Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is one of the recent additions to the multitude of tourist attractions in Srinagar. It was established in 2006-07, by covering a sprawling area of 29.6 acres that made it the largest tulip garden across the continent of Asia. This seemingly endless green patch of land is dotted with about 20 lakh flowers, which include several varieties of tulips. The eye-soothing verdure and blossoming tulips lend immense scenic beauty to this garden. What adds to the charm of this garden is its picturesque backdrop that includes the majestic Zabarwan and the beautiful Dal Lake.
Tulip Festival is organised at this site in March, April every year, when tulip flowers are in their full bloom. This popular event is hosted by the floriculture department of the state government. During this flower festival, several cultural programmes as well as exhibitions of local handicraft and cuisine are organised.
Doodhpathri or “Valley of Milk”, situated 40 kms from Srinagar is definitely an unexplored place in Kashmir. If you plan to visit Kashmir sometimes, you should take a little time off to visit this beautiful and enchanting place. You will certainly love the green meadows, pristine environment and serenity.
It took us about an hour from Srinagar by cab. A river cascading down the pebbles is a walk of 5 minutes from the parking. You will definitely meet sphered who will be keeping a watchful eye on his flock grazing on the verdant meadows and some cattle and horses. On reaching river, you can soak your feet on the clear and icy water. God, it felt like my feet was frozen and numb for a second.
As, the place is quite secluded, you can rent a tent and set up a camping station. There are a few shops which serve hot and mouth watery omelettes, Maggie, Kashmiri tea and coffee. The best thing to enjoy here is the ride on horses to the bottom of snow covered mountains and trekking.
The best time to travel Doodhpathri is between May- July as the weather is pleasant and preachy. The temperature varies between 10-15 degrees during this time.