Srinagar, Apr 2: Over 15, 000 people have visited Asia’s largest Tulip Garden, in four days, officials said. Situated on the banks of Dal, the garden was thrown open on March 29 by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his mother.
 “At least 2500-3000 visitors visit the garden per day. Among them are foreigners, national tourists as well as locals,” Director Floriculture, Sunil Mishri told Greater Kashmir.  
 The director said number of visitors was increasing this year due to the beautification of the garden by planting new varieties of tulips. “There are at least 70 varieties of tulips and eight more are to be introduced this year. Today the rush of locals was huge with almost 3000 visiting the garden,” he said.
 This year, state government has outsourced Tulip garden for Rs 35, 21, 000, Mishri said.
 “The visitor-dealing is under the supervision of agencies and they have been maintaining the relations well,” he said.
 District Floriculture Officer, Javaid Ahmad Shah said the number of tourists is likely to increase as the first four days have witnessed an unprecedented rush of people.
 “The number thronging the garden is a sign that more and more tourists are under way. The garden will be popularly thronged this year,” he said.
 “During four days the percentage of outsiders visiting the garden was 95 percent. But fourth day witnessed a huge rush of locals,” Shah said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 3 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST