Are you planning a trip to India in April but you are not sure what to expect?
Don’t worry, we have got you covered with a comprehensive all-you-need-to-know guide to visiting India in April.
April is the beginning of the summer season in most parts of India. Following the end of winter (November-February) and spring (March), temperatures begin to gradually rise in the plains and coastal regions of India.
Average temperatures in April range between 26 °C (78 °F) to 34°C (93 °F).
The South of India is generally warmer than the northern regions.
This time of the year is when Indians typically head to the high-altitude regions for some hill station serenity, pleasant weather and scenic views.
Here is a list of the best places to visit in India in the month of April.
Why Should You Visit India In April?
A Good Time to Visit the Himalayas
April is a great time to visit the Himalayas region and find a respite from the rising temperature of the Indian plains.
The hill stations of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and Ladakh are great places to visit in April.
We particularly recommend the Kashmir region, Ladakh, Kasauli, Nainital, Dalhousie, Dharamshala and Mussoorie.
A Good Time to Visit the Northeast
The Northeast region of India generally slips under the tourist radar as domestic and international tourist spend their winters exploring the tourist attractions of North, Central and South India.
Northeast India is a land of mystical rivers, snow-capped mountains, cascading tea gardens, serene lakes and rich cultures.
Some 200 tribes have inhabited this region since ancient times snuggled away in perfect isolation in the Himalayas.
April is a good time to visit places like Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya (Shillong) and West Bengal (Darjeeling).
Festivals
Many regional festivals are held during this month.
The most important among them are the Tulip Festival in Jammu and Kashmir, the Aoling Festival of the Konyak Naga tribe in Nagaland, the Bihu (Assamese New Year) Spring Festival in Assam, the Chithirai Festival at Madurai (Tamil Nadu) and the Rhythm and Blues Festival in Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh).
Fewer Crowds. Lower Rates.
April is the beginning of the off-peak season in India, so you will find thinner crowds at popular tourist attractions, cheaper accommodations and lower costs for tourist activities.
It is a good month to travel in India affordably.
Top 15 Places To Visit In April In India
1. Srinagar, Kashmir: The Colors Of Tulip
The Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who was found of gardens, lakes, scenic mountains and natural scenery is believed to have said these poetic lines in classical Persian verse in praise of Kashmir:
“Agar Firdaus bar roo-ee zameen ast,
Hameen ast-o, Hameen asto-o, hameen ast!”
“If there is a paradise on the face of the earth, it is this, it is this, it this.”
Capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, houseboat experiences, rich cultural and heritage and spiritual sites.
April, the spring season in Kashmir, is a particularly good time to visit Srinagar as the city holds the famous Tulip Festival.
Organized at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden (Siraj Bagh Tulip Garden), at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range near Dal Lake, the Tulip Festival draws a large number of visitors.
The festival features a colorful display of various varieties of the Kashmiri Tulip ranging from red, pink and purple to white, yellow and more. Various cultural events are also held during the festival.
What Else Can You Do in Srinagar in April?
- Shikara (Kashmiri Gandola boats) rides in the Dal Lake are one of the primary things to do in Kashmir.
- Visit the Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi).
- Savor the delicious Kashmiri Cuisine. We recommend Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Wazwan.
- Pay respect at the Hazratbal Shrine and the Shankaracharya Temple.
- Take relaxing walks in Nehru and Chinar Park.
- Visit the Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Golf at the exquisite Royal Spring Golf Course.
2. Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir
When you are in Kashmir, you shouldn’t be restricting yourself just to the capital Srinagar. There is so much more to see in this state of natural beauty.
Located 50 miles from Srinagar, in the Anantnag District is the “Valley of Shepherds” Pahalgam region that is well worth your time.
Nestled in beautiful mountains, Pahalgam boasts pine forests, lush green meadows, green gazing pastures and snow-capped mountains.
What Can You Do in Pahalgam?
- Visit the scenic Betaab Valley, which got its name from the Bollywood movie Betaab which was shot here.
- Fishing and riverside picnics at the Lidder River. Winding its way through the Betaab Valley, the Lidder River is famed for its trout fish.
- Hike up to the Kolahoi Glacier.
- Amarnath Yatra Base Camp. The annual Amarnath Pilgrimage (Yatra) is considered a sacred act in the Hindu faith and Pahalgam serves as an important base camp for the Yatra.
3. Ladakh: “The Land Of High Passes”
Previously a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, but now an independent Union Territory, Ladakh is a Himalayan gem tucked far away from the beaten path.
Known as the “Land of High Passes,” Ladakh is the perfect destination for off-roading, biking, white water rafting, trekking and jeep adventures.
The highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La and other high-altitude passes like Changa La, make Ladakh an exciting place for thrilling offroad expeditions.
Sparsely populated Ladakh’s landscape comprises stunningly beautiful rugged mountains, vast barren plateaus, deep valleys and gorgeous lakes.
Things to Do in Ladakh
- Ride the double-humped Bactrian camels in the Nubra Valley.
- Serenade at the legendary Pangong Lake which changes its color depending upon the time of the day and time of the year you visit.
- Visit Nubra, “Valeey of Flowers of Ladakh.”
- Go on a Gompa (Buddhist Monasteries) Tour to Hemis, Thiksey and Diskit Gompas.
- Heritage tours at its capital Leh.
- Water sports adventures: river rafting, mountain biking, and mountain trekking.
4. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
The term “hill station” evokes the idea of an old-fashioned slowing-the-time-down vacation amid mountains—and that is how it should be.
The state of Himachal Pradesh in the north of India is home to some of India’s favorite hill stations.
April and on, when waves of heat and humidity begin to sweep the Indian plains, Indians seek respite in hill stations in Himachal Pradesh like Shimla, Manali, Narkanda, Shoja, Spiti Valley, Kullu and Mashobra.
Dalhousie is one hill station that stands out from the rest due to its enchanting beauty and quaint colonial legacy of the British Raj.
Chosen by the officer of the Raj as a serene retreat, the town boasts many colonial architectural icons like the St. John’s Church, St. Francis Church and St. Andrew’s Church.
Things to Do in Dalhousie in April
- A Heritage Tour of the town’s Raj-era monuments.
- Visit the “Mini Switzerland of India” Khajjiar meadow.
- See the Pancha Pulla (5 bridges), a spot known for its five bridges and waterfall.
- Visiting Subhash Baoli, where the Indian Freedom Fighter and leader Subhash Chandra Bose is believed to have stayed during his exile.
- Watch the Satdhara Falls famous for its seven streams.
- Trek up to the Ganji Pahark or Kalatrop Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Pay respect at the Bara Patha Temple.
- Go shopping at the Tibetan Market for Tibetan handicrafts, carpets and jewelry.
5. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala attained global fame when in 1959, the Dalai Lama found refuge here. Since then the idyllic little town has served as the home of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, and the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Located in the Dhauladkhar foothills, Dharamshala is a land of breathtaking mountainous beauty, snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys and pine forests.
Things to do in Dharamshala in April
- Explore the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the official residence of the Dalai Lama. The complex houses the famous Namgyal Monastery and the Tsuglagkhang Temple.
- Watch Buddhist rituals being performed at the monasteries in the Tsuhlagkhang complex.
- Visit the Bhagsunag Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Do not forget to hike up to the nearby Bhagsunag waterfall.
- See the Kangra Fort, one of the oldest in India.
- Explore Tibetan history at the Tibetan Museum and the Norbulingkha Institute dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture.
- Say a prayer at St. John in the Wildnerness Church noted for its Neo-Gothic architecture.
6. Nagaland: For The Aoling Festival Of The Konyak Tribe
The Northeastern landlocked state of Nagaland—flocked by Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on one side, and Myanmar on the other—is home to diverse indigenous ethnic groups and ancient cultures.
Its capital Kohima became the epic state for the Battle of Kohima between the Allied and Axis Forces in World War I. The State Museum and Kohima War Cemetry are great places to learn about these events.
The region is also famous all over India for the Hornbill Festival, a spectacular celebration of the Naga culture where all Naga tribes show up with their traditional dances, music, and festivities.
However, April is a great time to visit Nagaland to enjoy the Aoling Festival of the Konyak Naga tribe. Heralding the arrival of spring and an offering to will on a bountiful harvest, the Aoling Festival features traditional rituals, songs and dances.
The Spartan Konyak tribe raises their young men to be fierce warriors. During the festival, young men at Morungs (youth warrior clubs) display their hunting, fighting and martial arts skills.
What Else Can You Do in Nagaland in April?
- Trek to the Dzukou Valley, Japfu Peak and the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Trekking Trail.
- Explore the Traditional Naga Villages to learn about their unique customs and way of life.
- Visit the picturesque Dzukou Valley.
- Visit the Kohima War Cemetry where the dead soldiers of World War II are buried.
- Savor Naga Cuisine.
- Handicraft shopping: handwoven shawls, tribal jewelry and cane products.
7. Nainital: Realm Of The Goddess Naini
A popular hill station in Uttarakhand, Nainital is famous for one of India’s beloved lakes—the Naini Lake. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Nainital boasts not just stunning sceneries but also exudes spiritual and religious comfort.
A visit to the Naini Devi Temple located on the banks of the lake is considered an important pilgrimage.
Things to Do in Nainital in April
- Seek Naini Devi’s (goddess) blessing at the Naini Devi Temple.
- Take boat rides on Naini Lake and watch epic sunsets and sunrise.
- Take the Cable Car to Snow View Point to get panoramic views of the peaks of the Himalayas.
- Take relaxing walks on Mall Road. Try local food at the eateries and do some shopping.
- Take a horse ride to the Tiffin Top vantage point to get excellent views of the surrounding valleys.
- Hike up to the Naini Peak where you will be able to see many towering mountains of the Himalayas.
- Visit the charming village of Pangot and the Khurpatal Lake a few miles outside of the city.
8. Mussoorie “The Queen Of Hills”
Located 22 miles from the capital city of Dehradun in Uttarakhand in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range, the “Queen of Hills” Mussoorie is one the most popular tourist attraction in the state.
Nestled at a height of 2,000 meters above sea level, the town is locally known as Mansuri. The name comes from the wild herb found in these parts. Under the British Raj, a military cantonment was built here after the British Indian Army defeated the local Gorkhas that ruled here.
If you are on a hill stations tour in the Himalayas, be sure to keep this little hill town on your bucket list.
Things to Do in Mussoorie
- Visit the Kempty Water Falls.
- Hike up to the Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie which gives you excellent views of the surrounding hills.
- Take a cable car ride to Gun Hill, the second-highest point where you get to see the Doon Valley.
- Stroll on Mall Road, the main promenade that comprises shops, cafes, restaurants and British Raj-era historical buildings.
- Trek to the Cloud’s End, a point famous locally for its lush greenery and nature walks.
- Stroll on the Camel’s Back Road, a narrow stretch that takes you through exotic flora and fauna and a unique rock formation.
9. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
This British-era small cantonment, situated in the Solan District, is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Located only 46 miles from Chandigarh, Kasauli is picturesque, serene and mesmerizing.
If you happen to be in North India, around Punjab or Delhi, Kasauli is an easily accessible hill station for a relaxing vacation.
In the month of April, Kasauli holds the Rhythm and Blues Festival which gives upcoming and young artists a stage to shine and showcase their talent.
Things to do in Kasauli
- Visit the British-era Christ Church known for its beautiful Gothic architecture.
- Trek to Monkey Point, the highest in Kasauli. Gives you great views of the Sutlej River.
- Visit the Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji, considered an important religious place in the Sikh faith.
- Hike up to the Sunset and Manki Point.
- Take the Gilbert Nature Trail and enjoy the lush green surroundings.
10- Mahabaleshwar: For The Strawberries Festival
You associate dense sprawling metropolitans like Mumbai (the economic heart of India), Pune, and Nagpur) with the state of Maharashtra. But there is more to it than just cities, commerce, trade and culture.
But Maharashtra is also home to many beautiful hill stations tucked away from the chaos of its cities that are very popular with tourists.
Among them is the charming “Strawberries Capital of India” Mahabaleshwar. April is the best time to visit this region as it holds the Strawberries Festival to showcase a rich range of strawberries and other organic products.
Things to Do in Mahabaleshwar
- Strawberry-picking at the amazing farms.
- Visit the beautiful Venna Lake. Take boat rides.
- Hike up to Wilson Point, the highest point in Mahabaleshwar which offers great views of the region.
- Another popular point you can hike up to is Arthur’s Seat which gives you great views of the Savitri Rivers as it winds its way down Mahabaleshwar.
- Visit the Lingmala Waterfall and the Mapro Garden, famous for its strawberry products.
- Pay respect to Lord Shiva at the Mahabaleshwar Temple, famous for its Hemadpanthi style of temple architecture.
- Explore the ancient Rajpuri Caves, considered sacred in the region.
- Other vantage points you can visit are Elephant’s Head Point, Panchgani, and Parsi Point.
11- Amritsar: For The Besakhi Festival
One of the best places to visit in April in India is Amritsar, the home of Sikhism’s sacred site, the Golden Temple.
The Besakhi Festival, an important part of the Sikh Festival, is celebrated all over the Punjabi lands, but it assumes particular religious significance and cultural fervor in the spiritual hub of the Sikh faith, Amritsar.
Baisakhi marks the beginning of the new Sikh Year and the formation of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh community) in 1699 by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
The Golden Temple is beautifully decorated during the festival. Sacred food (langar) is offered to all visitors. Nagar Kirtan Religious Processions are taken out on the streets featuring devotional hymns, music and traditional martial arts display.
What Else Can You Do in Amritsar?
- Attend the Wagar Border Flag-lowering ceremony at the border between India and Pakistan. Held every evening, the ceremony is marked by charged patriotic emotions and nationalistic fervor.
- Pay respect to the martyrs of the Jallianwala incident in 1919 at the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial.
- Visit the Gobindgarh Fort.
- Learn about the history of India’s partition at the Partition Museum.
- Visit the Hall Bazaar, Ram Bagh Garden and Durgiana Temple.
- Visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum.
12- Assam: For The Bihu Festival
Located along the sacred Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers, the northeastern state of Assam border Bhutan and the states of Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Bangladesh.
The most populous state in the northeast region with a population of 30 million, Assam is famous for its Assam Silk, lush green tea estates that produce the iconic Assamese Tea, and the wildlife safaris of the Kaziranga National Park—home of the endangered one-horned Indian rhinoceroses, wild water buffalos (Gaurs), Asiatic Royal Bengal Tigers and pygmy hogs.
The month of April is a great time to visit Assam for a wildlife adventure at the Kaziranga National Park and partake in the cultural celebration of the Rongali Bihu Festival which marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year.
Bihus are three-part festivals. The Spring Bihu (in April, celebrated in April), the Autumn Bihu (Kongali Bihu, celebrated in October/November) and Bhogali Bihu (Harvest Bihu, celebrated in January).
The Rongali Bihu (or Spring Bihu) celebrated in April is a time of joy, renewal, fresh starts and community bonding. It also features celebratory traditional dances like the Bihu and Husori dances.
What Else Can You Do in Assam in April?
- Visit the rolling tea gardens and estates in one the largest tea-producing region in the world. Watch the tea-plucking and tea-production process.
- Wildlife Safaris at Kaziranga, Manas and Nameri National Park.
- Visit the world’s largest river island, Majuli Island.
- Say a prayer at the Kamakhya Temple in Nilachal Hill in Guwahati.
- Enjoy river cruises in the Brahmaputra River.
- Heritage tour to the ancient capital city of the Ahom Kingdom at Sivasagar.
- Try Assamese Cuisine famous for dishes that use bamboo shoots, fish, duck and local herbs as ingredients.
13- Wayanad, Kerala
It gets quite hot in the coastal regions and plains of South India, but hill stations like Wayanad provide great getaways for a serene holiday in misty mountains.
Located in the Northeast of Kerala at a height of 2,000 meters above sea level, the district of Wayanad in the Western Ghats mountains is famous for its tea and coffee plantations, lush greenery, stunning waterfalls and rivers. The weather is pleasant in April for a stay in Wayanad.
Things to Do in Wayanad
- Visit the Soochipura, Meenmutty, and Kanthanpara waterfalls.
- Trek to Chembra Peak, the highest peak in the region.
- For wildlife enthusiasts, the Muthanga and Tholpetty Sanctuaries are great sites to see wild elephants, deer, leopards and other exotic animals.
- Explore the ancient Edakkal Caves known for their prehistoric rock engravings.
- Take boat rides on Pookode Lake.
- Witness the tea-making process at the Soochipura Tea Plantations.
14- Cherranpunji, Meghalaya
Located in the East Khasi Hills District in the state of Meghalaya, Cherranpunji is “the Wettest Place on Planet Earth” and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the northeast region of India.
If you are a nature lover, then you must plan a visit to Cherranpunji, the ultimate nature destination. The Wettest Place on Earth boasts stunning waterfalls, ancient caves, eco-parks, canyons, lush green valleys, snaking rivers and so much more.
But two things stand out: the traditional indigenous culture of the Khasi Tribe and the “Living Root Bridges” natural wonders.
Things to Do in Cherranpunji
- Visit the Living Root Bridges formed by training the aerial roots of rubber trees to form bridges over streams. They are fine exhibitions of the engineering skills of the Meghalaya people.
- Visit the Mawsmai Caves.
- Go on a Waterfalls Tour to Nohkalikai, Dainthlen and Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) Falls.
- Visit the Eco-Park and Thangkharang Park for panoramic views of Bangladesh plains and Sylhet hills.
- Spend a day with the Khasi tribal people and learn about their culture and way of life.
- Visit the Laitlum Canyons.
15- Ooty, Tamil Nadu: For The Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival
Officially known as Udhagamandalam, but popular as Ooty, is situated at an altitude of 2430 miles/ 7350 feet above sea level in the Nilgiris district.
Located at a distance of 80 miles from Mysore, Ooty is one of the best hill stations in all of South India famous for the Ooty Lake, botanical gardens, tea and spice plantations, Toy Train rides and lush green mountains.
April is a good time to visit the region as the region celebrates the Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival dedicated to the goddess Mariamman and her sister Kaliamann.
Things to Do in Ooty in April
- Boat rides in Ooty Lake.
- Explore the Botanical Garden.
- Hike up to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris mountains.
- Take Tea Plantation tours and learn about the process of tea making.
- Visit the Pykara Lake and Catherine Waterfall.
- Explore the historical St. Stephen Church dating back to the East India Company rule.
16- Tamil Nadu: For The Chithirai Festival At Madurai
The famous historical city of Madurai (one of the oldest in India) celebrates the Chithirai Festival in the first month of the Tamil Calendar, Chithirai, which usually corresponds to April. Festivities go on for 14 days.
The Chithirai Festival features elaborate religious rituals, processions and hoisting of the flags and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the goddess Meenakshi (Parvati).
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu rode a golden horse and arrived on this day to take part in the wedding ceremony of his sister, Meenakshi. Married to Sundareshwar, the goddess Meenakshi is coronated as the ruler of Madurai.
Other Things You Can Do in Tamil Nadu
- Explore Ancient Temples. Some of the greatest and most important temples are located in Tamil Nadu, which include the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and Ramanthaswamy Temple in Rameswaram.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage ancient rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram.
- Enjoy vacations at the Kanyakumari, Kodaikanal and Ooty hill stations.
- For a beach holiday, head to Pondicherry.
- Witness a classical Bharatanatyam dance performance.
