Chrysanthemum Garden | 2026 Complete Guide and Autumn Season
Chrysanthemum Garden Srinagar: A Complete Guide to Kashmir’s Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood and Autumn Season
Kashmir’s garden season does not end with the spring tulips. Every autumn, the upper terraces of Srinagar’s Botanical Garden come alive with chrysanthemums, while the chinar trees across the Mughal gardens turn shades of amber, gold and rust.
Between them, October and November give Srinagar a second reason to be on a travel calendar, one that is quieter and more spread out than the spring rush that surrounds the Tulip Garden.
Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood is the newer half of that story. It is a government-run chrysanthemum theme garden, now in its second year, and this guide covers what is confirmed about it, what is not, and how to build a full autumn day in Srinagar around it.
What Is Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood or Chrysanthemum
Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood is a chrysanthemum theme garden developed and curated by the Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens. The name is spelled in several ways in print, including Bagh-e-Gul-Dawood and Bagh-e-Gule-Dawood. Gul-e-Dawood is commonly used for the chrysanthemum in Urdu and Kashmiri, so the name roughly means the chrysanthemum garden.
The garden opened in October 2025 and is now in its second season. At the 2026 opening, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described its purpose as extending Kashmir’s tourism season: a floral attraction for the end of the year, to sit alongside the Tulip Garden at the start of it, and he said the department would try something new in the garden every year.
Press coverage describes it as Asia’s largest chrysanthemum garden. That is a ranking reported at the opening, not one could verify independently, so treat it as the department’s and the press’s description.
Where It Is: The Upper Terraces of the Botanical Garden
The garden sits on the upper terraces of the Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden at Chashme Shahi, on the Zabarwan foothills above Dal Lake. It is very close to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
Visitors reach it after walking only a few metres from the Botanical Garden entrance, which makes it easy to fold into a visit to the area. That proximity matters for planning ,the Chashme Shahi side of Dal Lake already has the Botanical Garden, the Chashme Shahi spring garden and the road up to Pari Mahal close together, so the chrysanthemums add to an existing cluster of sights instead of needing a separate trip.
Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood 2026: What Has Been Reported
The Chrysanthemum Show 2026, titled ‘Enriching Autumn with New Colours’, was opened by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on 23 October 2026. Officials and several news outlets reported the same headline figures:
Detail | As reported at the 2026 opening |
Plants | About 3.5 lakh, described as locally produced |
Varieties | More than 70 (one outlet reports 72) |
Blossoms expected | Nearly 12 million |
Area | 100 kanals, about 5 hectares (one outlet reports 120 kanals) |
Colours | Yellow, red, pink and purple |
Changes this year | More beds, water features, selfie points and improved visitor amenities |
These are announced figures, not independent counts, and the small differences between outlets (70 versus 72 varieties, 100 versus 120 kanals) are worth knowing about. Quote them as ‘reported’ or ‘announced’.
For scale, the Tulip Garden’s 2026 show planted around 18 lakh tulips of more than 70 varieties, and the Floriculture Director has said over 8.5 lakh people visited it in 2025.
Chrysanthemum Colours and Displays
Official coverage describes a vibrant range of chrysanthemum shades, including yellow, red, pink and purple. The collection features varieties that differ in shape and size, ranging from compact button-shaped blooms to larger, fuller flowers.
No official list of named varieties has been published for the 2026 season. Although previous coverage of the 2025 opening mentioned specific variety names, these have not been confirmed for the current season.
The garden features carefully arranged flowerbeds and themed displays rather than a scattered meadow, creating striking blocks of colour throughout the grounds.
Much of the plant material is propagated within Jammu and Kashmir, supporting the Floriculture Department's efforts to develop and sustain this seasonal attraction in the coming years.
Tickets, Timings and Buggies
Published information about Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood's entry arrangements and visitor facilities remains inconsistent. The following breakdown distinguishes reported details from information that has yet to be officially confirmed.
Item | Status |
Entry ticket | The reported entry fee is ₹100. However, no official 2026 ticket notice has been located. Other sources mention a nominal fee or free entry. It is also unclear whether the ticket covers access to other sections of the Botanical Garden or the Tulip Garden area. Confirm the applicable fee at the entrance. |
Timings | Official timings for the 2026 season have not been confirmed. Published sources provide differing information. Visiting during daylight hours is advisable. |
Buggies | The Tourism Department has reportedly provided buggy facilities for visitors. However, their availability, operating arrangements and charges have not been officially verified. |
Closing date of the show | No official closing date has been announced. The seasonal display generally extends through autumn, with late October and November considered suitable months for viewing the blooms. |
Best Time to Visit
The garden opened on 23 October 2026, so the display is at its freshest in the weeks that follow. Late October into November is the period most coverage points to, though the exact peak depends on weather and varies between varieties.
As with any flower display, a weekday morning will be quieter than a weekend afternoon, and authorities expected a large turnout at the opening, so an early start is the practical choice on weekends and holidays.
Srinagar in Autumn: Beyond the Chrysanthemums
The chrysanthemums are a good reason to visit the Chashme Shahi side of Dal Lake, but the larger pleasure of Srinagar in autumn is how the gardens, the lake and the road between them change colour together.
Nishat and Shalimar
Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, the two best-known Mughal gardens on Dal Lake’s eastern and northern shores, are the places where the chinars make the season.
In late October and November, the leaves turn through gold, amber and reddish tones, and the terraced layouts show the trees off better than most spaces in the valley. The timing of the colour shifts from year to year, so a few days either way is normal.
The Chashme Shahi–Pari Mahal Road
The short road from Chashme Shahi up towards Pari Mahal is one of Srinagar’s better autumn drives. Changing foliage along the road, the Zabarwan mountains close by, and glimpses of Dal Lake opening up as you climb. It is short, so it needs no special planning, but it is worth doing slowly and not as a transfer.
Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal is a terraced structure of the Mughal period above Chashme Shahi, commonly associated with Dara Shikoh. Its main appeal is the height: from the upper terraces you see Srinagar, Dal Lake and the surrounding hills together. Daylight gets shorter in November, so check closing time and arrive with enough light left to enjoy the view.
A Practical Autumn Day in Srinagar
Part of the day | Suggested plan |
Morning | Start at the Botanical Garden and Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood while it is quieter. Allow roughly an hour, longer if you photograph a lot (a planning estimate). |
Late morning | Walk or drive to Chashme Shahi, then take the short road up to Pari Mahal for the view. |
Lunch | Eat in Srinagar rather than rushing. Tribesmen’s guide to the city’s cafés is a useful starting point. |
Afternoon | Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh for the chinar colour, with the light still good. |
Late afternoon | End on Dal Lake, with a Shikara ride or time along the Boulevard. Daylight ends earlier in November, so keep this part flexible. |
Nishat and Shalimar can be swapped with Pari Mahal if you prefer to see the gardens in the morning light. For help choosing between lakeside bases, see Tribesmen’s Dal Lake vs Nigeen Lake guide, and for a good café stop see the guide to the best cafés in Kashmir.
Why October and November Are Worth Considering
Fewer crowds than the spring rush
Spring is Srinagar’s busiest period, with the Tulip Garden alone drawing more than 8.5 lakh visitors in 2026 by the Floriculture Director’s figure. Autumn has no equivalent single peak, so the gardens, the lake and the roads between them tend to feel more relaxed. I have no autumn visitor figures, so this is a comparison of patterns, not numbers.
Hotel prices
Hotel tariffs in Srinagar during autumn can be close to half of peak spring rates for some properties and dates. That should be read as a seasonal pattern, not a promise: prices vary by property, room category, dates and demand, and no discount is guaranteed. If you want a particular lake-view property, it still pays to ask early.
Weather
Daytime weather in October and November is generally cool and pleasant for sightseeing, with colder evenings, and conditions can turn colder by late November. Carry layers and plan outdoor sights for the middle of the day.
All of this makes autumn a strong choice for travellers who prefer a relaxed pace over peak-season intensity, and it suits Srinagar-focused trips particularly well.
How to Reach the Garden
The garden is inside the Botanical Garden at Chashme Shahi, on the Dal Lake side of Srinagar, and is reached by road from the city or the Boulevard.
A private cab is the simplest option. Unlike Kashmir’s mountain destinations, Srinagar sightseeing does not usually involve union cab arrangements, so you can move between the garden, Nishat and Shalimar in one vehicle.
Things to Know Before You Visit
• Confirm the entry ticket and timings at the gate; published details differ.
• Treat ₹100 as a planning figure, not an official price, and ask about buggies on arrival.
• Go in the morning, and earlier still on weekends and holidays.
• Wear comfortable shoes: the garden is on terraces, and Pari Mahal involves steps.
• Carry layers; autumn days are cool and evenings colder.
• Chinar colour varies by year and by tree, so do not plan around a single date.
• Keep a flexible end to the day; daylight shortens quickly in November.
Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood vs Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: Which Is Worth Visiting?
Srinagar now has two distinctive floral attractions that give visitors a reason to explore its gardens in different seasons. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden brings colour to the valley in spring, while Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood extends the flower season into autumn with its spectacular chrysanthemum displays.
Although both gardens are located along the Zabarwan foothills, overlooking the Dal Lake area, they offer two quite different experiences. One celebrates the arrival of spring, while the other adds colour to Kashmir's autumn landscape.
Tulips in Spring, Chrysanthemums in Autumn
The most obvious difference is the flowering season. The Tulip Garden traditionally opens in March or early April, depending on weather conditions and the progress of flowering. In 2026, it opened on 16 March, showcasing approximately 18 lakh tulips across more than 70 varieties, along with nearly one lakh other bulbous flowers, including daffodils, hyacinths and narcissus.
Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, on the other hand, welcomes visitors towards the end of October. The 2026 Chrysanthemum Show opened on 23 October, featuring approximately 3.5 lakh plants representing more than 70 varieties, with nearly 12 million blossoms expected.
The two gardens therefore complement each other, giving Srinagar a floral attraction at both ends of the tourist calendar.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | Tulip Garden | Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood |
Flowering season | March–April | Late October–November |
Main flowers | Tulips | Chrysanthemums |
2026 opening | 16 March | 23 October |
Reported planting | 18 lakh tulips | 3.5 lakh plants |
Varieties | Over 70 | Over 70 |
Expected blooms | Tulip display | Nearly 12 million blossoms |
Garden area | Around 30 hectares | Around 100 kanals |
Landscape | Seven terraced levels | Themed flowerbeds and displays |
Best for | Spring colours and photography | Autumn colours and photography |
Seasonal experience | Spring in Kashmir | Autumn in Kashmir |
Figures are based on published information for the 2026 seasons. Plant counts and blossom counts represent different measurements and should not be treated as directly equivalent.
Which Garden Attracts More Visitors?
The Tulip Garden remains the more established floral attraction, drawing visitors from across India and abroad every spring. According to the Floriculture Department's reported figures, 855,125 visitors explored the garden in 2025, setting a visitor record at the time.
Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood is a relatively new attraction, having opened in October 2025. Its second season in 2026 has expanded the autumn flower experience with additional beds, water features and visitor facilities.
Comparable visitor figures for the two gardens' 2026 seasons are not yet available, so it is too early to establish which attracts more visitors overall.
Which One Should You Visit?
The choice largely depends on the season of your Kashmir holiday.
Visit the Tulip Garden if travelling in March or April and looking to experience Kashmir's famous spring flower displays.
Visit Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood if travelling in late October or November and interested in chrysanthemums, autumn foliage and a quieter seasonal garden experience.
For travellers with the flexibility to visit Kashmir in both seasons, experiencing these two gardens at different times of the year offers a wonderful way to see how dramatically the landscape changes.
The bigger picture: The Tulip Garden established Srinagar as a major spring flower destination. Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood adds another dimension by bringing a similar floral experience to autumn. Together, they strengthen Kashmir's potential as a year-round garden tourism destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood?
On the upper terraces of the Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden at Chashme Shahi, Srinagar, close to the Tulip Garden.
When does Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood open?
The 2026 show was opened on 23 October 2026.
How many chrysanthemum varieties are there?
Officials reported more than 70 varieties and approximately 3.5 lakh plants for the 2026 season. An official list of individual variety names has not been published.
What is the entry fee?
The reported entry fee is ₹100, but an official 2026 ticket notice has not been confirmed. Published sources differ, so visitors should check the applicable fee at the entrance.
Are there buggies for tourists?
Buggy facilities have reportedly been arranged by the Tourism Department. However, their availability, operating arrangements and charges have not been officially confirmed.
Is it close to the Tulip Garden?
Yes. Both are in the Botanical Garden area at Chashme Shahi, and visitors reach the chrysanthemum garden after a short walk from the Botanical Garden entrance.
What is the best month to visit?
Late October into November is the period most coverage points to, with exact peak depending on weather.
What else can I see in Srinagar in autumn?
Nishat and Shalimar for the chinar colour, Chashme Shahi and the road up to Pari Mahal, and Dal Lake, all of which combine into one day.
Is Kashmir worth visiting in October and November?
Yes, particularly for Srinagar, where autumn brings the chinar colour, cool daytime weather and generally a more relaxed pace than spring.
Are hotel prices lower in autumn?
They can be much lower than peak spring rates for some properties and dates, but this varies and is not guaranteed.
Planning an Autumn Holiday in Kashmir
An autumn trip works best when the Srinagar days are planned around light, traffic and where you stay. Tribesmen arranges Srinagar sightseeing, private transport, hotels and houseboats, and builds customised itineraries that can extend beyond Srinagar if you want more time.
If you would like help shaping a trip, start with our Kashmir tour packages, or see the luxury Kashmir tour packages for a more private version. For a lakeside stay, the luxury houseboat guide and the guide to 5-star hotels in Kashmir explain how to choose.
If you are weighing autumn against spring, Tribesmen’s guide to the Tulip Garden covers the other half of Srinagar’s garden calendar. Whichever season you choose, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood is a worthwhile addition to a Srinagar day: close to the Mughal gardens, easy to combine, and a pleasant reason to visit while the chinars are turning.
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