While most people think that the best way to come out alive from the Indian summer season is a lot of water, sunscreen, a hat or maybe avoiding going out, there is one sure shot thing that can let you stay cool and enjoy it too- it’s traveling to places with a cool breeze and a quiet environment! Yes, that’s right. While the summer travel season brings up a whole new world of adventure activities and tourist destinations to explore, it also satiates all your travel desires, irrespective of the type of traveler you are. April is a hot month in India and is also the start of summer vacations for school kids. Therefore, it is a very valid reason for everyone to move out of their houses and go for a vacation! We have shortlisted some of the best places to visit in April for you to truly soak up the pleasure of exploration.
Best Places to Visit in North India in April
1. Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong is a small village in the East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya. It gained popularity after being voted the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. It is fondly called “God’s Own Garden” due to its unspoiled beauty and wonderful people. Mawlynnong is maintained entirely through self-sustaining methods, and each member of the village works hard to keep Mawlynnong at its pristine best.
Some of the best months to visit Mawlynnong are during the transition months of spring and autumn. It is one of the best places to visit in April, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and the humidity goes down considerably during this time. Here’s a guide to Mawlynnong, with comprehensive details on activities and things to do here, to make the most out of your trip.
Places to Visit
- The Mawlynnong Village – Asia’s cleanest village lives up to its title. The houses are built systematically, gardens are well-maintained, lawns are manicured, and the town oozes purity and bliss. The villagers are very warm and welcoming too.
- Mawlynnong Waterfall – This waterfall is on the way from Dawki to Mawlynnong. Pristine and yet undiscovered by many tourists, this place has the serenity of paradise and the thrill of nature.
- The Balancing Rock – This is an ancient structure where a large boulder is precariously balanced on a very small rock without any additional support. According to local beliefs, this place was a shrine of the Khasi tribes before they adopted Christianity.
- Jingmaham Living Root Bridge – It is said that Nature is the biggest magician of all. If you ever doubted this, take a look at the Living Root Bridge. Apart from the cleanliness of the village and a 100% literacy rate, it is famous for this bridge.
How to Reach
Mawlynnong can only be reached directly via road. The nearest airport is the Shillong Airport, also known as Umroi Airport, located in the capital city of Shillong. Domestic flights from all across the country fly to Shillong directly; there are also connecting flights available to the city. The distance from the airport to Mawlynnong is just around 90 km. You can book a Shillong to Mawlynnong taxi and reach comfortably.
2. Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a quaint little hill station located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern part of West Bengal. Located 50 minutes towards the east of Darjeeling, it is a sleepy but surreal Buddhist town. Known for its panoramic views, Buddhist monasteries, and Tibetan handicrafts, Kalimpong is a delight to visit. It is a favourite with the people of Kolkata, who make frequent trips to the town to escape the heat all year round.
It is one of the best places to visit in April as it is the season of clear skies and minimal rains in this region. Check out this handy Kalimpong travel guide that details the treasures of Kalimpong that every traveler must experience.
Places to Visit:
- Deolo Hill – Situated at a height of about 5,413 ft, Deolo Hill is the highest point in Kalimpong, and is located on a ridge. It offers a spectacular panorama of the entire hilly region and one can see the Relli valley from the top along with the Teesta river.
- Tharpa Choling Monastery – Tharpa Choling Monastery, founded in the year 1912 by Domo Geshe Rinpoche, is counted amongst the oldest Gelugpa monasteries in the country.
- Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery – This is an ancient Buddhist monastery which was built in 1975 under the guidance of the Dalai Lama. It houses close to 110 published texts on Buddhism.
- MacFarlane Memorial Church – This church was constructed by Scottish missionaries in the 18th century.
- Pine View Cacti Nursery – Pine View Nursery is known for its collection of cacti. Over 1500 species of cactus can be found here which were collected diligently from around the world for four decades.
How to Reach
There is no railway station in Kalimpong owing to its steep terrain. The nearest railway station is in New Jalpaiguri. There are frequent trains from all major cities in India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Cochin, Chennai, etc. From there you can rent a car in New Jalpaiguri to reach the town.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Aiport in Siliguri, 43KM away from Kalimpong. You can fly to Bagdogra from anywhere in West Bengal or other major towns/cities in India and then rent a local car or book a Bagdogra airport taxi to reach Kalimpong in two hours.
3. Sangla Valley
Sangla Valley or Sangla is one of the most charming locales of Himachal Pradesh. The valley starts at Karcham, ends in Chitkul, and is surrounded by smaller villages flanked by dense forests of pines, cedar, and apple orchards, with sparkling water bodies cutting through them.
Sangla Valley is one of the best places to visit in April because it offers a mix of everything. The weather will be pleasantly cold with the arrival of the spring season. The snow will be melting but not all gone. You will be able to cover most of the valley at this time. The landscape will be a mix of white snow, blue sky, green trees and a flowing river making it a perfect time for photography. Check out this guide to Sangla Valley, with comprehensive details on activities and things to do here, to make the most out of your trip.
Places to Visit
- Bering Nag Temple – This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Jagas, also known as Lord Shiva, whom the local people worship for the wellbeing of the village and its inhabitant.
- Kamru Fort – The Kamru Fort is considered to be amongst the oldest forts in Himachal Pradesh.
- Baspa Riverside – Baspa River offers breath-taking panoramas of Sangla valley, apple orchards, snow-attired mountains, and crystal clear streams.
How to Reach
No airport or railway station is present in Sangla Valley. Sangla Valley can only be reached directly via road. The nearest airport to Sangla is Jubbarhatti Airport at Shimla at a distance of about 238 km. You can book a Shimla to Sangla Valley taxi and reach comfortably.
4. Tawang
Sitting in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Tawang Valley is a highlight of Arunachal Pradesh. The town is home to the largest Buddhist monastery in Asia. With its tranquil environment, unsullied nature, and rich cultural heritage, the ancient town of Tawang is a handful for the true explorer. It has come to be recognized for offering natural beauty, spiritual solace, and a generous dose of adventure to every seeker.
Spring gently leads to summer in Tawang. It is one of the best places to visit in April as the month retains some of the pleasant cool of winter, mixed with the bright beauty of summer, making it the ideal time to visit Tawang. Check out this handy travel guide to experience all the treasures of this Himalayan town.
Places to Visit
- Tawang Monastery – a 17th-century Buddhist monastery with breathtaking views, and also a prominent venue for local festivals.
- Tawang War Memorial – The famous tourist spot memorial monument commemorating soldiers of the Indo-China War.
- Nuranang Waterfall – a glacial waterfall sitting atop 6000 feet, and the most popular in the state.
- Tsonga Tser/Zonga Tiger Lake – a popular adventure haunt for water sports, hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.
- Tse La Pass – a mountain pass at 13,700 feet and famous for views of 101 lakes.
- Bailey Trail – an ancient trade route and now a famous viewing point for Gorichen & Kangto Peak.
How to Reach
No airport or railway station is present in Tawang. The nearest airport to Tawang is in Salonibari, in Tezpur, about 317 KM away. You can also fly to Guwahati from any other major cities/towns across India and then travel to Tawang from there. From either of these airports, you have to book an airport taxi or rent a private car to reach the mountain valley.
5. Tirthan Valley
The scenic Tirthan Valley is one of the best places to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a height of 1600 meters above sea level, Tirthan Valley gets its name from the River Tirthan that flows through it. Located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan is home to icy glacial springs and pristine mountains, and there are a lot of great places to see in the Tirthan Valley.
It is in the spring to summer period that Tirthan temperatures become ideal for adventures and for experiencing the flora and fauna of the region. This is why it is one of the best places to visit in April. Here’s a handy travel guide for a wholesome trip to the valley.
Places to Visit
- Serloskar Lake – Tirthan’s Serloskar Lake is one of the biggest attractions of the region. This picturesque water body is also the location of the temple of Goddess Budhi Nagin, whose sons are believed to be guardians of the valley.
- Jalori Pass – This mountain pass overlooking the Dhauladhar stretch is a favorite spot for camping and trekking in Tirthan Valley.
- Jibhi – This quiet offbeat hamlet is a great place for relaxation away from the urban noise.
- Great Himalayan National Park – One of the best-preserved regions of Himalayan biodiversity, the Great Himalayan National Park is home to snow leopards, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan blue sheep, musk deer and more, as well as oak, deodar, and pine trees that have stood here for generations.
- Chhoie Waterfall –. Named after the deity Chhoi Mata, the waterfall has traditionally been a place to worship the goddess.
- Chaini Kothi – Located in the Chaini village, Chaini Kothi was once part of the 17th century Chaini Fort, built to protect the village.
How to Reach
The nearest railhead is Kiratpur, located about 123 km away. The station is connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, etc. From there, you will need to rent a car in Kiratpur to reach Tirthan Valley. There are no direct flights to Tirthan Valley. The closest airport to the region is the Kullu–Manali Airport in Bhuntar. There are flights to Bhuntar from Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. From there, you can hire a Bhuntar Airport Taxi to reach Tirthan.
6. Gulmarg
Gulmarg in Kashmir is a beautiful mountain resort and the most popular skiing destination in India. The lofty mountains, snow-capped peaks, deep ravines, and forested valleys, makes it the ultimate mountain destination for an incredible vacation. It is this contrasting beauty with snow-covered land in winter and a bright, cheery valley in the summer, that makes it an ultimate treat for all senses.
In April, the entire valley sees abundant blooms of wildflowers, daisies, buttercups, forget-me-nots, and many other exotic floral species, some of which are only found in this region. Here’s a guide to Gulmarg, with comprehensive details on activities and things to do here, to make the most out of your trip.
Places to Visit
- Gulmarg Golf Course – It is an 18-hole golf course that is nestled amidst the spectacle of alpine mountains
- St. Mary’s Church – Boasting of fine Victorian style of architecture, St. Mary’s Church is one of the star attractions of Gulmarg.
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve – The biosphere not only has the rarest and endangered species of animals and plants, but is also honored for preserving and nurturing them. Musk Deer, Hangul, Brown Bear, Leopard and Black Bear are some of them.
- Strawberry Valley – Explore the green meadows with the delicious strawberries and the perfect weather that summer has to offer.
How to Reach
The nearest station to Gulmarg is in Jammu, about 290 KM away. There is no flight service in Gulmarg. The nearest airport is in Srinagar at Srinagar International Airport (SXR), about 58 KM away. From the airport, you can book an airport taxi or rent a car to reach the town. There are plenty of regular flights available to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other major cities and towns in India.
7. Dzukou Valley
Dzukou is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Nagaland. This place is also known as the Valley of Flowers, owing to the huge variety of endemic Himalayan flora that is in full bloom in the valley area every year. Of all the places to visit in Dzukou Valley, this floral beauty invites travelers from all over the country and abroad to admire the stunning, colorful canvas of an otherwise cold and quiet locale. The most famous of the flowers is the Dzukou Lily, which is only found in this region.
The blooming season is one of the best attractions in Dzukou, when the lilies flower in white and pink, along with other exotic Himalayan flowers like aconitums, euphorbias, and similar rare species. It is one of the best places to visit in April, as the weather is pleasant. Here’s a guide to Dzukou Valley, with comprehensive details on activities and things to do here, to make the most out of your trip.
Places to Visit
- Sanctuary Falls – Beautiful waterfall that gets frozen during the winter.
- Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary – Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its wide variety of birds like Tragopan Blythii and white- naped Yuhina.
- Kohima War Cemetery – The War Cemetery in Kohima was built in the year April 1944 to mark the death of the soldiers who lost their in the Second World War at Kohima.
How to Reach
There is no direct flight connectivity to Dzukou Valley. The nearest airport is in Dimapur, about 74 KM from Kohima. There are regular flights to this airport from major cities and towns in India like Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. From there, you can hire an airport taxi to reach the valley comfortably.
Best Places in South India to visit in April
1. Bylakuppe
Bylakuppe is a small town nestled in Karnataka. It lies to the west of the district of Mysore. It is a beautiful Tibetan settlement- the second-largest in the world, outside Tibet. The town boasts popular monasteries and temples, with the Golden Temple being the most popular attraction. A day in Bylakuppe begins with the Namdroling Monastery’s bell being rung to wake up the town. For those of you who lean towards spirituality, meditation with the monks and a chat with them can be very enriching.
If you are contemplating the best time to visit Bylakuppe, the month of April fits the bill just right, as the weather is nice and pleasant for exploration. Check out this handy guide to Bylakuppe, with comprehensive details on activities and things to do here, to make the most out of your trip.
Places to Visit
- Namdroling Monastery – It is the most significant highlight of Bylakuppe and is one of the 10 largest Buddhist temples in India.
- Tashi Lhunpo Monastery – It is one of the newest monasteries in the town. It was built by the Dalai Lama in 2016.
- Sera Je Monastery – It was built after the eponymous famous monastery in Lhasa that dated back to 1419.
- Dubare Elephant Camp – The camp offers an exquisite opportunity for travelers and adventurous to observe and interact with elephants.
2. Wayanad
Wayanad is regarded as the most refreshing mountain destination in Kerala. An extension of the Mysore Plateau, Wayanad is the sole plateau region of Kerala. Wayanad is also the source of the Kabini River, a major tributary of Kaveri, and a significant part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The lush landscape, waterfalls, pleasant climate, and exotic flora and fauna, truly makes Wayanad a ‘green paradise’, while its illustrious history makes it a place worth discovering.
It is one of the best places to visit in April, as the pleasant cool breeze originating from the adjoining forest backdrop makes it a comfortable time for exploration. This handy Wayanad tour guide details out the gems of the place that every traveler must experience.
Places to Visit
- Pookode Lake – This beautiful freshwater lake is nestled among the verdant forests of the Western Ghats. The lake’s shape is interesting because it resembles India’s physical map.
- Edakkal Caves – Edakkal Caves are the only structures in India with about 8000-year-old carvings that date back to the Neolithic Era or the late Stone Age.
- Banasura Dam – Banasura Sagar Dam, located on the Banasura foothills and surrounded by greenery, is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad.
- Kuruva Dweep – Kuruva Island, also known as Kuruva Dweep, is surrounded by fresh water and is home to evergreen forests teeming with exotic fauna.
How to Reach
The nearest airport to the town is Calicut International Airport, at 93 KM from Wayanad. You can travel from any other major city/town in India to Calicut. From there, you can book an airport taxi or rent a car to reach Wayanad.
3. Agumbe
Often called the Cherrapunji of South India, Agumbe is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. Nestled on a plateau on top of the Someshwara Ghat, it is located at a distance of 380 km from Bangalore. It is situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka and gets its sobriquet because it receives 7,640 mm of mean annual rainfall, the second-highest in India. The vast but fast-depleting biosphere is made up of dense forests, tropical hills, gushing streams, and torrential waterfalls, replete with rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, making it a holistic ecosystem in itself. Because of its rich natural resources, Agumbe forms a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In April, day times are pretty warm while nighttime lows are 29°C. The mild and dry weather around this time is perfect for hiking and viewing the rainforest. Check out this handy travel guide to experience all the treasures of this mystical forest land.
Places to Visit
- Jogigundi Falls – It is a small waterfall with a pond that is filled with the water of the Malaphaari River.
- Agumbe Sunset View Point – The point gives a mesmerizing view of the sun surrounded by the Western Ghats with dark clouds, dipping into the Arabian Sea.
- Barkana Falls – It is among the ten highest waterfalls in India with a total height of 850 meters.
- Gopalkrishna Temple – Built in the 14th-century, the temple attracts tourists with its architecture and beautiful sculptures.
- Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary – The Sanctuary is a home for tiger, leopard, jackal, dhole, king cobra, giant flying squirrel, mouse deer and other wild species of fauna.
How to Reach
There is no flight service directly to Agumbe. The nearest airport is in Mangalore, about 95 KM away. Mangalore is well-connected to all major cities and towns in South India and other states. You can fly to Mangalore and then book an airport taxi to reach Agumbe.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and it helped you plan your April holiday plan to some of the best destinations in India. Share this with your family members and plan your offbeat vacation soon! Happy Vacations!
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Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Swati Deol
