Amidst soaring temperatures and bursts of rain in some parts of the country, April brings a ray of hope. Sunlight streams in through the windows, bringing warm, pleasant days. Bright flowers bloom in unlikely places, bringing pops of colour to dreary highways, springing forth through concrete walls and drenching parked cars in yellow, pink and red. This is a time to be outside, take long walks and appreciate your natural surroundings. It’s also the time for lazy summer breaks with your family and weekend getaways with friends. Here are eight best places to visit in India in April. 👉Best places to visit in India in April 💥Spot apricot blossoms in LadakhIn Ladakh, the apricot has several different uses. Locals dry it in the sun to be consumed later as a snack, cook it down into a sweet, sticky jam to be eaten with the local bread khambir, and preserve it in the form of zingy pickles. In April, the fruit-bearing trees are dotted with soft baby pink hues, as apricot blossoms abound on its branches. The blossoms last just a few weeks and add a beautiful new colour to the stunning landscape. To catch a glimpse, visit during the annual Apricot Blossom Festival, which will take place from 4-17 April this year. This is also a great time to visit the region, where maximum temperatures tend to range between a pleasant 10°C-15°C. 💥Trek up the hills in WayanadAs winter wanes in Wayanad, temperatures lie between 20°C and 30°C, offering perfect conditions to head out and spend time amidst nature. Trek up to Neelimala viewpoint to set up a scenic picnic, challenge yourself to the three-hour trek to Chembra peak or dive deep into the thickets of Cardamom forest for a jungle trek. Stroll through serene tea estates, go boating on Pookode lake or take a safari at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot elephants, gaur, leopards and bears. There are several resorts to pick from, including Vythiri Village, Wayanad Wild by CGH Earth, Banasura Hill Resort and the recently opened Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa. 💥Dive deep for marine life in the Andamans
The waters in the Andaman sea are calmest between November and May, and the lack of rain and heavy winds allows for great visibility and ideal diving conditions. Havelock island (now Swaraj Dweep) is the most popular diving spot and Barefoot at Havelock offers professional open water dive courses for guests. Beyond diving, you can spot fascinating marine creatures on intertidal walks organised by Lacadives at Radhanagar Beach or go snorkelling by a reef. If you’re looking to go beyond Havelock, dive off of Cinque Island (accessible by boat between November and April) to spot beautiful corals and fish underwater. 💥Enjoy starry nights in Delhi NCRThough the heavy rains in the capital right now may dampen your spirits, if you’re around Delhi this April, it might be a good idea to make a pit-stop for art. After a successful show in Mumbai in February, Van Gogh 360° will come to Delhi from 14 to 28 April. From his iconic bright sunflowers to his beautiful Starry Night, enjoy floor-to-ceiling projections of the iconic artist’s stunning art. The show will run at DLF CyberCity in Gurugram—you can book your tickets here. 💥Learn to catch waves in Goa Surfing season in Goa lasts from November to April and Mandrem beach in North Goa is a relatively quiet spot to pick up the skill as a beginner. Vaayu Kula—a boutique beachfront property—has a surf school with experienced, ISA-certified instructors and surf courses that range from a day to five days. Equipment like surfboards and rash guards are provided at the school and waves tend to be mellow enough for beginners. The property also has a yoga shala and a beach club serving nutritious coastal food as well as a range of juices, smoothies, salads and snacks. 💥Spend time with nature in Tirthan Valley, Himachal PradeshBy April, the snow has melted in Tirthan Valley to give way to lush green pastures and blossoming flowers. Spring is a great time to visit, as the Great Himalayan National Park—a popular tourist spot in the valley—is dotted with flowers and the weather is perfect for trekking. Do the overnight two-day trek within the park, or opt for shorter day hikes to Serolsar lake and Dingcha. You can also go trout fishing, rappelling or rock climbing, or simply find a quiet green spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. 💥Catch the Biennale before it’s gone in Fort KochiThough the mercury begins to rise in Fort Kochi in April, it is also your last chance to catch the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale which will be on until 10 April. The theme this year is “In Our Veins Flow Ink and Fire” and aims to reflect the power of storytelling, optimism and action. Curator and Mumbai-born Singaporean contemporary artist and writer Shubhigi Rao has brought together artworks from India, Australia and Kenya, talks, Artists’ Cinema screenings and workshops, all scattered around the Mattancherry Palace. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the delicious seafood at restaurants like Seagull and Fort House Restaurant by the sea and the quaint cafes, like Kashi Art Café and Loafers Corner Café, across town. Book here 💥Spot rhinos in the wild at Kaziranga National Park, AssamKaziranga National Park in Assam is home to Greater one-horned rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, Gangetic river dolphins and hoolock gibbons (the only ape found in India) across beautiful landscapes that span wetlands and savannahs. The park is open from October to April and although temperatures typically rise this time of year, the weather is perfect for some wildlife photography. The heat brings thirsty animals to watering holes, increasing the chances of sightings. If you have the eye for it, you can spot and photograph everything from rhinos and gibbons to migratory birds—here’s a handy guide if you plan to visit. Cre: cntraveller