Nestled against the majestic Dhauladhar mountain ranges in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, the Tulip Garden at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) has become a sensation. As the state’s inaugural tulip garden and the country’s second after Kashmir’s iconic spot, it marks a floral milestone.
Now in its fourth year, the garden has evolved into a must-visit tourist hub, pulling crowds from every corner of India. Opened to the public on February 10 this year, it has already welcomed over 70,000 visitors, with projections soaring to 1.5 lakh by season’s end.
Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, shared with excitement, ‘We’ve seen more than 70,000 guests so far, surpassing last year’s figures which crossed one lakh. This year promises even bigger numbers.’
Visitors are enchanted. ‘It’s breathtaking,’ said one tourist. ‘The institute has done wonders bringing tulips to Palampur.’ The journey began in 2018 with bulbs imported from Holland, followed by rigorous local multiplication trials.
Focusing on bulb and flower production, CSIR-IHBT has pioneered commercial tulip farming potential in the hills. Entirely cultivated with indigenous tulip plants, this garden stands as a testament to innovation, rivaling Kashmir’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
As spring blooms, Palampur’s tulip spectacle not only boosts tourism but also heralds a new era for Himalayan floriculture, promising economic growth and natural beauty for generations.