Cherry Blossoms or Sakura in Japanese, is believed to be a special flower that welcomes the spring season. The soft pink-hued flowers symbolise that life is short it emphasises the fleeting nature of life. After they bloom fully in two weeks and their beauty is celebrated, the blossoms begin to fall away. Witnessing cherry blossoms is no different than experiencing a snowfall, it’s on everyone’s bucket list. But you don’t need to travel all the way to Japan to catch a glimpse of cherry blossoms. Here are 4 Indian destinations that are bathed in pink during the cherry blossom season.
1. Shillong In Meghalaya
Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong organises an annual Cherry Blossom Festival during the winters. As the winter sets in the Khasi Hills of Northeast India are painted in soft light pink. By October, the buds begin to sprout and by November the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong attracts tourists from all over India who look forward to eating, drinking, dancing and making merry in the embrace of the glistening cherry blossom trees.
Also Resd: Shillong Is Bathed In Pink As It Gears Up To Host Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
2. Khangchendzonga National Park In Sikkim
Head to Khangchendzonga National Park, a famous biosphere in Sikkim to witness the most beautiful cherry blossoms in India. From the first week of November, the flowering commences from 7000 to 8000 feet high in Sikkim. In April, a different cherry blossom species bloom in the state, it’s called Geyzing cherry. Sikkim like Japan, also has a cherry blossom history. The first ‘Sakura’ was introduced during the coronation of the state’s last king Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal. While the blooms in Khangchendzonga National Park vary a little from those found in Japan, it’s nonetheless breathtaking.
Also Read: From Bengaluru To Pune, These Indian Cities Are Bathed In Pink Right Now!
3. Shimla In Himachal Pradesh
Shimla houses plenty of small villages and districts that offer cherry blossom extravaganza. Head to Mashobra, a charming village in Shimla for cherry blossom, apricot, apple, plum, peach and pear tree sightings. Trek up to The Nilaya, a serene hotel that offers unending cherry blossom views. Further away in Narkanda you’d be served Himachali hospitality with a special helping of cherry blossom delight. A traveller’s dream come true, Shimla is your destination for both sightseeing and cherry blossom views.
Also Read: Preity Zinta Gives Glimpse Of Fresh Fruits Grown In Her Shimla Farm
4. Kohima In Nagaland
To catch a glimpse of the wild Himalayan cherry blossom, visit Nagaland’s capital, Kohima. The gorgeous views of light pink blossoms in the backdrop of clear blue skies, with sounds of chirping birds and warm sunshine, it’s a guaranteed picture-perfect experience. Spot vibrant cherry blossoms all along Nagaland’s Longkum village and also the colonial bungalow, The Heritage. Cherry blossoms are not just a thing of beauty but are also known to regenerate and repair the skin and cherry blossom teas also act as good anti-oxidants.
Well travel enthusiasts, if a cherry blossoms spectacle is on your bucket list, then just book your tickets ton these destinations and make your fairytale, a reality.