Introducing: Here are some famous springtime locations in India.
Mid-February to late April is the ideal time of year for mild-weather hikes through blooming fields, open-air festivals, tea picking and more.
Many would contend that there is no such thing as the Indian spring, but for tourists, it means the start of the first tea harvest in Darjeeling, the peak of the rhododendron’s bloom, and the period when lavish celebrations honoring the region’s flora take place all across the country. These locations might inspire you to enjoy an off-season walk through Uttrakhand’s Valley of Flowers, take in a blooming view of Yumthang from a hot spring, or plan a luxurious staycation in Darjeeling’s rolling hills. They offer hiking routes, indigenous cultural programs, and views that make you want to spring into a spring mood.
A journey of a lifetime through the Valley of Flowers in Uttrakhand
The Valley of Blooms National Park was declared by the Indian government in 1980, and because of its rare alpine blooms, it was inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. While the many stages of the bloom are visible throughout the year, the meadows reach their zenith in late March and early May, when blue poppies, yellow saxaul, scarlet spider lilies, and other flowers bloom.
In Kashmir, immerse yourself in a sea of tulips.
If you plan to visit Kashmir once a year, schedule it for the spring of 2024, which runs from the last week of March to the end of April. Known as the Model Floriculture Center, The largest tulip garden in Asia is home to the yearly Tulip Festival, which takes place at the first signs of spring. It was established in 2007 and occupies around 30 hectares in Srinagar. Its mission is to improve tourism and floriculture in the Kashmir Valley.
Strolling across the valley adorned with rhododendron in Yumthang
It’s true that the Sikkim Valley of Flowers sanctuary is incredibly lovely when a vast carpet of rhododendrons turns it red. “Spot Rhododendron niveum and Rhododendron ciliatum on guided tours, stop to bite into Sikkimese Crabapple, take a detour to visit the Lachung Monastery and after a day of viewing the pretty red-pink flowers, soak your tired muscles at the Yumthang Hot Spring.” Yumthang is home to Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which is located 150 kilometers from the capital Gangtok.
A sight and taste of the world’s sweetest apricots in full bloom,
Ladakh’s Apricot Blossom Festival can rival Japan’s Cherry Blossom Gazing, especially in terms of cost. During this event, which is organized by Ladakh Tourism and takes place between mid- and late-April, participants can learn about the rare GI-tagged Raktsey Karpo Apricot (locally known as Chuli), sample and purchase apricot-derived products like jams and syrup, and engage in deeply ingrained traditional activities in Dha-Hanu villages.
Darjeeling tea-picking in the “first flush”
Although April through June is the busiest travel period in the hill town, it’s best to depart a little early in order to see the Darjeeling tea leaves in their “first flush” of the year. The leaves collected at the first harvest are referred to as “first flush” since they produce a unique local immersion. Following instruction on selecting the highly sought-after “two leaves and a bud,” partaking in tastings, and learning about the estate’s colonial past, guests may choose to remain on it in designated lodging, stone houses, or even villas such as Makaibari Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, and more. Pro tip: If you enjoy hiking a lot, schedule a trek to the destination before purchasing a return ticket.
