Kashmir's New Chrysanthemum Garden: Gul-e-Dawood Transforms Autumn Tourism in Srinagar

A vibrant new chrysanthemum garden is set to welcome visitors in Srinagar within days, adding a colorful dimension to Kashmir's autumn landscape.

Nestled at the foot of the Zabarwan hills, this spectacular display features chrysanthemums, locally known as "Gul-e-Dawood" or David's flower, transforming the Valley's autumn with a burst of colors and fragrances when other foliage begins to fade to grey.

The garden showcases 50 exceptional varieties of chrysanthemums and has been developed adjacent to Srinagar's popular tulip garden. With approximately 30 lakh blooms spread across 5 hectares, it represents Kashmir's second themed garden attraction.

Officials anticipate that this new floral destination will impact tourism similarly to the tulip garden established two decades ago, which successfully extended Kashmir's spring tourist season. While falling chinar leaves have traditionally defined Kashmir's autumn with their golden carpet effect, the chrysanthemum garden now offers visitors an additional postcard-worthy autumn experience.

Remarkably, the J&K Floriculture Department developed this attraction in just 11 months. "We have worked very hard to come up with the garden. All workers, particularly gardeners, worked day and night to establish it," shared Javid Masood, a senior department official.

The project commenced in November last year following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's foundation stone ceremony. Despite various challenges, officials ensured timely completion of this second themed garden since the tulip garden's establishment in 2007.

Early visitors are already expressing delight at this unexpected autumn offering. One tourist from Surat, Gujarat remarked, "I was always thinking of visiting Kashmir to see tulips in March and April. I had never thought that we could see such a flower garden in October in Kashmir."

According to officials, the chrysanthemums will continue blooming until December when temperatures drop significantly below freezing point, providing tourists with an extended viewing season.

"It's going to offer visitors another reason to experience Kashmir's natural beauty beyond the traditional spring and summer seasons. The garden adds another dimension to Srinagar's floral landscape," an official explained.