1. INDIRA GANDHI MEMORIAL TULIP GARDEN, SRINAGAR (JAMMU & KASHMIR)

The most famous and largest tulip garden in India—and indeed in Asia—is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar. Nestled in the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking the stunning Dal Lake, this garden is a breathtaking sight when the tulips bloom in spring.

Spread over 30 hectares, the garden showcases more than 1.5 million tulips of over 60 varieties, arranged in terraced rows that cascade down the hillside. The display includes a range of colors—red, yellow, white, purple, orange, pink, and even bi-colored petals. The view of the vibrant tulips set against the snow-capped mountains makes it a must-visit destination.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Late March to mid-April, depending on the weather conditions. The bloom typically lasts for about 15-20 days.

The Tulip Festival, organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department, coincides with the blooming period and includes cultural programs, local handicraft stalls, and traditional cuisine.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Srinagar Airport is well-connected to major cities.

By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Jammu and other nearby areas.

By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railway station.

2. TULIP GARDEN, KUFRI (HIMACHAL PRADESH)

Situated near Shimla, in the quaint hill town of Kufri, Himachal Pradesh is developing its tulip garden modeled on the Srinagar template. Although relatively new, this tulip garden has quickly grown in popularity and aims to provide a Himalayan floral experience to those visiting the region during spring.

What makes Kufri’s tulip garden special is the charming mountain backdrop and cooler climate, offering a scenic alternative for travelers who might not be able to make it to Kashmir.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Mid-April to early May, when the tulips are in full bloom.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: The nearest airport is Shimla Airport, or Chandigarh Airport for better connectivity.

By Road: Kufri is easily accessible via road from Shimla (around 15 km).

By Rail: Nearest station is Shimla Railway Station (toy train route).

3. SIKKIM’S FLOWER EXHIBITIONS – WHITE HALL, GANGTOK

Though not a full-fledged tulip garden, Sikkim’s annual flower exhibitions held at the White Hall Complex in Gangtok during the spring and summer months often include tulips along with other Himalayan flowers like rhododendrons, orchids, and primulas. Sikkim, with its cool climate and rich biodiversity, is becoming an eastern hub for flower lovers.

These displays are especially appealing because they showcase how tulips thrive alongside other native and exotic blooms, in arrangements that highlight their vibrant contrasts.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The International Flower Festival is typically held in April and May.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Bagdogra Airport (nearest), followed by a 4–5-hour drive to Gangtok.

By Road: Well-connected by road to Siliguri, Darjeeling, and other towns.

By Rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station.

4. BOTANICAL GARDENS, OOTY AND COONOOR (TAMIL NADU)

The Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, especially areas like Ooty and Coonoor, are known for their colonial-era botanical gardens and flower shows. The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty, in particular, occasionally features tulip sections during the annual flower show in May.

Though tulips aren't native to the region, experimental plantings and controlled horticulture practices allow these gardens to grow select varieties for exhibition purposes. Visitors can enjoy not just tulips but an array of blooms against the cool, misty hill station atmosphere.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

During the Ooty Summer Festival in May, especially during the Flower Show.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Coimbatore is the nearest airport (approx. 90 km).

By Road: Ooty is well-connected via road to major cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

By Rail: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (a UNESCO heritage train) offers a scenic route from Mettupalayam to Ooty.

5. MUGHAL GARDENS, UDHAMPUR AND JAMMU REGION

Apart from Srinagar, tulips are also cultivated in smaller quantities in other Mughal-style gardens of Jammu and Udhampur. While not as grand as the Srinagar tulip garden, these sites still offer seasonal tulip blooms that can be enjoyed during a springtime visit.

These gardens are also less crowded and can be a peaceful alternative for those exploring the region.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Late March to April.

HOW TO REACH

Accessible via road and train from Jammu and nearby cities.

6. ASSAM’S TULIP GARDEN, KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK VICINITY (ASSAM)

In a bid to promote eco-tourism and floral diversity, Assam has recently developed its first tulip garden near the iconic Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros. Located in the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park in the Kohora area, this tulip garden adds a splash of vibrant color to the already lush landscape of Assam’s rich biodiversity zone.

The project, supported by the Assam State government and various horticulture departments, has seen the successful cultivation of tulip bulbs imported from Holland. Although still in its early stages, the garden showcases thousands of tulips blooming in organized beds, adding a European charm to the northeastern wilderness.

What makes this destination special is the unique combination of wildlife tourism and floral beauty. Visitors can plan a day that includes an early morning safari in Kaziranga, followed by a stroll through rows of blooming tulips, making it an ideal spring itinerary for nature lovers.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Late February to mid-March, slightly earlier than northern gardens due to Assam’s climatic conditions.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Jorhat Airport or Guwahati Airport, followed by a drive.

By Road: Kaziranga is well-connected by national highways to major cities in Assam.