Trees are the unsung heroes of our landscapes, weaving together the beauty of our environment. Be it the plants on the roadside, in public parks, at schools and universities, or even in tiny residential gardens, nothing is more breathtaking than a flowering tree in full bloom. India, a land of diverse flora and fauna, boasts a spectacular array of blooming trees that transform landscapes into breathtaking vistas. From the fiery reds of the Flame of the Forest to the delicate pinks of Himalayan blossoms, these natural wonders not only offer a visual feast for travellers but also contribute to the ecological balance.

Let’s explore some of the most stunning flowering trees that create picture-perfect travel destinations.

Gulmohar (Delonix regia): Known as the ‘Flame of the Forest,’ this tree erupts in a blaze of red-orange blooms during the summer. Its vibrant canopy creates a stunning spectacle, particularly in the streets of Bengaluru, Goa, and Mumbai. It has originated in Madagascar and can grow up to a height of 10 to 20 metres.

Amaltas (Cassia fistula): The Indian Laburnum, or Amaltas, is the most iconic cassia of India. Also called the ‘Golden Shower Tree,’ the Amaltas drapes the streets in cascades of golden-yellow and mildly scented flowers. To experience this breathtaking sight, one can visit states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jaipur’s heritage lanes, as well as Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens.

Palash (Butea monosperma): Deeply rooted in Indian folklore, the blooms of Palash are in bright orange-red colours in spring. Found in the forests of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, the tree resembles the shape of a parrot’s beak. The flowers typically bloom in dense clusters and cover the tree, creating a breathtaking sight worth watching. If you’re planning an offbeat nature retreat, make sure to visit Similipal National Park or Betla National Park to witness this mesmerizing bloom.

Jacquesanda (Jacaranda Mimosifolia): Known for its stunning, trumpet-shaped purple flowers, this tree blooms in clusters in late spring or early summer (March to May). Bangalore and Ooty are the popular locations to view these purple-blooming trees that create a surreal atmosphere, perfect for dreamy travel photography.

Rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum): These high-altitude trees paint the Himalayan slopes in vibrant shades of red and pink during spring. The forests of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand offer unparalleled rhododendron landscapes. You can visit Chopta in Uttarakhand or Yumthang Valley in Sikkim between March and May for breathtaking views of rhododendron-filled slopes.

Kachnar (bauhinia variegata): DYK you can even plant this tree in your garden? Known for its large and scented flowers in pink, purple, lilac, and white, the Kachnar tree adds a touch of elegance to the spring landscape. Spring is the best time to witness this natural spectacle in the parks or roadsides of northern states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi.

Pride of India (Lagerstroemia speciosa): It is a magnificent and esteemed state flower of Maharashtra. Locally known as Tamhan, these mauve flowers bloom from April to May and July to August. One of the most striking features of the Pride of India tree is that the flowers grow on trees in India just like large, terminal clusters of crepe-like blossoms during the blooming season. The flowers on the tree come in a variety of colours, including shades of pink, purple, and white.

Indian coral tree (Erythrina variegata): It is a fast-growing, small tree that flowers in leafless conditions. Also known as the Tiger’s Claw or Indian Coralwood, this tree grows up to 10 to 12 metres in height from February to March. The Indian Coral Tree, found on Goa’s beaches and in Tamil Nadu’s temple towns, comes in brilliant, dense, red-orange, cylindrical clusters.

• Location :

  Delhi, India, India