Indian flowers that remind us of cherry blossoms

Time of India

3 days ago

Move over, Japan! India boasts its own stunning floral display, rivaling cherry blossoms. Gulmohars paint cities red and orange, while Amaltas showers golden blooms. Jacarandas offer lavender hues, and Palash sets forests ablaze. Tabebuias create pink canopies, especially in Bangalore, and Kachnar adds delicate charm. Experience India's magical spring with these vibrant flowering trees.
When we hear the words cherry blossoms, Japan's dainty sakura trees are the first thing that comes to mind. Little do we know, however, that India also has its own floral treasures that are as beautiful and enchanting as cherry blossoms.
Here's a glimpse at some of India's most breathtaking flowering trees that look like cherry blossoms.
Gulmohar
Gulmohar is known as the Flame Tree or Royal Poinciana, and it is among the most beautiful flowering trees of Indian urban areas. Its blood-red-orange flowers come in late spring, blanketing whole canopies and streets below with golden colors. Gulmohar trees are found right across India, from Delhi and Pune to Chennai and Kolkata.
South Mumbai and Bangalore roads turn into blazing red channels during May and June.
In Pondicherry, tree-lined roads remain abuzz with their colorful spectacle.
Amaltas
The Golden Shower Tree is a real summer pageant, which comes alive with long clusters of golden yellow blooms. They hang in a radiant chandelier and are believed to be auspicious in Indian mythology. Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jaipur are particularly renowned for having amaltas-lined roads.
In South India, there is a sight to behold in Mysuru and Bengaluru. The best time is most often from late April to June.
Jacaranda
Popularly known as the "Neeli Gulmohar" or Blue Gulmohar, Jacaranda trees charm passersby with their lavender-blue trumpet-shaped flowers. Though less obvious than Gulmohar, they add a peaceful, ethereal touch to the cityscape. Bengaluru's Cubbon Park and Delhi's Lodhi Garden are top spots to see jacaranda in bloom, typically from March to May.
You'll also find them in Shimla, Dehradun, and Mussoorie, where their color pops beautifully against the hills.
Palaash
A riot of reddish-orange flowers, the Palaash trees bloom in early spring. These flowers are referred to as Jungle ki Aag (fire of the forest) and bloom even before the leaves appear, giving the trees the appearance of being on fire. You will spot thick groves of palash in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
The Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh forests are among the best spots to see them ablaze in February and March.
Tabebuia
Tabebuia trees, although South American in origin, have done wonderfully well on Indian soil. Their soft pink trumpet-shaped flowers are so dainty and striking that they are confused with cherry blossoms. Bengaluru is India's virtual "sakura capital," with roads like Cubbon Road and Lalbagh Park going soft pink during spring.
Kerala's Trivandrum and Kochi, too, have pleasant avenues bordered by these trees, especially during February and March.
Kachnar
Kachnar trees embellish the Indian spring with orchid-like, pink, purple, and white flowers. The flowers are dainty, scented, and in clusters, adding poise to gardens and boulevards. Look out for Kachnar flowering from February to March in Delhi's parks, lakefront spots in Bhopal, and Lucknow's roads. It grows in Sikkim and the Himalayan foothills too, where it blends in with the natural surroundings.
So the next time you yearn for cherry blossoms but can't make it to Japan, simply drive to your local park or botanical garden during spring or early summer. India's own floral wonders provide an equally magical experience.
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