Owing to incredibly varied geographical landforms, spring in India varies with altitude and climate patterns. While most of the southern and eastern states have tropical climate and vegetation, states in the north and west feature semi-arid and subalpine types. Even if you were to tour the entire country during spring, each place would welcome you with its uniquely captivating accent.
1. Spring in North India – Punjab, Haryana, UP, Jammu &Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
Time of the year – February to April
Best Places to Visit - Valley of Flowers(Uttarakhand), Gulmarg and Sonamarg(Kashmir), Kasol and Manali(Himachal Pradesh), and Nanda Devi National Park(Uttarakhand)
Spring in north India culturally begins with celebration of the Basant Panchami festival in February. Baisakhi celebrations in Punjab are another name for similar festivities. With an average temperature of 32° Celsius, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh present amazing locations for adventure activities like trekking at Kasol and sightseeing amidst acres of valleys in Sonmarg. Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO heritage site, offers the opportunity to witness rare fauna like Himalayan musk deer and rhesus Macau.
2. Mild Southern Spring in Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
Time of the year – February and March
Best Places to Visit - Wayanad(Kerala), Visakhapatnam(Andhra Pradesh), Backwaters(Kerala), Periyar National Park(Tamil Nadu)
South India is full of exotic hill stations with charming tropical valleys and coffee plantations that boast cool weather in spring. Perfect for memorable treks, Wayanad and Munnar have waterfalls plunging from sprawling flower gardens. Spring in India is also great for visiting Visakhapatnam and Rameswaram, known for their crystal-clear beaches surrounded by green hills and vibrant crowds. You can stay at luxurious campsites along the banks of the Kaveri River and enjoy the serene pleasure of boating.
3. East Indian Spring Delights - West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim
Time of the year – February and March
Best Places to Visit - Yumthang Valley of Flowers(North Sikkim), Shillong and Garo Hills(Meghalaya), Darjeeling(West Bengal), Kaziranga National Park(Assam)
The eastern states feature an annually comfortable climate, taking its warmest form during spring in India. On safaris at the UNESCO heritage Kaziranga National Park, you could witness endangered one-horned rhinos amidst refreshing tropical greenery. The Queen of the Himalayas, Darjeeling, offers bountiful views of pine forests, Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga peaks. Another small town nearby called Kurseong, known as the “Land of White Orchids,” has plenty of waterfalls and Buddhist gompas. Celebrated in Assam, Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and the onset of spring. It is known for Bihu dance and folk music
4. Spring in West India - Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra
Time of the year – February to late April
Best Places to Visit - Rann of Kutch(Gujarat), Mahabaleshwar(Maharashtra), Mount Abu(Rajasthan), Calangute(Goa)
The land of strawberries, Mahabaleshwar, has one of the most vibrant springs in India. The hilly town has voluptuous rivers with rafting facilities and cascading valleys. In contrast to common misconception, Gujarat and Rajasthan are also filled with newly blooming desert vegetation during March for you to sink into the regal magnificence of havelis and palaces in Jaipur and Jaisalmer. The coastal state of Goa has an upscale charm with its magical nightlife, Portuguese architecture and turquoise beaches.
5. Spring in Northeast India - Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Uttarakhand
Time of the year – February and early March
Best Places to Visit - Manali(Himachal Pradesh), Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass(Sikkim), Leh and Ladakh(Jammu and Kashmir), Almora(Uttarakhand)
Just because spring has arrived, don’t put away your snowboards and umbrellas yet. During spring in India, many hill stations experience light snow and rain. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in Meghalaya are two towns receiving the highest rainfall in the world, making them ideal spring-break destinations for those who like challenging treks and the fulfilling smell of wet earth. Manali, Almora, the pristine Tsomgo Lake, and Indus Valley’s Ladakh, located atop high-altitude Himalayan valleys, are snowbound during spring with ravishing alpine forests to explore.
Spring Festivals in India
Spring in India is marked by a vibrant array of festivals, each celebrating the season's renewal and cultural heritage. Basant Panchami kicks off the season, honoring Goddess Saraswati with kite flying and yellow-themed festivities, particularly in Punjab and West Bengal. As spring progresses, the Holi festival in India, often known as the festival of colors, takes center place, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, and is celebrated with great zeal in places like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana. Baisakhi, a major event in Punjab, celebrates the harvest and Sikh New Year, while Rongali Bihu in Assam welcomes the Assamese New Year with traditional dances and music. Southern India observes Ugadi, the Telugu and Kannada New Year, symbolizing new beginnings. Meanwhile, Basant Utsav at Shantiniketan offers a unique celebration of spring through music, dance, and poetry inspired by Rabindranath Tagore. These spring festivals not only mark the change of season but also reflect India's rich cultural diversity.
Best Places to Visit in India in Spring
- Yumthang Valley – The stretches of rhododendrons, primulas and poppies at the Valley of Flowers in Sikkim is a pioneer among the best sightseeing spots during spring in India. Just a 7-hour scenic drive away from Gangtok, Yumthang’s sanctuary at an elevation of 3,700 metres is in full and vibrant bloom during April. The valley is truly unique as it has zillions of rare flowers located above the line where trees do not grow.
- Sandakphu – Located in the Singalila National Park, Sandakphu is West Bengal’s highest peak with panoramic views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and a massive section of the Himalayas. Trekking from Sandakphu to Phalut is one of India’s most exhilarating routes where lush subalpine forests and floral fields guide you to picturesque waterfalls every few miles.
- Wayanad – This lesser populated district in God’s own country, Kerala, houses the highest peak of the verdantly forested Western Ghats. Chembra Peak is a hotspot for challenging yet enjoyable treks along the dense tropical terrain. Pakshipathalam Sanctuary is ideal for birdwatching and safaris at the deep Brahmagiri Forest. Wayanad is also popular for ecotourism and raging waterfalls surrounded by exquisite flowers in spring.
- Kasol – Popular for its stylish hippie culture, Kasol is basked in the glory of Parvati Valley on the banks of a mountainous river in Himachal Pradesh. From March to May, Kasol gathers adventure enthusiasts who trek along beautiful alpine forests lining the hamlet. Tourists can also indulge in delicious food and heartfelt humanity of the villagers who present traditional performances to guests.
- Srinagar - After harsh winters, Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir is a warm and sunny abode during spring in India. You can enjoy thrilling sightseeing by taking a ferry across the pristine Dal Lake or hop onto a picture-perfect gondola in Gulmarg. Srinagar also has the world’s largest garden of red tulips which assumes full bloom in March. To enhance the experience, you can stay at sumptuous valley-bound cottages or houseboats.
Tips for Travelling in India in Spring
- Know the off-season deals: Since the tourism industry is more active than in other seasons during spring in India, booking the right accommodation is important. While polished hotels are better suited for enjoying contemporary luxuries, rustic cottage resorts, houseboats and homestays are more budget-friendly and close to nature. Visit holidify.com for latest comparisons in price and facilities.
- Hop onto trains: Flights are a great option if your vacation is short, but railways in India have a very different experience to offer. There are plenty of spring delights to enjoy from the windows of your train, making the journey as rewarding as your destination. Lavish first class coaches with indulgent amenities are greatly affordable and fast.
- Enjoy outdoor activities: To truly enjoy the weather and gripping vistas of spring in India, adventure activities are a must experience. India has numerous spots to embark on scenic, action-packed treks, hikes, boating, white-water rafting, mountain biking and safaris among others. Most resorts and tour desks arrange these for your family and friends.
Shake off your winter blues and book your travel to enjoy spring in India. If you have any more tips or facts that we have missed here, let us know in the comments below.