Tulip garden in Srinagar closed

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden at the foothill of Zabarwan hills, which remained a main attraction for thousands of tourists for about a month, has been closed. The garden overlooking famed Dal Lake which advanced, the tourist season by a month, was inaugurated and dedicated

Srinagar, Apr 26, 2009: Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden at the foothill of Zabarwan hills, which remained a main attraction for thousands of tourists for about a month, has been closed. The garden overlooking famed Dal Lake which advanced, the tourist season by a month, was inaugurated and dedicated to people by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on March 29 last year.

The garden has been closed, officials told a UNI correspondent near the main gate today. Earlier, the authorities announced to keep the garden open for summer by planting other flowers after the Tulip season is over.

They also said the garden will remain open for entire summer season from next year.

Keeping in view the interest shown by the people last year, this year, the tourism department organised a week-long festival in the garden.

A UNI correspondent, who visited the garden last week saw just 20 per cent of the tulips as the season almost came to an end.

The authorities had announced that entry to the garden will be through tickets as adults will have to pay Rs 50 and children Rs 20.

The officials said because the tulip season has come to an end, the garden will remain closed for general public till further orders.

About 12 lakh tulips in about 60 different colours were in full bloom in last week of March and first week of April this year.

Last year, besides thousands of tourists, the garden attracted Bollywood actors to shoot there. (UNI)