The first time when I went to Meghalaya, I was on a hardcore budget. I wanted to visit Cherapunjee and nearby places that were considered very ‘offbeat’ in 2013. After that trip, I went to Meghalaya twice but more or less the itinerary remained similar thanks to fam trips and family vacation.
It was not until last year in 2017 when I got a chance to explore Meghalaya for a few more days. While I was not going to any new place but the idea was to explore what I have seen in a different way. I was going to attend Cherry Blossom festival in Shillong.
Unlike Japan, Indian Cherry Blossom season arrives in November. Late November gives the hilly areas of Meghalaya, Nagaland and even Himachal Pradesh a full bloom of Cherry Blossom flowers. But here is a reality check, you will not see anything until the last day of the season. The blooming time is predicted and there is no guarantee that flowers will bloom on the day of the inauguration of the festival.
I had no plans to visit Shillong for Cherry Blossom festival but it was Dipawali and I was on my mandatory home visit. Guwahati is 10 hours away from Patna. Once you reach Guwahati, Shillong is not too far.
I almost felt cheated when I went to the venue where the flowers were supposed to grow in abundance. I found nothing. But I was not the only one to be disappointed. A group of nature enthusiasts, photographers and journalists had arrived from different places of India and everyone left the next day calling it a big waste of time.
The local food festival was a highlight that I liked at the venue. Different stalls showcasing special food from different cultures of Meghalaya. I personally liked Rice Beer, Rice and pork cooked inside bamboo shoot along with the cute cupcakes.
But lack of management was more annoying than the lack of flowers. Government had announced a range of programs from the date the festival would start to the day it would end. The programs included traditional dance, archery and football. Sadly, finding venues without paying taxi drivers a hefty sum became a tough task for a budget backpacker like me.
After a disappointing second day, I left for Cherrapunjee and spent a couple of days. In my last three visits to Meghalaya, this was the first time I went to Nohkalikai waterfalls. I was not disappointed.
After spending seven days in Meghalaya and wandering around without a plan, the day arrived when I was supposed to reach Guwahati and catch my train back to Patna. I decided to give another chance to the event venue and went there for a quick walk.
Surprise!! Surprise!!
The park was finally blooming with Cherry Blossom flowers. Trees laden with pretty white flowers adorned the entire street that lead to the venue. I clicked a few pics and left.
Overall, this was a big publicity stunt by Meghalaya Tourism. I could have gone to a local tribal festival that happened on the same date but reaching there was difficult. If the tourism department had spent similar time and energy in promoting that event, people like me would have experienced something more local in nature and not what totally looked like a PR move.
Dates of Cherry Blossom Festival 2018
Dates for Cherry Blossom festival 2018 are yet to be announced. It usually takes place during the 2nd or 3rd week of November. The prime venue is Ward’s Lake where most of the events take place.
How to reach Shillong
Regular shared cars from Paltan Bazar, Guwahati and Borjhar Airport go to Shillong. They charge around INR 300 per head and takes around 3 hours to arrive. You’ll also find shared Tata Sumo from Khanpara. These vehicles cost INR 170 but are very congested.
Additional Notes – It is a fun idea to be a part of Cherry Blossom Festival but don’t travel Meghalaya just for this event. Make an extensive plan and be in Shillong on the first day and last day of the festival.
Those cherry blossom pictures are awesome!
Keep it up 🙂
Hey Anshul, it was good to read your thoughts on Cherry Blossom Festival. I was also there last year and yes, it was a fiasco. So instead of staying over, I headed to Tura for the Wangala Festival. I think that is the tribal festival you were talking of. Wangala was definitely a better experience! 🙂
Hey, yes the same festival. I was really disappointed when I realized that I missed it. :-\ I’ll try to visit it this year.
So, even after a disappointment day, you still had a good time in the end and that is what really counts right. 😀 Those pictures are so beautiful. Cherry Blossoms season is so great. I never got the chance to attend the festival but I surely want to. This is amazing. 🙂
Beautiful photos. Glad you were able to eventually see them bloom!
There’s one area here in Michigan which has also a Cherry Blossom festival but since it doesn’t last that long, we were never able to visit it. Those are beautiful pictures!
The food, the people and the festivities is enough for me to consider to attend when the next event is planned.
Glad you put the dates I could visit and have the maximum fun. Or else I’ll have to look up for dates for when’s the best time
You post very nice pictures related to this festival. You are lucky to attend it. Thanks for sharing.
These cherry blossom pics are just amazing. Thanks for sharing the dates, I would see if this fits my schedule, this is very inviting.
Oh wow. I do want to visit this festival once. I love the pictures. And thank u for the good tips.
I’ve always wanted to see the cherry trees in blossom. The food and festivities make the trip look worth while.
Pretty scenes of cherry blossom. I too had wonderful time in Meghalaya but not in blooming days.
I’ve never been able to go to anywhere in Asia but it always looks so beautiful. Not to mention that I love cherry blossoms. Also that food looks so tasty!!
Cherry blossom tour experience is amazingly memorable.
Wow! This is amazing! I love cherry blossoms and I want to see them. I’m happy for you to see the real Cherry blossoms! I’m jealous ☹️😊 Captivating photos!
Wow! I had no idea about this festival in Shillong. Will definitely try to visit during the festival.
I have never seen a Sakura treer (Cherry Blossom), I was hoping to see them bloom in Japan. Great photos by the way.
It’s really fun. The pictures talk how you enjoyed your travel. And the beautiful flowers..
Haven’t seen Cherry blossoms, but its definitely on my list! Great photos.
Ooooh, you always hear about Japanese cherry blossoms and their festivals, but not India’s. I happy you post it, I want to to check this out!
I haven’t experienced Cherry Blossoms on any aspect, but they are extremely beautiful.