There’s a different allure when it comes to the month of April. It brings a ray of hope, a sense of tranquillity, and calmness. Colourful flowers appear in unexpected places, and people are prepared to celebrate the arrival of spring with pomp and joy, song, and dance. In some ways, bidding farewell to winter means looking forward to experiencing the greatest locations to visit in India in April as summers arrive. This is the month to plan your travels and enjoy nature, whether you’re heading to the high valleys and meadows or the stunning coasts. The following list will help you to choose the best Indian destinations to travel to now:
1. Head To Kochi Before Biennale Ends
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This is the fifth edition of the Biennale, which is being held after a gap of four years after the pandemic. Before the four-month festival wraps up on April 10 at multiple venues in the scenic Fort Kochi and Ernakulam areas in Kerala, it is your last chance to attend the art extravaganza. The current edition is curated by Singaporean artist Shubigi Rao, and is titled, ‘In Our Veins Flow Ink and Fire’. It features around 80 artists from over a dozen countries and is spread across 15 large venues. While you’re here, don’t forget to marvel at The Chinese fishing nets, centuries-old spice warehouses, ancient centres of worship and colonial bungalows lining the cobbled streets of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, all that speak of a bygone era.
Where: Fort Kochi and Ernakulam
When: Till 10th April
2. Witness The Spring Festival Of The Konyak Nagas
The month of April poses as a beautiful time to visit Nagaland. It’s warm enough to witness the enchanting magic of the Naga hills. Mostly known as the headhunter community, the prominent facial tattoos on the Konyak men are indicative of courage and pride in the past. The tribe’s Aoleang festival celebrated with much pomp and fervour marks the beginning of the new year with the spring season. This festival also showcases the rich cultural heritage with indigenous dances, songs and games.
Where: Parts of Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland
When: In the first week of April
3. Go Rhododendron Watching In The Himalayas
It is a pleasing sight to view Rhododendron flowers with their bright reddish-pink, almost ruby-red petals sitting on long, tapering leaves. Known as Rhododendron arboretum or Buransh in Pahadi, they usually begin blooming in March or April. With a flowering season that lasts from late March to late April, the rhododendron is much like the spring season in India—much awaited, magnificent, and momentary.
Where: Most of the northern and eastern Himalayas
When: The whole of April
Also Read: These Are World’s Remotest & Beautiful Places; India’s Private Villa Hotel Is One Of Them Too
4. Catch The Shad Suk Mynsiem Dance In Meghalaya
As the chill of winter recedes and the charm of spring descends on the Khasi Hills, it is marked by one of the community’s biggest festivals. Meghalaya is easily one of the best Indian destinations to travel to during springtime. Shad Suk Mynsiem is the Khasi way of offering their thanks to the creator for all the blessings and bountiful harvests received – characterized by many symbolic rituals and dances. Celebrated in the month of April as a thanksgiving to mother nature for a good harvest and for the fresh sowing of seeds, the biggest visual highlight of Shad Suk Mynsiem is the dance and accompanying music. As the Khasis negotiate many cultural crossroads, this is one of the best ways to see the beautiful ancient heritage, beliefs, and motifs of the community.
Where: Weiking Jaiaw, Shillong, Meghalaya
When: April
5. Enthral Yourself With Ladakh’s Apricot Blossom Festival
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Every year in the spring, Ladakh witnesses the flowering of apricot trees, which is a visual pleasure. The fruit-bearing trees in April are covered in delicate baby pink colours as apricot blooms. The flowers lend a lovely new colour to the breathtaking environment but only stay for a while. And from April 4 to 17, the Union Territory government will host the Apricot Blossom Festival to draw tourists to see this frigid desert flooded in pink. This event will also feature lively cultural performances, local artisan stands, and Ladakhi cuisine.
Where: Lhardo (April 4), Saspol (April 5), Udmaroo (April 10), Garkone (April 8), Sumoor (April 11), Hardass/Shilichiy (April 16), Karkitchoo/Chanigound (April 17) in Ladakh
When: April 4 to 17
6. Go Kayaking Through Kumarokom’s Backwaters
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Kerala used to be associated with tranquil, remote beaches and foggy hills on the global tourism map. But in recent years, the word adventure has been added to the vocabulary, when used to describe the state. On a list of 52 places to visit this year, the New York Times (NYT) placed it 13th, and the town of Kumarakom was mentioned. And if you’re someone seeking adventure, try kayaking or canoeing in the backwaters of Kerala’s largest lake, Vembanad. While you’re there, enjoy the pleasures of bird watching, including viewing small cormorants, egrets, herons, and other avian species.
So, which of these Indian destinations will you head to in April?
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons