People all over India enthusiastically celebrate Holi, one of India’s most important cultural celebrations. The celebration marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter, as well as serving as a gathering point for family and friends. After the Holashtak bonfire the night before, it is usually celebrated with play of colors and water. Over the years, people have given a modern twist to the celebration by throwing parties with singing, dancing and entertainment. Booking.com has compiled a list of unique floral Indian places in a variety of colors.
Visit these beautiful floral locations to soak up the colors of nature as you celebrate Holi:
Nishat Bagh, Jammu and Kashmir
Nishat Bagh, India’s second largest Mughal garden, was built on the east side of Dal Lake. Locals call it the “Garden of Happiness”. This beautiful garden overlooks the lake below with the Pir Panjal mountain range in the background and the Zabarwan Mountains. If you want to see a variety of colors, Nishat Bagh is the place to go as it has a huge range of flowers, from roses to lilies. Originally conceived to be designed in the style of Persian gardens, it has been redesigned due to the valley’s topology and water resources. The garden has twelve terraces and a variety of water features such as fountains, water slides, swimming pools and more.
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
Yumthang Valley has an unusual mix of landscapes. The green and fertile flower filled valley, surrounded by snow capped mountains with hot springs and a river flowing through the valley, can truly captivate your senses. Exotic flowers found in the valley include five-leaf, primroses, and cobra lilies. If you want to see more flora and fauna in the area, you must go to the Shingba Rhododendron Shrine.
Dzukou Valley, Nagaland
Along the border between Nagaland and Manipur is the hidden valley of Dzukou, which is home to the famous and endangered Dzuko lilies, as well as other rare flowers such as rhododendrons, monks and euphorbias. You have to walk from the villages of Viswema and Zakhama to experience the beauty of the area. The vast fields are covered in shades of green, white and yellow and are an ideal place for hikers seeking solitude in the midst of nature. Due to the elevation of the valley, it is possible to take panoramic photos of the colorful landscape.
Khasi Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya
After winter, the East and West Khasi Hills in Shillong, Meghalaya start blooming with light pink cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms, also known as Prunus Cerasoides, are considered a prized commodity by the tribes in the area because they attract tourists every year, especially towards the end of winter. Shillong is also home to the International Cherry Blossom Festival, which includes live music, parades, dance recitals and other cultural events, as well as stalls where you can sample local cuisine.
