiri folk dances, live Sufi music, and craft exhibitions showcasing Kashmiri handloom and handicrafts.
In which month is the Tulip Festival celebrated?
The Tulip festival Kashmir is held during the spring season, usually in the months of March and April when the tulip gardens in Srinagar are in full bloom.