Provence has lavender, Japan has cherry blossoms, and the UK has daffodils. But did you know that come spring, India transforms into a wonderland with dozens of flower varieties? From blood-red rhododendrons to pristine white apricot flowers, blue poppies, and pink geraniums, the diverse Indian landscape gets drenched in vibrant colours. Spring is more than a change of season in India. It has a special connection to our culture. We welcome new beginnings and harvest bounties with a host of spring festivals, whether it is Bihu in Assam and Baisakhi in Punjab or Vishu in Kerala and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu. Since antiquity, Sanskrit and Urdu poets have composed volumes praising the lushness, cheer and flamboyance of ‘Basant Bahaar’ (spring). In spring, we look forward to travelling in search of sweeping vistas of beautiful blooms across the country.
Tulip Garden, Srinagar, Kashmir: One of the best places to experience the beauty of spring flowers is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Kashmir. Sprawling over a vast area of 30 hectares, it is considered Asia’s most extensive tulip garden. In 2023, visitors witnessed a mind-blowing 1.6 million tulip bulbs in 68 varieties here. The setting is idyllic, too, thanks to the surrounding Zabarwan Mountain Range and the glassy Dal Lake.
Ladakh: Ladakh is known for its high-altitude dry desert and outdoor adventures, but few know about its flowers. When spring comes, apricot blossoms blanket the western part of Ladakh, creating a breathtaking sight against the raw, rugged landscape. Intrepid travellers head to the Land of Mountain Passes in April to see this rare, natural wonder.
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim: Yumthang Valley in Sikkim, located at a height of 3,500 meters, has earned the name “Valley of Flowers” for the abundance of exotic alpine blooms that fill the area in spring, particularly rhododendrons and primulas. One can look forward to an offbeat experiential tryst with nature, soaking up the treasures of the outdoors. The best time to visit Yumthang Valley is from late March to mid-April.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand: The Valley of Flowers, located in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for extensive meadows filled with alpine spring flowers like orchids, poppies, daisies, and primulas. Hikers and campers love to soak up the outdoor experience in this floral paradise with multi-day treks.
Munnar, Kerala: Picture postcard vistas of tea plantations, misty hills and gurgling waterfalls are the highlight of the Munnar region all year round. But this delightful hill station in Kerala is also a wonderful place to witness the beauty of spring flowers such as cherry blossoms, orchids, and rhododendrons.
Ooty Botanical Gardens, Tamil Nadu: The Ooty Botanical Gardens, set amidst the stunning backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, is a paradise for nature lovers, especially during spring. Various exotic flowers and plants thrive here, including roses, lilies, orchids, and other colourful flowers.
Shillong, Meghalaya: Shillong, tagged the “Scotland of the East,” is a delightful destination, particularly in spring. The lush green landscapes of the Khasi Hills are dotted with rhododendrons, cherry blossoms, and other spring flowers during March and April. The best places to find flowers in Shillong are Ward’s Lake, Lady Hydari Park, and Shillong Golf Course.
Spring in India is a sensory extravaganza for nature enthusiasts, die-hard romantics and the artistically inclined. It is a time when we take advantage of the pleasant weather, put on our outdoor shoes and drown in the colours of nature.