As temperatures gradually rise across the country, the fresh spring air of April makes for an ideal month to travel in, before the oppressive heat of the summer kicks in. By this time of the year, hill stations have abandoned the piercing chill of winter, while seaside destinations remain pleasant and dry; in between, the valleys and the plains are blooming with flowers, ushering in the season’s freshness.
To help you make the most of this, here is a list of places to visit in India in April, sprinkled with our villas across the length of our country, ensuring that your quick getaway offers you an oasis of luxury and peace no matter where you go.
Places to Visit in April
1. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Set against the backdrop of the Garwhal Himalayas, the hill station of Mussoorie lies conveniently nestled in the foothills, at an easy distance from both Delhi and Dehradun. With all the qualities of a summer resort, you can choose to have an active break by going on short hikes around the region, or simply lay back and enjoy the crisp mountain air while taking in the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains on a stroll to the Mall Road.
Consider staying at Airyland Estate, with its exclusive hilltop location and all the modern amenities of luxury. The seven-bedroom property bears an old heritage-style design and gives you the experience of being cocooned in the warmth of a cottage in Mussoorie.
If you are looking for something farther away from the heart of Mussoorie, then Avalon Domes is your best pick. Its dome-style rooms place you right at the heart of nature, seamlessly blending the comforts of a villa with the spontaneity of nature and the resplendent views of the Himalayas right from your bed!
Mussoorie lies 35km (1hr 15 mins) away from Dehradun and 270 km (6.5 hours) away from Delhi.
2. Srinagar / Pahalgam
Travelling further up north, we have Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley, perched on the banks of the Dal Lake, flanked by the northern Himalayas in the background. You can spend your time at one of the many gardens that sprawl the space of the city, or slow down on a shikara ride on the lake. Srinagar also hosts the Kashmir Tulip Festival around this time of the year, making it an ideal romantic getaway in April.
When in Srinagar, stay at The Red Cottage at Zaznar, a villa straight out of a fairy tale. The one-bedroom property comes with a lawn, making it a popular choice among couples and small families for an intimate holiday.
Srinagar lies 800 km away from Delhi and is well-connected by non-stop flights.
On the other hand, Pahalgam lies 90 km (2.5 hours) away from Srinagar and attracts visitors, especially in the spring and summer months, to its lush green rolling meadows and pristine blue lakes. Pahalgam is also a popular choice among pilgrims, as the town marks the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra.
When visiting Pahalgam in April, stay at the Hill Retreat, a two-bedroom heritage cottage exuding the rustic charms of tranquillity and nostalgia and lying just a few steps away from the gently flowing Lidder River.
3. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Aptly called the “City of Lakes”, the white city of Udaipur lies beautifully sprawled around the banks of Lake Pichola, retaining an aura of royalty and times gone by through the intricately rich architecture of its palaces and a sense of serenity by the lake-side pavilions. Udaipur brings history and culture together like no other place and arrests you in time with its magic, making it one of the best places for destination weddings, honeymoons, or even a family weekend getaway.
If you want to take your trip to Udaipur one step further, drive an hour away to your own private island to Villa Habu, overlooking the Jaisamand Lake. The property comes with five ensuite bedrooms and a heated infinity pool, seamlessly blending an industrial architecture style with the cosy comforts of a villa to make your stay here as memorable as possible!
Udaipur is 400 km (6.5 hours) away from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.
4. Pench, Madhya Pradesh
Spread over an area of 758 square km in the heart of India, Pench draws a large number of visitors to its National Park every year, who come to spot the Royal Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, four-horned antelope and several other animals in the wild. The dry weather in April makes it suitable for animal sightings before the monsoon brings in its wealth of rain and flora.
Haldu Tola, named after the long-standing Haldu tree, is the best choice of accommodation for your visit to Pench. Set in the Pench Tiger Reserve, the home is equipped with four ensuite bedrooms, each adorned with artefacts designed by artists from the local Gond community as well as a pool, where you can cool off after your game drives or take a morning dip. The property proudly remains plastic-free, powered by solar energy and sourced vegetables from its own garden.
Nagpur is the nearest city to Pench and lies 77 km (2 hours) away.
5. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
The Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and is now part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve. As the name suggests, it is known for its Royal Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, the hornbill, and a host of other animals, including migratory birds. April is one of the best months to visit Jim Corbett National Park as you can head out for safaris at dawn with a higher possibility of sighting animals amidst the rejuvenating plantlife of the Park.
For the most enjoyable experience of Jim Corbett, consider choosing The Homestead as your abode. Located 18 km away from the national park, the resort’s area is divided into four tent-like structures that make up the living areas and twelve bedrooms set in the lap of nature. With such close proximity to the beauty of the wildlife, there is always something to do, including gazing at constellations, riding on ATVs, or enjoying a laid-back game of golf before taking a dip in the pool or drawing an end to your day at the Jacuzzi.
The closest cities to Jim Corbett National Park are Nainital (63 km/1 hour 45 mins) and Dehradun (182 km/4 hours).
6. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Lying on the gentle hills of the Nilgiris, Coonoor is a small town bursting with the splendours of nature. If you find yourself in Coonoor in April, you can spend your mornings walking through the rich flora and fauna at Sim’s Park or venturing out on a 10 km-long trek to Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, or making a quick stop at Law’s Falls.
At the end of each adventure-filled day in Coonoor, you can return to Casa Crystal, a four-bedroom holiday home amid tea gardens, built in a contemporary style, ideal for holidays with family and friends. Start each morning with a cup of tea on the verandah, taking in the expansive sight of the tea gardens all around you, following freshly cooked meals and leisurely walks through the lawns on the property or the nearby tea factory or Catherine Falls.
You may also opt to stay at the colonial-inspired Albany Cottage, located at a height of 1,850 metres. The four-bedroom property is tastefully designed in earthy tones and rich silks and also comes with a fireplace where you can unwind with your loved ones. In Coonoor, you are truly spoilt for choice!
Coonoor is 66.5 km (2 hours) away from Coimbatore.
7. Coorg, Karnataka
Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is a small hamlet perched on the hills of the Western Ghats. It is one of the best romantic destinations in India, surrounded by gently rolling hills, gurgling waterfalls, and aromatic coffee plantations. The hills are most often covered with a blanket of mist and offers opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.
Located 10 km away from Madikeri town, Whispering Waters is perhaps the best villa to stay in Coorg, nestled within the Hematala estate. The area is a natural hotspot, known for its coffee and spices, and where the hills and the river lie just at an arm’s distance. The teak furniture and colonial-style decor of the rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows will make you want to never leave this place, and the delicious Kodava cuisine prepared by the in-house chefs will give you yet another reason to stay a little longer.
The nearest city to Coorg is Mysruru, which is 118 km (2 hours 40 minutes) away
8. Goa
One needs no excuse to go to Goa! Whether it’s the pastel walls of Fountainhas, the endless stretches of sandy beaches, or the skyline punctuated by the towering coconut and palm trees, April in Goa is hot during the days, but the evenings are pleasant and one is never too far away from the coast!
To make your visit to Goa in April even more exciting, consider staying at the pristine white Villa Maraville, located amidst Siolim’s greenery. Designed like a traditional Goan home, the villa uses pastel, wooden and earthy tones and comes with four ensuite bedrooms, and its own private gazebo, master balcony and a garden.
You can also choose to stay at Colina Vaddoo in Assagaon, a Mediterranean-inspired villa that focuses on a style of living that connects the inside with the outside. This three-bedroom Goan-Portuguese villa comes with a skylight in the living area and plays with natural light to brighten the neutral interiors. It also comes with a private pool and terrace for your evening swims and get-togethers!