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This autumn, Kashmir has found a new reason to bloom, and catch the eye of travellers who are itching to make their way to the state. Srinagar has just unveiled Asia’s largest Chrysanthemum Garden, called Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, which is a new attraction located inside the iconic Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, which is situated at the foot of the Zabarwan Range. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 25, the garden is spread across 100 kanals (around 5 hectares) and boasts over one lakh chrysanthemum plants in brilliant shades of yellow, pink, red, and purple. Kashmir's tulip season is already famous and draws travellers from far and wide to the capital Srinagar. But with this new chrysanthemum garden, the city hopes to extend its tourism season to autumn as well. The garden is the first of its kind in Kashmir and is already being called Asia’s largest chrysanthemum garden. "People had a misconception that flowers don't bloom after the summer season in Kashmir. After meeting with officials of the Floriculture Department, we concluded that if we can begin the tourist season early by opening the Tulip Garden, we can extend the season with the Gul-e-Dawood garden," CM Abdullah said at the inauguration. "I extend my congratulations to all the gardeners and officials of the Floriculture Department. We will continue to expand this chrysanthemum garden every season," he added. Modelled after the hugely successful Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, which drew over 8.5 lakh visitors earlier this year, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood hopes to attract 2–3 million tourists in its first season. The garden’s opening also coincides with the third Autumn Flower Festival, celebrating the Valley’s lesser-known seasonal flora. Beyond its beauty, the initiative brings an economic lifeline to the region’s tourism sector, which is still recovering from the tragic Pahalgam attack in April that led to widespread cancellations. Officials estimate the chrysanthemum garden could generate ₹500–700 crore in revenue this season alone, giving a much-needed boost to local livelihoods and hospitality businesses. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
