Kashmir marked a new chapter in its floriculture and tourism map as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the Valley’s first-ever Chrysanthemum Theme Garden, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, at the picturesque Botanical Garden in Srinagar. The project, developed at a cost of ₹1.869 crore, spans over 100 kanals and is designed to become a major attraction during the autumn season.
The garden showcases a breathtaking collection of chrysanthemums in vivid shades of yellow, red, pink, and purple, transforming the autumn landscape into a vibrant floral spectacle. The initiative aims to extend the tourist calendar beyond spring, when the famous Tulip Garden draws massive crowds, by offering visitors a colorful experience during the otherwise quieter months.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the garden by cutting a ceremonial ribbon in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries, including MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture Zubair Ahmed, and other departmental heads.
An exhibition of ornamental and lavender plants, along with other floral varieties cultivated by local growers, was also unveiled at the event. The Chief Minister interacted with floriculturists and gardeners, acknowledging their efforts in making the project a success.
The new theme garden is expected to boost local tourism and create new opportunities for horticulture and small-scale flower growers in the region. Officials believe it will help bridge the off-season tourism gap and provide visitors with another reason to experience Kashmir’s beauty beyond the traditional spring bloom.
The opening of Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood follows the model of the Tulip Garden, which has become one of Kashmir’s most popular tourist destinations, symbolizing the region’s growing focus on sustainable and aesthetic tourism.
