If you are someone who finds cherry blossoms fascinating, and have been planning to visit Japan, pause that Google search of yours, because we have great destinations (if not best) in India, and this is exactly what we are here for. Skip Japan’s sakura or the old tradition of Hanami, and straight to Nagaland (as soon as possible). Nagaland has steadily built a reputation as one of India’s foremost cherry blossom destinations. Unlike Japan, where cherry blossoms bloom in spring, Nagaland’s cherry trees flower during the winter months, usually between late October and early December. For a winter-loving traveller, this is perfect.The star of Nagaland’s cherry blossom story is Kohima, where streets, hill slopes, and forested patches are lined with wild Himalayan cherry trees. As the trees burst into bloom, entire neighbourhoods turn into pink and white wonderland. You look up, you will see a sea of pink, you look down, you will see petals carpeting roads and trails. 
Beautiful church in Nagaland
What sets Nagaland’s blossoms apart is the untouched environment in which they flourish. Rather than being confined to manicured city parks, many cherry trees grow naturally in the wild, merging effortlessly with the surrounding hills and forests. This creates a quieter, more authentic experience, free from the heavy crowds typically linked to cherry blossom season in Japan. Visitors travelling to Kohima for the annual Hornbill Festival often get to witness this striking natural spectacle firsthand.Those visiting Nagaland, explore scenic blossom-lined trails during the day. In Nagaland, especially in Kohima, cherry blossoms are not just a visual delight but part of a broader cultural experience rooted in local traditions and modern creativity.Pro-tip: If you are visiting Nagaland this time of year, maybe for the cherry blossoms, do try to make time for Puliebadze as well. This mountain peak in Kohima district is at its best this time of year. The climb is beginner-friendly, as in, even children can do it, but of course under supervision. The forest trail is pretty with winter blooms everywhere, and there are properly marked trails so climbers do not face difficulties. The surrounding forest is also home to the rare and shy Blyth’s Tragopan.
Meghalaya’s emerging blossom trails
The country is starting to see Nagaland as an emerging cherry blossom destination, but long before that, Meghalaya made a place for itself in the cherry blossom scene. Whether you are approaching the state from Guwahati side or from Dima Hasao and Cachar side in Assam, throughout the way, you would see pretty cherry trees, in shades of light pink and white. But since the lifespan of these blossoms are quite short, visiting these states late in the season may result in zero blossoms, but a lot of green and young fruits.In season, in Meghalaya, the blossoms are more scattered, making them a great treat for observant travellers. Pink blooms appear along winding hill roads, forest edges, and village paths, often framed by rolling clouds and dense pine forests.Botanically, the cherry blossoms of Nagaland and Meghalaya are not the same species as Japan’s famous blooms. The Indian one is the Himalayan cherry. Even though they are different in species, they are as visually striking as the Japanese cherry. The visual impact is strikingly similar, with delicate petals and fleeting blooms. This similarity challenges the long-held notion that sakura is exclusive to Japan. In fact, India’s Northeast offers its own interpretation of the cherry blossom season, shaped by different climates, cultures, and landscapes. 
Road lined with cherry blossoms
Why India’s cherry blossoms deserve attention
One of the most compelling aspects of cherry blossom viewing in Nagaland and Meghalaya is accessibility. It’s true that some travellers are still hesitant to visit the northeast region primarily due to misconceptions. But what if we were to tell you that travelling to the northeast is more fun, educating, enriching and worth your time and money? Firstly, to witness cherry blossoms, you do not need a visa, unlike a visit to Japan. However, if you are not from Nagaland, you are required to have an Inner Line Permit. One pro-tip: If you are planning for Nagaland, any time of the year, do book your tickets well in advance. The air fares tend to be on the steeper side. Dimapur has an airport and is also one of the major railway stations in the northeast. The bus connectivity is also very good, especially from Shillong and Guwahati. Even though Nagaland is a well-known tourist destination, the state does not get overcrowded. Visitors get a chance to explore a culturally rich and ecologically diverse region within the country. For photographers, nature lovers, and slow travellers, the state is a gem of a destination.Travellers keep in mind, if you are planning a cherry blossom trip to the Northeast, the one thing you need to remember the most is the timing. And this is not just for the flight or train tickets. The cherry blossoms don’t bloom for long. This is not a months-long natural event. The cherry blossoms stay for around a couple of weeks. And since the blooming window is so short, it adds to the allure. Also keep in mind, the cherry blossoms aren’t everywhere. It’s not common to find them in Dimapur. But Kohima, now that’s a different case. Here, the blooms are at their finest, thus making Kohima and the neighbouring hilly areas, some of the best places to see the blooms.Travellers should approach the experience with flexibility, as the blossoms are short-lived and weather-dependent. Unlike structured blossom forecasts in Japan, the Northeast’s blooms are still largely guided by nature rather than schedules, adding an element of surprise to the journey.
AloJapan.com