My Instagram feed was full of pink flowers or the cherry blossom in Japan and I just wished I could experience the same fairy tale one day. While visiting Japan can be a costly affair, I stumbled upon a similar experience right here in India!
Tucked away in the lush, undulating hills of Northeastern India, there's a place where the clouds come down to play and waterfalls are nature's dance parties. It's a land where every nook and cranny tells a story, where the rain paints the streets, and where music flows as naturally as the mountain streams. Welcome to Shillong- Meghalaya's hidden gem also known as the "Scotland of the East" and this is where you can experience the the Cherry Blossom Festival.
This festival, which started in 2016, is the only one of its kind in India and attracts thousands of visitors every year. It showcases the unique autumn flowering of the Himalayan cherry blossoms, which cover the city in a blanket of pink and white. The festival also features a variety of cultural and musical events, such as fashion shows, concerts, beauty pageants, food stalls, and more.
So here’s a complete guide to help you plan your trip to Shillong for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
When and where is the Cherry Blossom Festival held?
The Cherry Blossom Festival is usually held in mid-November, when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The exact dates may vary depending on the weather and the flowering season. The festival is organized by the Meghalaya Tourism Department in association with other partners.
This year the festival is between 17-19 November.
The venues for the festival is RBDSA Sports Complex in Shillong. However, you can also spot cherry blossom trees along many streets and roads in the city.
What are the ticket priced at?
Early bird tickets starts at Rs.3,600/- onwards. Book your tickets here.
What are the activities and attractions at the Cherry Blossom Festival?
The Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of not only nature but also culture and music. The festival offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the highlights of the festival are:
- Live music and dance performances by local and international artists, featuring genres like rock, pop, folk, jazz, blues, and more.
- Fashion shows and beauty pageants showcasing the traditional and modern attire of Meghalaya and other northeastern states.
- Food and beverage stalls offering local delicacies, wine, beer, as well as Japanese and Korean cuisine.
- Arts and crafts workshops and exhibitions displaying the handicrafts and paintings of local artisans.
- Storytelling sessions and literary events featuring renowned authors and poets from Meghalaya and other parts of India.
- Adventure sports and games such as rock climbing, zip-lining, archery, golf, cycling, and more.
- Heritage walks and guided tours to explore the history and culture of Shillong and Meghalaya.
- Night illumination of cherry blossom trees creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
How to reach Shillong for the Cherry Blossom Festival?
Shillong is well-connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India. The nearest airport is Umroi Airport, which is about 30 km from Shillong. However, this airport has limited flights from Kolkata and Guwahati only. A better option is to fly to Guwahati Airport, which is about 120 km from Shillong. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Shillong. The journey takes about 3 hours by road.
If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train to Guwahati Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, etc. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Shillong.
You can also drive to Shillong by your own car or hire a cab from Guwahati or other nearby cities. The road conditions are good and scenic.
Where to stay in Shillong for the Cherry Blossom Festival?
Shillong has a variety of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, guest houses, homestays, hostels, etc. Some of the popular places to stay in Shillong are:
1. The Centre Point Shillong
This is a 4-star hotel located near Police Bazar, the main market area of Shillong. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a conference hall, and free Wi-Fi.
Price for a night: Rs.7,200/- onwards.
2. M Crown Hotel
This is a 3-star hotel located near Ward’s Lake, one of the venues for the Cherry Blossom Festival. It offers cozy rooms with elegant decor, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a banquet hall, and free Wi-Fi.
Price for a night: Rs.6,750/- onwards.
3. Pinewood Hotel
This is a heritage hotel located near Lady Hydari Park. It offers charming rooms with wooden furnishings, a restaurant serving local cuisine, a bar with live music, a garden area with cherry blossom trees.
Contact property for pricing.
4. Zostel
This is a hostel located near Laitumkhrah Market. It offers dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms, a common area, a rooftop terrace, a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi.
Price for a night: Rs.1,300/- onwards.
5. Hotel Pegasus Crown
This is a budget hotel located near Polo Grounds, one of the venues for the Cherry Blossom Festival. It offers basic rooms with essential amenities, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Price for a night: Rs. 3,500/- onwards.
What are some tips and precautions for visiting the Cherry Blossom Festival?
Here are some tips and precautions to make your visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival a memorable one:
- Book your tickets and accommodation in advance, as the festival attracts a lot of tourists and locals.
- Carry warm clothes, as the weather can be chilly in November. Also, carry an umbrella or a raincoat, as it may rain occasionally.
- Respect the local culture and customs, and avoid littering or plucking the cherry blossom flowers.
- Try the local food and wine, but be careful of the spicy and fermented dishes, as they may not suit your stomach.
- Explore the city and its surroundings, but be aware of the traffic and the road conditions. Also, avoid venturing out alone at night or in unfamiliar areas.
Places to visit in and around Shillong?
Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or someone interested in exploring local culture, Shillong offers a wide range of things to do:
Ward's Lake: Visit this beautiful artificial lake in the heart of Shillong, surrounded by lush gardens. You can enjoy boating, leisurely walks, and picnics here.
Shillong Peak: Climb to the highest point in Shillong for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The peak is also home to an Air Force radar station.
Elephant Falls: Explore these captivating waterfalls, located a short drive from the city. You can trek to the different levels of the falls and enjoy the natural beauty.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest: Discover the enchanting Mawphlang Sacred Forest, a preserved ancient forest where Khasi tribal religious rituals and traditions are still practiced.
Cherrapunji and Mawsynram: Take a day trip to Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, known for their record-breaking rainfall and stunning landscapes. Explore the Mawsmai Caves and Nohkalikai Falls.
Mawlynnong: Visit Mawlynnong, the "Cleanest Village in Asia." Admire the cleanliness and community spirit, explore the living root bridge, and enjoy local Khasi cuisine.
Dawki and Umngot River: Head to Dawki and the crystal-clear Umngot River for boating and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Why should you visit the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong?
The Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong is a unique and delightful experience that you should not miss. It is a rare opportunity to witness the beauty of nature in its full glory, as well as to enjoy the culture and music of Meghalaya and other northeastern states. The festival will leave you spellbound by its charm and vibrancy, and will make you fall in love with Shillong.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Shillong for the Cherry Blossom Festival now!
Planning to visit Meghalaya soon? Do not miss out on our guide to help you explore the best of the place.
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