Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands

That's one of the best places to experience Spring.  Ever since I heard about Tulips (sometime in 12th standard I guess), I wanted to see them, and had it in my bucket list that I want to spend a long day with them.  And that came true few years back when we spent our spring vacation in Holland.  

Keukenhof is an amazing tourist destination, and a must visit if you visit Holland particularly between mid March to mid May.  The colors and fragrance are always in abundance, and it gives such a great satisfaction to your eyes at the end of the day. And goes without saying, it's a great photographic opportunity! 

Keukenhof is said to be the world's largest flower garden with about 7 million tulip bulbs of about 100 varities cultivated every year.  Located in South Holland in a small town called Lisse, Keukenhof is spread around 32 acres of land.  

While the origin of Tulips is unknown, it's said that they were first cultivated during the Ottoman Empire.  When we were touring Turkey, people said that the king during the Ottoman rule gifted tulip bulbs to the then king in Holland. But there's no certain facts as such.  

Tulips are the national flower for Afghanistan, Turkey, Hungary and Netherlands.  

There's tulips of all colors and sizes in Keukenhof, and honestly, 2 eyes are not sufficient.  They are scattered around everywhere you turn.   Words fail to express the delight I had then.  

Apart from Tulips they also have Daffodils, Hyacinths, Orchids in full bloom.   These pictures were taken using my Sony Cybershot, and I am so tempted to visit the fields again to click them with my Nikon :D  But for now, look through these beauties and fall in love with spring, tulips and keukenhof! 

PS: I have badly neglected my blog for the last 1 week.  Had been into hibernation mode myself with various things that occupied my time.  Will catch up quickly with your posts and comments.