Even though spring has passed, there are still many beautiful blooms to enjoy on your travels. From June 1 to the end of October, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is open for tourists, showcasing rare Himalayan flowers in full bloom. If you’re traveling abroad, there are also stunning flower displays in France, South Africa, and Italy. Here are eight destinations to experience seasonal flowers this month.
Orchids and Poppies in Uttarakhand
Season: June to September (peak bloom in July)
Location: Valley of Flowers National Park
The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit during the monsoon season. This 87 sq km meadow features a breathtaking display of orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones against the backdrop of the Himalayas. Visitors can enjoy moderate hiking routes, with accommodation options available in Ghangaria. The valley offers stunning views of waterfalls, streams, mountain ranges, and over 500 species of flowers.
Dzukou Lilies in India
Season: June to September
Location: Dzukou Valley, Nagaland, and Manipur
The Dzukou Valley, located at the border of Nagaland and Manipur, sits 2,452 meters above sea level. Accessible via a drive from Dimapur to Kohima and then to base camps at Jakhama or Viswema, the valley requires a three to five-hour trek. The area is known for its beautiful pink Dzukou lilies, discovered in 1991 by Professor Hijam Bikramjit, who named them Lilium Chitrangandae after his mother.
Hydrangeas in The Azores
Season: May to September (peak bloom in late June)
Location: São Miguel Island
São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, is famous for its hydrangea bushes that flourish in ancient volcanic craters. This Portuguese island offers scenic drives along hydrangea-lined roads, with stunning cliffs and natural hot springs nearby.
Sunflowers in Italy
Season: June to early August (peak bloom in July)
Location: San Gimignano or Lake Bilancino, Tuscany
Tuscany’s landscapes are dotted with sunflower fields in June. In San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers, sunflowers and lavender are abundant. The Taverna di Bibbiano restaurant offers a scenic dining experience amidst these blooms. Near Florence, Lake Bilancino provides opportunities to stroll or cycle past sunflower fields, along with activities like canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing.
Lupines in Iceland
Season: June to July
Location: Skógafoss Waterfall
Iceland’s landscape comes alive with blue lupines during the summer, especially around Skógafoss Waterfall, Lake Laugarvatn, and Vik Church. These flowers were introduced in the late 1970s to help with soil fertilization and add vibrancy to the scenery.
Roses in the U.S.
Season: May to late June
Location: Portland International Rose Test Garden
Portland, known as the City of Roses, celebrates the bloom season with its annual Rose Festival. The Portland International Rose Test Garden features over 10,000 rose bushes and offers stunning views of the city. The festival includes parades, guided garden walks, fireworks, and carnival rides.
Lavender in France
Season: Mid-June to early August
Location: Sénanque Abbey or Plateau de Valensole, Provence
Provence is renowned for its picturesque lavender fields, especially around Sénanque Abbey and Plateau de Valensole. The region hosts a lavender festival every third Sunday of July, where visitors can learn about lavender products and traditions.
King Protea in South Africa
Season: June to October
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
South Africa’s national flower, the king protea, blooms during the winter and spring months. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the best place to see these flowers, with the protea garden offering a spectacular display.