Kashmir's New Floral Wonder: Asia's Largest Chrysanthemum Garden Opens To Visitors

Kashmir has unveiled its first Chrysanthemum Garden, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, at the Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden in Srinagar. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the garden on October 25. It spans over 100 kanals and features a vibrant array of chrysanthemums in hues of yellow, red, pink, and purple. The launch aims to mirror the success of the Tulip Garden, which attracted over 8.55 lakh visitors in spring 2025.

"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.

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The initiative aims to extend the region's tourism season beyond the spring tulip bloom, offering visitors a colourful and fragrant experience during the autumn months. The garden is expected to attract 2-3 million visitors this season, generating an estimated Rs 500-700 crore in revenue. The garden's opening also coincides with the third Autumn Flower Festival.

This development comes as Kashmir's tourism industry struggles to recover from the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including tourists. The incident resulted in a significant 70 percent drop in bookings and widespread cancellations.

5 Things To Do In Kashmir During Autumn

If the Chrysanthemum Garden's launch inspired you to take a trip to Kashmir, here are the top five things you can do during autumn:

1. Witness the chinar foliage

Kashmir's iconic chinar trees turn from green to fiery red, golden, and amber during autumn, offering a breathtaking visual spectacle. Head to Naseem Bagh, which has the highest density of chinar trees in the valley, or visit the Mughal Gardens, which also feature stunning chinar trees.

2. Experience the saffron harvest

The saffron harvest season occurs from mid-October to early November. A trip to Pampore, the "Saffron Town of Kashmir," located about 15 kilometres from Srinagar, allows you to see the vibrant purple saffron flowers blooming in the fields. You can learn about the intricate harvesting process and purchase some of the high-quality saffron directly.

3. Take a shikara ride on Dal Lake

A ride in a traditional wooden shikara on Dal Lake is a quintessential Kashmiri experience. The cooler air and golden chinar leaves reflecting on the lake's still surface create an intimate setting. You can also see the floating gardens and markets and enjoy a cup of traditional Kashmiri kahwa from a vendor.

4. Explore the Mughal Gardens

The historic Mughal Gardens are particularly stunning in autumn. The changing foliage and crisp weather provide a perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll. You can also visit Pari Mahal, a seven-terraced garden, to enjoy panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
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5. Trek amid autumn colours

With mild weather and clear skies, autumn is a great time for trekking in Kashmir. Popular routes like the Tarsar Marsar Trek and Lidderwat Trek offer breathtaking views of alpine lakes, meadows, and mountains. The Betaab Valley in Pahalgam is another picturesque spot for nature walks and photography.

By blooming into autumn, the Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood offers both a spectacular new attraction and a powerful symbol of resilience for Kashmir's tourism.