5 destinations across India to experience spring at its best

Spring might be a woefully short-lived season in most parts of India, where winter jumps straight into a sweltering summer. However, some places do, fortunately, get to enjoy the pleasant weather and the vibrant array of colourful flowers. So, if you’re a self-proclaimed spring lover (who isn’t?) and want to explore its many bounties, head to these destinations in the coming months to experience the season 'in full bloom'. 

Leh in Ladakh for apricot blossoms

If you’ve watched one too many K-dramas, chances are you’re familiar with those picturesque cherry blossoms in the backdrop, against which protagonists fall in love. And if you’re yearning for a similar romantic experience (we don’t blame you), you can do so without stepping out of the country. While Shillong’s cherry blossom festival takes place in November, you can go to Ladakh during spring to enjoy its apricot blossoms, which look just as pretty as cherry blossoms, if not more. Time your visit with the Apricot Blossom Festival, which is scheduled to take place from April 6 to18 this year. Apart from enjoying the pastel pink flowers, you can also attend cultural programmes and exhibitions selling local handicrafts. Don’t forget to take home souvenirs like apricot jams, juices, and syrups. If you’re looking for a comfortable stay, the homestay, Shel, is an excellent option. 

Srinagar in Kashmir for tulips

Every April, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar hosts the annual Tulip Festival, making it the perfect time to visit the city. As Asia’s largest tulip garden, it comes to life with rows of vivid tulips in vibrant hues of red, yellow, pink, and more, stretching endlessly against the backdrop of mountain ranges. However, this is not the only place in the city that witnesses the magic of spring, the rest of Srinagar, especially its many baghs (gardens) also showcase an array of stunning blooms. It’s also the perfect season to enjoy a shikara ride in the Dal Lake. For accommodation, consider staying at Qayaam Gah, which offers splendid views of the lake as well as the mighty Zabarwan hills. 

Yumthang Valley in Sikkim for rhododendrons

Located a short drive from Sikkim’s capital Gangtok, the picturesque Yumthang Valley is known for being home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. Though this is not the only place in India to spot the vibrant blooms, it is the only place where you get to see over 20 varieties of the rhododendron in varying shades of red and pink, which is also the state flower. Pay a visit to the Lachung Monastery nearby or take a dip in the famous Yumthang Hot Spring to recuperate from the hike. We suggest making the newly-opened Taj Guras Kutir Resort and Spa in Gangtok your base for the duration of the visit. 

Dzukou Valley in Nagaland for lilies 

Another enchanting destination in the northeast, promising lush valleys adorned with flowers, is Dzukou Valley in Nagaland. Here, the green rolling hills are lined with tall Dzukou lilies, native to the region, swaying gently in the breeze from April to August. While July is the peak of their blossoms, spring is also a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds during summer. Apart from the lilies, there are plenty of other flora to admire, too, from primroses to local wildflowers. For an ideal stay, consider De Oriental Grand in Kohima, situated roughly 20 km from the valley.

Coorg in Karnataka for coffee blossoms

Every year, from February to early April, the usually lush, green coffee plantations in Coorg sport an ethereal white blanket, thanks to the fleeting coffee blossom season. Their jasmine-like scent and delicate petals make for a captivating sight; you can enjoy a delicious herbal concoction made from the blossoms too! For accommodation, you can choose to stay at one of the many coffee estate resorts in the region like The Tamara, which makes for a lavish stay. However, it’s best to enquire with your hotel regarding the blossoms before you make the trip as untimely rains and warm temperatures have been causing premature flowering of the coffee plants.

Lead image: Public Domain Pictures/Pexels

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