Shillong’s Autumnal Pink Paradise
From vibrant festivals to luxurious resorts embracing the bloom, Meghalaya is the place to be for an unforgettable cherry blossom encounter as autumn descends. Hotels are cashing in on the prettiest festival of nature in India.
By Deepali Nandwani
The northeastern state of Meghalaya is, right now, awash in a sea of pink and white as the cherry blossom season unfolds. Unlike the spring cherry blossom blooms of Japan, Meghalaya's Himalayan Indian Sakura trees (Prunus ceramides) flower in autumn, creating a unique spectacle that has earned the state the epithet of the ‘world’s only autumn cherry blossom destination’.
This year's Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, held in November, officially ushered in the season with a celebration of culture, music, and nature. The festival featured a concert by the legendary band BONEY M as part of their Farewell Tour.
While the tradition of 'Hanami' (cherry blossom viewing) has deep roots in Japan, Shillong has embraced its autumnal version, transforming the city into a breathtaking canvas of colour. Miles of wild and cultivated Indian Sakuras adorn the landscape, thanks in part to the forest department's efforts to propagate saplings from the wild.
Most of Meghalaya is dotted with cherry blossom trees, but the best places to see them: Ward’s Lake, a serene lake surrounded by the Indian Sakura trees; the sprawling Shillong Golf Course, which transforms into a pink paradise during the blooming season; the roads leading up to Upper Shillong, which are lined with these trees; and from the Shillong Peak, which overlooks the city dotted with pink blossoms.
Cherry blossoms hold cultural significance in many Asian cultures. They symbolise wellness, peace, and spiritual growth. In India's northeast, they also represent the impermanence of things, a reminder of the fleeting beauty of life.
Taj Guras Kutir is enviably located near Ward's Lake. a prime cherry blossom viewing spot.
Ward’s Lake and Shillong Golf Course are two places where you can enjoy the delicate beauty of the blossoming cherry trees.
Shillong's hotels are increasingly capitalising on the allure of autumn cherry blossoms, recognising their potential to attract tourists and enhance the guest experience.
Shillong's hotels are increasingly capitalising on the allure of these autumnal blossoms, recognising their potential to attract tourists and enhance the guest experience. Many offer special packages during the blooming season, including discounted rates, complimentary meals, and guided tours to prime viewing spots. Some hotels organise traditional Japanese-inspired ‘Hanami’ experiences, such as picnics under the blossoms, cultural performances, and themed dinners. Hotels also collaborate with local artisans to create cherry blossom-themed souvenirs and gifts for guests.
Taj Garas Kutir, a luxury resort from IHCL stands at the vantage point, next to Ward's Lake, one of the prime cherry blossom viewing spots. This allows guests easy access to the white and pink vision around the lake, complemented by the resort's beautifully landscaped gardens that feature a variety of cherry blossom trees. During the season, the resort curates a series of experiences built around cherry blossoms: a ‘Cherry Blossom Sojourn’ package, which includes high tea and spa treatments inspired by the blossoms; guided walks across the lake; ‘Hanami’ Picnics under the cherry blossom trees, complete with customised menus; and blossom-themed decor.
The Pear Tree boasts blossom-view rooms and a rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view of the city, pretty in pink and white. The Pine Tree Lodge is right by the Ward's Lake as well, so you can roll out of the bed and walk over to the trees with a cup of tea in your hand.
