Across its lengths and breadths, India boasts of sprawling flower valleys, spectacular orchids and rhododendrons and garden cities that house picturesque flower gardens. As a result, the country takes full advantage of its tendency
to host some extremely fascinating flower shows and exhibitions round the year. Take a different route of India festival tours this time and attend one of these wonderful events showcasing the country’s rich biodiversity.
Tulip Festival in Srinagar
Since its inception in 2007, the annual Tulip Festival has managed to draw visitors in huge numbers every year. Held in April at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in the picturesque city of Srinagar, the event boasts of millions of tulip flowers in all shades, spreading inimitable grandeur all around. Proximity to the famous Dal Lake and captivating backdrops of snow-capped Zabarwan Mountains add to the beauty. Cultural shows, cuisines and boat races over the lake are other highlights of the festival, which is celebrated as a part of the Spring Festival in the region.
Tulip Festival in Srinagar
Rose Festival in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, the City Beautiful, is particularly admired for its gardens, especially the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden and Leisure Valley. The two gardens turn into the proud host of the annual Rose Festival (also called the Festival of Gardens) in the month of February every year. Apart from the flower beds with different varieties of roses adding myriad of colours and fragrances, a carnival-like event is set on. Food and drinks, numerous rides and competitions for photography and landscaping create a cheerful environment. Rose Prince and Princess are selected out of hundreds of participating children.
Rose Festival in Chandigarh
International Flower Festival in Gangtok
The northeast India state of Sikkim needs absolutely no introduction to its splendid wealth of flora, which is perfectly displayed during this festival. Held at the state capital Gangtokin March or April, the festival puts on display rare species of orchids (more than 600) and rhododendrons (nearly 50). Other highlights include gladioli and rose as well as the plants like ferns, cacti, herbs, climbers, creepers and more. Food festival and activities like river rafting are also organized. Many India tour packages are planned to include the festival as a highlight.
International Flower Festival in Gangtok
Dasara Flower Show in Mysore
Dasara (Dussehra) is a grand festivity at Mysore. Among many events organized during the celebrations is the magnificent Dasara Flower Show at Nishad Bag (Kuppanna Park). Roses and orchids in several varieties and huge numbers are displayed at the park. Highlights like musical fountains and flower arrangement competitions keep the visitors spellbound. Huge flower busts of the members of royal family are simply captivating. September or October is the time for the festival which also hosts food festival, art exhibitions, kite festival, elephant processions and many other events.
Dasara Flower Show in Mysore
Lalbagh Flower Show in Bangalore
The City of Gardens Bangalore hosts the famous flower show twice every year – one in January on the Republic Day and second in August on the Independence Day. Lalbagh Botanical Garden is the common host of the events during which the replicas of grand palaces and other monuments, royal soldiers, elephants and horses are created using beautiful flowers in different shades inside the garden’s glass house. Majestic floral arrangements and colourful displays keep the visitors mesmerized.
Lalbagh Flower Show in Bangalore
The Flower Show in Ooty
The month of May is the right time to plan a Tamil Nadu tour, when the state’s most famous hill station Ooty organizes the Flower Show at the Government Botanical Gardens. Held since 1896, the festival is an outstanding opportunity to witness scores of varieties of potted plants and cut flowers as well as the tropical and temperate fruits and vegetables. Flower arrangements, including rangolis, bonsai, Japanese flower arrangements and many others are the events in which numerous groups participate. Rose Show and other Flower Shows are also held at the nearby Rode Garden and Sim’s Park.
The Flower Show in Ooty
Be present at these events to get overwhelmed by the charm of flowers and watch how the floral treasures of India enhance its cultural celebrations.
