Experience Cherry Blossom Festival in India: Best Places to Witness Nature’s Pink Magic
While Japan and Washington D.C. are world-famous for their cherry blossoms, did you know that India too celebrates this seasonal beauty with vibrant cherry blossom festivals and breathtaking views?
Every year, parts of Northeast India, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Uttarakhand transform into pastel pink paradises. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or a cultural traveler, India’s cherry blossom season offers an unforgettable and lesser-known experience.
Here’s your complete guide to witnessing Cherry Blossoms in India — including top locations, timing, festivals, and travel tips.
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in India
1. Shillong, Meghalaya – The Official Cherry Blossom Capital of India
📍 Location: Shillong, Meghalaya (Northeast India)
Best Time to Visit: Early to Mid-November
Shillong hosts India’s first and most celebrated Cherry Blossom Festival, organized by the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) and the Meghalaya Tourism Department.
What to Expect:
- Streets lined with wild Himalayan cherry trees
- Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival: music concerts, fashion shows, Korean food stalls, cosplay, and poetry events
- Cultural exchange programs and night carnivals
2. Dawki and Mawlynnong (Meghalaya)
Beyond Shillong, nearby villages like Dawki (famous for its crystal-clear river) and Mawlynnong (Asia’s cleanest village) also showcase beautiful cherry blossoms during the same period.
Tip: Combine your cherry blossom trip with river camping or border sightseeing at Dawki.
3. Kohima, Nagaland
📍 Location: Kohima and surrounding regions
Best Time: Late November to Early December
The capital of Nagaland often blooms with cherry blossoms just before the Hornbill Festival. Although not as grand as Shillong’s display, cherry trees line the roads and surrounding forests.
Perfect for: Nature walks and culture lovers attending the Hornbill Festival.
4. Srinagar, Kashmir – Tulips & Cherry Blossoms Together
📍 Location: Badamwari Garden, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh
Best Time: Late March to Early April
In spring, Kashmir doesn’t just bloom with tulips — cherry and almond blossoms create magical views across gardens and countryside.
Highlights:
- Badamwari Garden in old Srinagar
- Local apple and cherry orchards
- Early blooms before the famous Tulip Festival
5. Shimla and Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
📍 Location: Shimla, Kalpa, Sangla Valley
Best Time: Late February to March
Shimla and nearby regions see an annual bloom of cherry and peach blossoms. The Himachal hills turn pink and white, especially in orchards around Kalpa and Sangla.
Tip: Great for road trips and offbeat nature photography.
6. Munsiyari and Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
📍 Location: Kumaon region, Uttarakhand
Best Time: March
In the remote Kumaon Himalayas, wild cherry trees bloom against snow-capped peaks. While not an official cherry blossom destination, these areas offer a peaceful and untouched experience of Himalayan spring beauty.
Perfect for: Solo travelers and nature seekers
Highlights of India’s Cherry Blossom Festival (Shillong)
Venue: Wards Lake and Polo Grounds, Shillong
Events Include:
- Rock concerts
- Korean cultural showcases (K-pop, food, cosmetics)
- Wine and food tasting
- Cosplay competitions
- Art and poetry contests
Entry: Free or minimal charges for some events
Upcoming Dates: Expected in First or Second Week of November (exact dates announced by Meghalaya Tourism)
Photography & Instagram Tips
- Visit in the early morning for soft light and fewer crowds
- Use the cherry blossoms as foregrounds with local architecture or hills
- Night photography is popular in Shillong with illuminated trees and stalls
Travel Tips for International Travelers
- Closest airport to Shillong: Shillong Airport (limited flights) or Guwahati (3-hour drive)
- Hotels get sold out during peak bloom in Shillong – book 2–3 months in advance
- Combine your trip with Kaziranga National Park or Cherrapunji caves
- Carry warm clothes — November nights in Northeast India can be chilly
Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in India
| Region | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Shillong, Meghalaya | Early–Mid November |
| Kohima, Nagaland | Late November–Early Dec |
| Srinagar, Kashmir | Late March–Early April |
| Shimla, Himachal | Feb–March |
| Kumaon, Uttarakhand | March |
Final Thoughts
India’s cherry blossom season is a hidden gem for international travelers combining natural beauty with local festivals, music, and culture. Whether it’s the highland forests of Shillong, the serene gardens of Kashmir, or the orchards of Himachal, you don’t need to fly to Japan to enjoy cherry blossoms anymore.
Plan your trip around the bloom and experience India like never before in pink.