![The flowers are native to the Himalayas Shillong is one of the best places to see them](http://media.assettype.com/outlooktraveller%2Fimport%2Foutlooktraveller%2Fpublic%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Ftravelnews%2Fshutterstock_1232759077.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
The coronavirus pandemic may have brought the country to a halt but it could never stop nature from taking its own course. Meghalaya&rsquos capital city Shillong is awash with the beautiful pink of gorgeous cherry blossoms. Every year in autumn, Shillong wears a shade of pink with the blooming of these flowers, giving people another reason to head to the hill station.
Even though the annual India International Cherry Blossom Festival, which usually takes place in November, has been cancelled this year, tourists can still visit Meghalaya and witness the natural phenomenon.
The blooming cherry blossoms has everyone going gaga on social media, with many comparing Shillong&rsquos magnificent landscape to that of Japanese and French cities. &ldquoWhen you have cherry blossom blooming in Shillong why travel to Japan. North East is a place to see. Beautiful mountains, lush green forests, national parks, great food, warm & friendly people. Make it your next travel destination,&rdquo posted one Twitter user.
The safest way to reach Shillong would be to take a flight. You will need to take a COVID-19 test or an RT-PCR test within 72 hours before boarding and present a negative report on your arrival.
Apart from the cherry blossoms, Shillong packs quite a punch with majestic landscapes, great cafes and an amazing rock music scene.
Grown in the east and west Khasi hills and known by the scientific name Prunus Cerasoides, cherry blossoms are endemic to the Himalayas. The blooming usually starts by the end of October when the flower is still in the budding stage.