Summer festival in the Nilgiris ends with estimated four lakh visitors

Numbers indicate that an average of 12,000 visitors made their way to the botanical garden. | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

The summer tourist season in the Nilgiris came to a close on Sunday, with the valedictory function of the first plantation show. According to estimates by officials from the Horticulture Department, around four lakh people are estimated to have visited the Nilgiris during the summer festival season this year.

According to senior officials from the Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, a total of 3.72 lakh people visited the Government Botanical Garden (GBG) between May 1 and May 31. “As the Government Botanical Garden is the most visited tourist spot in the Nilgiris, it is generally assumed that 75 % to 90 % of all tourists who visit the Nilgiris will also visit the garden,” said the official.

Numbers indicate that an average of 12,000 visitors made their way to the botanical garden during the summer festival this year. However, the numbers do not indicate the true tourist footprint to the district as the Government Botanical Garden, as well as other tourist spots were closed for a few days due to the red alert sounded throughout the district due to heavy rains.

“The numbers were also slightly lower this year due to the mandatory e-passes this year, which capped the total number of tourist vehicles allowed into the district each day,” said officials.

On Sunday, the summer tourist season came to a close with prizes being awarded to participants who took part in competitions organized as part of the 65^th annual fruit show and the first ever plantation show.

Published - June 01, 2025 07:51 pm IST