6 Best Places to Visit in India in April

As April arrives, summer fully unfolds in India, bringing longer daylight hours, increasing temperatures, and a noticeable change in atmosphere. While some individuals prefer the refreshing coolness of mountain getaways, others flock to the coast for relaxing beach vacations. From the apricot blossoms of Ladakh to the vibrant ocean reefs of coastal Maharashtra, this period offers an excellent opportunity to explore the outdoors before the onset of the monsoon. Below are the top destinations to visit in India this April.

1. Jammu & Kashmir

April is the month of spring in Kashmir, marked by clear blue skies and green meadows with blooming gardens ripe for a picnic. The season goes further into May and prepares the ground for summer which brings mild temperatures and attracts tourists from all over the world. Srinagar’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest, is usually in full bloom in early April. This is also the best time for shikara rides across beautiful lakes, discovering hidden spots on foot or strolling through orchard vegetation.

These months are also ideal for adventurous hiking to high-altitude glacier lakes such as the Kashmir Great Lakes with trails from July to September. Also, the famous Amarnath Yatra takes place from July to August, with a long route from Pahalgam. Summer may bring some showers, but it does little to take away the beauty of the land.

2. Ladakh

April, they say, is the time when Ladakh becomes a haven of beauty. The apricot trees burst into bloom, spraying a delicate shade of pink and white across the villages. This is also the period when the region ushers in the Apricot Blossom Festival, showcasing the local culture. Apart from blossoms, apricots hold a prominent place in Ladakhi cuisine-as dried fruits for snacks, sweet jams with khambir (local bread) and pickled tangy-sour condiments. With day temperatures ranging from 10-C to 15-C-it's that perfect time to discover monasteries, high-altitude lakes, and breathtaking mountain passes before the summer rush. Fly to Leh, as the highways usually open only in May or June, and pay the Ladakh environment fee online; Indians no longer need an Inner Line Permit.

3. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

April is very much an ideal time to visit Mahabalipuram, particularly for those keen on surf riding. The east coast boasts bright skies, and offshore breezes by morning- perfect for any true beginner. The beaches here are popular with the surfing community as they provide easy access to a variety of reef and sand breaks. Beach shacks like Santana and Moonrakers serve highly recommended seafood options, featuring calamari, mackerel, and king prawns, for after-surf refueling. For a change of scenario, on your way in from Chennai visit Guindy National Park to spot blackbucks, step into The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust for a close encounter with crocodiles and cobras, or take a leisurely stroll through the vast Theosophical Society Gardens along the Adyar River.

4. Munnar, Kerala

With its pleasantly cool and breezy weather, Munnar offers a major respite from the summer heat in April. The season is all about picnics and cycling through the tea plantations, and is also the perfect time for scenic hikes to Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, and Chinnakanal Waterfall. Eravikulam National Park, home of the Nilgiri tahr, reopens in April after its calving-season closure. Explore the Tea Museum and learn all about tea-making, or enjoy a nature walk at Blossom Park, spotting rare birds. Summer is undoubtedly the best time for adventure and sightseeing activities in Munnar.

5. Arunachal Pradesh

Pleasant temperatures and clear roads make April an ideal time to drive to Tawang, now quicker and safer through the Sela Tunnel, opened in 2024. Losar, the Tibetan New Year, falls in February or March, so April is a quieter time to visit. Indians need an Inner Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh, applied for online. During this season, the 100-meter-high Nuranang Falls flows to its fullest, whereas the magnificent Tawang Monastery, which is the largest monastery in India, remains an unmissable stop. With the approaching summer, several lofty lakes like PT Tso and Sangetsar Lake begin to thaw and accommodate migratory birds, further beautifying Tawang.

6. Tarkarli, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra

April is the best time to visit Tarkarli, a little coastal village in Maharashtra, for all those adventurous souls ready to dive into the unexplored underwater world. Like the golden rendezvous of beaches and clear sapphire waters, Tarkarli is famed for diving from sites like Burnt Island, Fisherman's Cove, Fansaa Point, and Temple Rock. Sindhudurg airport at Chipi has limited flights, so most visitors fly to Goa’s Mopa airport, about 1.5 hours away, or take the Konkan Railway to Kudal. Tarkarli stays less crowded than other diving hubs, which greatly favor the aspiring divers. Lodging options range from MTDC’s beach resort and houseboats on the Karli backwaters to luxurious villas at Coco Shambhala, where guests will have a chance to savour authentic Konkani food. Other activities besides diving include visiting the fort of Sindhudurg, bird watching at Bird Island, and a boat ride to Vengurla Rocks.