Best Places To Visit In April In India

The scent of spring translates slowly into the heady mood of vacations when April knocks on Indian doors. The month is characterised by faint flutterings of summer heat, with a dry, happy air that comes with schools breaking for holidays and families ready to take off for vacations in search of cooler climes. In this month, most Himalayan and upper northern destinations, as well as the South Indian destinations in the hills or near the coast become coveted for their cooler weather. Destinations like Darjeeling, Mussoorie, Manali, Sonamarg, Trivandrum, Coonoor etc are some of the best places to visit in April in India. Read on to find more such gems, with details of how they fare in April for one and sundry.

Darjeeling

Nestled in the Himalayan Range, Darjeeling is a beautiful paradise of tea gardens, hills and valleys. A part of the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is one of the most romantic hilly getaways in India, blooming with pleasant temperatures and lovely, touristy things to do in the summer months. April is one of the best to visit Darjeeling, with a temperature range between 11°C and 19°C. There are chances of showers and hail, so carrying some light woollens is advised. 

Things to Do:

Start with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a 78 km long toy train which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head to Tiger Hill to grab a view of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo to see some rare Himalayan animals like snow leopard, red panda and the Himalayan wolf. You can also visit Mirik for the fresh juicy oranges right off of its orchards, Lake Sumandu and shrines like Devi Stan and Bokar Monastery. Enjoy a cable car ride at Rangeet Valley, with the town of Darjeeling down under you, its rivers flowing, tea gardens freshly pruned and valleys filled with green meadows. Another awesome touristy things in Darjeeling is touring a tea estate, mainly for its black tea. You can also hang out at Nehru Road or Mall road for some local shopping (woollens, handicrafts, toy-train souvenirs) etc.

How to Reach:

Bagdora Airport is closest to Darjeeling, only a 100 km away. You will find flights to Bagdora from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati etc. By rail, you will reach New Jalpaiguri from where you will have to hail a cab or use the local or deluxe buses to travel up to Darjeeling. A toy train is also available from here but takes upto 7 hours. By road, you can take the NH55 from Orissa or ride up from Gangtok.

Manali

Manali is located in Himachal Pradesh, specifically in the Kullu district that is also called the Valley of Gods. The town that became synonymous with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani lately has always been on the radar of travellers looking for a hill station getaway as well as some first-hand adventure. It has a quaint old world charm to it and is one of the top tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh; especially in April, when the temperature remains between 10°C and 25°C. Pleasant days and cool nights, luxury resorts and hotels, lots of mountains to conquer. Perfect for a summer. 

Things to Do:

Start with a tour of the Tibetan monasteries like Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa, Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa (it has a huge statue of Sakyamuni i.e. Lord Buddha) and Panden Ngari Gompa. Also check out the Manu Rishi Temple, Vashishtha Temple and the Hadimba Devi Temple. Explore the apple orchards of Manali, walk down the streets for some old world charm, head to the small village of Vashisth across Beas to bathe in a hot sulphur spring. For adventure junkies, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism regularly organises courses in rock climbing, skiing and mountaineering. And, and, do get your picture clicked with one of the yaks grazing on the mountains here. Makes for a hell of a holiday picture!

How to Reach:

Chandigarh is the nearest major airport to Manali, while Bhuntar is closest in distance but not as big. You can fly to either, depending on the connectivity from your place. Joginder Nagar is the closest railway station, 163 km away; then there is Chandigarh (350 km) as well as Ambala (360 km). You will get cars on hire and taxis, or you can book yourself for a bus. You can also drive up to Manali from Chandigarh, Delhi or Shimla.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a hill station in the newly formed state of Uttarakhand, only 35 km away from the state capital Dehradun. At an altitude of 6,170 feet, this hill station houses some amazing flora and fauna. Mussoorie is also known to have a beer brewery established as early as 1850. April becomes the opening season in Mussoorie’s tourism with thawing winters and a pleasant flourish into summer. Temperature remains between 10-30°C.

Things to Do:

The town is built around the Mussoorie Lake and it is mandatory to pay a visit here. Also worth visiting are the waterfalls in the area, from Kempty Falls to Jharipani falls and Bhatta Falls. You are also welcome to hire boats and go riding in Lake Mist or spend a quiet, peaceful sunrise at Lal Tibba. The area of Dhanaulti is also a very coveted tourist attraction, mainly for its blossoming fields of Rhododendron flowers, deodars and oak trees. You can also explore the Happy Valley, Gun Hill and hang around the town market, also called Mall Road. This place has a colonial charm and boasts of English benches, lamp posts and cobbled streets. 

How to Reach: 

Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is closest to Mussoorie, located about 60 km away. Major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai etc are well connected to this airport. You can also take a train to Dehradun Railway Station, situated about 35 km away. Shared jeeps, private taxis and cars for hire are available to take you to Mussoorie. You can also drive up from Delhi (9 hours). Or take state run/Volvo buses.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a summer hill station in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh, situated near the Dhauladhar Mountain ranges. The tranquility and quiet of this place is known to de-stress and rejuvenate tired souls. Travellers and tourists usually come here seeking peace, some cold hilly luxury and a roll in the charm of the colonial era. This is also a beautiful honeymoon destination. April marks the end of spring and beginning of summer in Dalhousie, with temperatures never rising above 30°C even in the peak of summer. 

Things to Do:

Visit the town of Khajjar for scenic views, take long walks and enjoy picnics. In Dalhousie itself, there are many colonial buildings like the St. Francis and St. John’s churches that infuse the old-world charm into the town. Trek up to the Dainkund Peak and pay respects at the Pholani Devi Temple while enjoying some quiet time and panoramic views at Subhash Baoli. Check out the Kalatop Wildlife Reserve for long nature walks, wildlife sightings and invigorating experience. Panchpula is another trekking and picnicking sight, while Chamera Lake is known for adventure and photography. Also worth exploring are Ganji Pahadi, Satdhara Falls and Rang Mahal.

How to Reach:

Pathankot (75 km) and Gaggal (135 km) make for the closest airports to Dalhousie, with regular flights from Chandigarh and Delhi. The nearest railway station here is Pathankot's Chakki Bank, where overnight trains from Delhi are most common. You can also drive up to Dalhousie from Delhi or other Himachal cities. Hire a car or take the state-run/deluxe/Volvo buses.

Pelling

A spellbinding piece of landscape in Sikkim, Pelling is an inviting town that has become a coveted tourist destination in recent years. Filled with lush forests, lakes, waterfalls and some enchanting wildlife. While Sikkim is freezing in winters and wet as a dog in monsoons, summer becomes welcoming for travellers with a temperature range of 7°C to 28°C. Drier, sunny days prevail and April just becomes a gateway into those days. 

Things to Do:

When in Sikkim, do make it a point to go and absorb the sight of the mighty Kanchenjunga peak. Visit Sangachoeling Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery and explore each for its own merit. Trekking here is good too, mainly on the Khecheopalri Lake trail and Bhaley Dhunga. You must also visit the Sewaro Rock Garden, Singshore Bridge, Rimbi Waterfall and the Kanchenjunga Fall. Sikkim is known for some good Tibetan and Chinese influenced cuisine and the best places to eat noodle stews and momos are Melting Point, The Rabdentse and Big Bowl. Shopping is good here, and includes carpets, blankets, shawls, carved tables and traditional Tibetan paintings called thangkas. 

How to Reach:

Bagdogra International Airport is the nearest airport, with taxis and buses available to ferry you to Pelling. The airport also plies regular helicopters to Gangtok, from where jeeps can take you to Pelling. When coming in by train, you will reach Siliguri in West Bengal, from where Pelling is 130 km away. You can also travel to Pelling by local buses from Gangtok, Kalimpong or Namchi. Cars, Jeeps and SUVs are also available.

Trivandrum

Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala, and quite a busy one at that. Yet, it makes for a lovely tourist retreat and holiday destination when circuiting the best of Kerala. Also known as Thiruvananthapuram, this city has a distinguished charm, one that bears a mark of the colonial architecture. It also houses the remains of the Travancore royal family. In April, the average temperature here is around 35°C and rare pre-monsoon showers may be expected.

Things to Do:

In Trivandrum you must visit the Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary for its awesome crocodile farm, deer park, lion safari, and boating in the Neyyar river. There is also the Peppara Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary. Another marvel here is the Anjengo or Anchuthengu Fort, replete with its colonial might. Explore the Zoological Garden, Napier Museum and the Kuthira Malika Palace of the Travancore royals. 16 km away from Trivandrum is the beach town of Kovalam, famous for its pristine shores. You must plan a beach retreat there. Adventure here includes skydiving, scuba-diving and mountaineering. For food, head to the India Coffee House or Villa Maya for traditional fare. And do not return without taking a tour of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, renowned for its architecture, murals and 9 entrances.

How to Reach:

Trivandrum boasts of its own International airport within the city as well as a number of railway stations. However, Trivandrum Central is the major stop and closest to the city centre. Major Kerala cities are also connected to Trivandrum via KSRTC buses and Volvos. You can also drive or hire a car as the roads are good too.

Coonoor

A breath-taking town of wafting tea fragrances and Nilgiris, Coonoor is Tamil Nadu’s hill station pride. With its sprawling gardens of roses, eucalyptuses and rhododendrons, Coonoor just stuns you with its natural aura. A trip to Coonoor in the month of April is one of the best ways to escape the rapidly rising city heat. With temperatures ranging between 20 and 25°C, it is not too hot, neither too cold here. Rainfall has retreated, leaving some dense clouds and very pleasant breeze. April is the favourite month because most schools have just gotten their summer break too.

Things to Do:

Travel in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway’s toy train between Coonoor and Ooty, head to Dolphin’s Nose and breathe in the views of Catherine Falls, stroll your way through the garden called Sim’s Park (full of roses, rhododendrons etc). Check out the hidden, uncharted valleys of Coonoor, take a road trip to the Lamb’s Rock, hike up to Law’s Falls and enjoy all the lushness because it is SUMMER! Do not miss the High Fields Tea Factory and see how the tea is processed and also taste some melt-in-the-mouth chocolate on the side. The place is also famous for essential oils, skin care stuff and bottled fragrances. Visit the renowned Indian Bakery to buy treats to take back home and also take a tour of the Droog Fort which was Tipu Sultan’s outpost here.

How to Reach:

The airport closest to Coonoor is the one at Coimbatore. Regular and daily flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore etc ply to Coimbatore, from where you can hire a taxi for a 2-hour journey up to Coonoor. You can also choose to travel by road on one of the state-government run buses or drive yourself. Or take the train to the nearest railway head i.e Mettupalayam (45 km away) or Coimbatore Junction (75 km).

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located by the Periyar River in Kerala, in the picturesque arms of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary has been home to many a rare species, from the Indian Tigers to Nilgiri Langurs, Liontail Macaques to the mighty King Cobra. With average temperature of 31°C, the heat and dry weather lures animals out of their hiding to watering holes, hence making sightings a piece of cake in April. Hence this becomes one of the best times to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Things to Do:

There is a lot more to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary than the animal safaris. You can camp in the jungle at nights, explore the Mullaperiyar Dam, pay a reverent visit to Mangaladevi Temple or take a tour of the famous Spice Garden nearby. The Spice Garden shows an array of peppers, clove, coffee, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. There are also herbs of lemongrass, avocado and stevia. Other coveted tourist attractions are Mudra Cultural Center, Perunthenaruvi Falls, Suruli Waterfalls and Pullumedu. As for the sanctuary itself, you can take jeep safaris, elephant back safaris, boat cruises and bamboo rafting in Periyar river as well as follow the Tiger trails. For adventure seekers, cycling or mountain biking through the winding ways of the cardamom hills is a fragrant high you shouldn’t miss. 

How to Reach: 

The closest airport to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Madurai Airport, 140 km away. Kochi International Airport is 190 km away. Frequent and regular flights ply into each of these cities from major Indian metros. And you can avail of the buses or hire taxis to transport you to the sanctuary. If coming in by train, Kottayam is your closest bet as its lies 110 km away from Periyar. Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi and Chennai run regular trains. You can also choose the road and take the NH220 to reach the nearest town of Kumil before detouring to the sanctuary.

Sonamarg

The meadow of gold, that is the literal translation of the word Sonamarg. And rightly so. It is a Kashmiri town overlooking the meadows of golden green grass, hills and glaciers fringed by a watercolour outline of the Thajiwas mountains in the distance. The village-town freezes over in winter and the residents migrate away, coming to settle back at the beginning of summer in March. By April, they are all set to welcome the onslaught of tourists with all the sunshine and warmth. With average minimum of 9°C and highs of 32°C, the temperature also remains very pleasant through April.

Things to Do:

If you would just spend all your time soaking in the vistas, your trip would be worth it. But there is lots more to do here. From trekking in the Himalayan glaciers and peaks like Machoi, Sirbal, Amarnath and Kolhoi to visiting the Zojila Pass, adventure is abound. You can go river rafting in the mighty Indus River, visit Satsaran Pass, Amarnath Cave and picnic by the Gadsar Lake. Other lakes here are Vishansar, Krishansar and the peculiarly red watered Nilagrad Lake which carries remedies for body ailments and hence becomes a go-to for locals needing a therapeutic dip. You can also picnic in the valley of Yusmarg or climb the Thajiwas Glacier if you are feeling adventurous. Other nearby towns here include Pahalgam, Gulmarg and the capital Srinagar. 

How to Reach: 

Srinagar International Airport is only 70 km away from Sonamarg and makes for your destination when flying in from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Bangalore etc. Since Sonamarg doesn’t have any railways station in the vicinity, the closest is the Srinagar railway station (51 km) and Jammu Tawi station (182 km). But flight is still the best option. You can also drive up using the NH1D i.e. Srinagar to Ladakh road.

Andaman Nicobar

Andaman And Nicobar Islands are for a collection of breath-taking islands in the Bay of Bengal of India. Some of them are perfect, with white beaches, aqua stretches of sea, untouched reefs of coral and endless lines of palm trees. In April, the summer is rising on the islands and the average temperature is maintained at 24°C thanks to all the water around it. This month becomes one of the greatest times to visit Andaman Nicobar as there are just more than enough beaches to enjoy and seas to paddle in. Adventure and water sports are at their best too.

Things to Do:

You can visit nearby islands like Ross Island, Neil Island, Baratang and Havelock. Some offer splendid beaches and sunrises while others have brilliant vistas with water-sports. Neil island boasts of snorkelling, rafting, deep water diving as well as paddling. The coral reefs breath new life into you. Baratang Island is full of mangrove creeks, nicely interlaced with backwaters great for rides. Viper Island is home to ruins and is known for being one of the many exile jails for Indian soldiers by the British. Coming to the capital Port Blair, the city boasts of Cellular Jail which was a prison for Indian freedom fighters too during the Raj, Chidiya Tapu and museums for your entertainment. If you are looking for some young, peppy vibes and good nightlife then Havelock Island is the right fix for you with its beach shacks and cafes. 

How to Reach:

Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar Airport is the main landing spot when flying in from mainland India. Daily flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi are available to Port Blair. Also, there are ships leaving from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam if sea route is what you wish for. Once on the island, you have jetties, boats, hired cars and bikes at your disposal for commute, with auto rickshaws for a cheaper option. Since this is an island, you have no railway connection from Indian mainland.