Dates of Cherry Blossom Festival in India Confirmed

Cherry blossom festivals are held all over the world though Japan was obviously the first to start planting sakura trees for the sake of their amazing flowers. The tradtion is said to date to the 3rd century and today it is still one of the most important events of theJapanese festive calendar. Nowadays over two dozen of countries of the world have taken up the tradition of cherry blossom festivals – from the Unites States to the South Korea. Last year, India became the 28th country to offer tourists this amazing sight.

This year, the festival will take place from November, 14 till November, 17 in Shillog, the capital of the Northern Indian state of Meghalaya. Located about 1.500 m above the sea level, Shillog is also a hill station enjoying balmy summers and cool winters, an ideal climate for growing cherry trees which blossom in October and November – the best time to visit Shillog weather-wise. 

While there is a small airport in Umroi, some 40 km from Shillog, it accepts flight from Calcutta only. An easier way is to fly to Guwahati, 100 km from Shillog, which offers reliable air connections with all the major destinations in India. Guwahati is also where the nearest to Shillog railway station is located. From Guwahati, buses head to Shillog reaching it in about 4 hours.

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