In the Shadows of Red Blooms: Uttarakhand's Rhododendron Arboreum

In the Shadows of Red Blooms: Uttarakhand’s Rhododendron Arboreum

January 29, 2024

adarsh-ojha

Rhododendron arboreum

Rhododendron arboreum, also known as the tree rhododendron, is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a showy display of bright red flowers. It is found in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Thailand. It is the national flower of Nepal, the state tree of Uttarakhand, and the state flower of Nagaland in India.

Nepal has more than 30 rhododendron species with a variety of sizes and colors (red, pink, and white). During the blooming season, the hills and mountains of Nepal can be found in different colors due to the dominant colors of the rhododendron plant varieties.

Trekking a long with Rhododendron Arboreum

Rhododendron Arboreum is highly variable in stature, hardiness, flower color, and leaf characteristics. It can grow to heights of 20 meters (66 feet) but is usually 12 meters (39 feet) tall and broad. It grows at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

The bark and flowers are used to treat digestive and respiratory ailments. The bark and flowers contain three biologically active compounds: quercetin, rutin, and coumaric acid, which are responsible for their health benefits. They have excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties.

Buransh Bliss: Driving Through the Blooms of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand’s state tree Buransh and rhododendron car drive can be termed Uttarakhand’s rhododendron car drive. The excitement among locals is unmatched, as it signifies the waning of the cold winter, the shift from smaller days to longer days with more sunlight, and a hint of the Himalayan economy coming out of hibernation.

The flowers bloom between late winter and early summer, with their peak between mid-March and mid-April. However, not all Himalayan treks display this once-in-a-year phenomenon. To experience rhododendrons, choose the right trek, time your trek well in advance, and watch out for specific sections of the trail.

The top six rhododendron treks in India include the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek, Brahmatal Trek. Nag Tibba, har ki Dun Trek, Kedarkantha Trek Goechala is known for its stunning rhododendron forest, while the Lake is a fairytale in spring, surrounded by rhododendron trees. The Deoriatal Lake is a popular destination for tourists, as it offers a unique experience with its beautiful rhododendron trees.

In summary

The best treks to experience rhododendrons in India include the Brahmatal Lake Trek, Chopta Chandrashila Trek, and the Nag Tibba Trek. Plan your trip in advance to ensure you get the best experience and see the beauty of the rhododendrons.