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Exploring India

When to visit India

India is a vast country and there is somewhere to visit at all times of the year, but generally speaking the best time to travel is between October and March. Below gives you an idea of the best times to visit different regions, month by month. This may help you decide the best time to travel to the area of India you would like to see, or perhaps choose the type of trip you would like to experience depending on when you can travel.

January

January is great for visiting the southern part of the country as warm, dry weather make for a welcome winter break. This does bring with it busy hotels so it is worth planning in advance. In the northern regions of India, in particular Rajasthan, warm dry days and chillier evenings offer a great climate for sightseeing and exploring, although there is often heavy smog in the mornings (particularly in the cities). For a cold but wonderfully scenic trip, the Himalayas are a great choice with crisp clear views across the spectacular mountains. 

February

February is one of the best times to visit the whole of the country and also the most popular; it is important to plan and book ahead! The seasonal fog starts to lift in the north and the evenings are less chilly, with most places enjoying pleasant temperatures and dry weather. 

March

The pleasant warm, dry weather continues into March and it is another popular month to visit India. By the end of the month the heat starts to rise, particularly across the central and southern parts of the country. Holi festival is celebrated in March (the exact date changes each year) where brightly coloured paints and powders are thrown all over the country to celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is a vibrant and exhilarating festival to experience, but do note that hotel prices can rise and rooms get booked up very quickly – so best to plan ahead! 

April

If wildlife is a key part of your travel plans,  April is a good time to visit. Water is scarce and temperatures are rising so the watering holes are busy with animals and provide great opportunities to spot the wildlife! The early morning safaris are less chilly too. If Easter falls in April then try not to plan the trip last minute as hotels do get very busy.

May

Temperatures get very hot in May, sometimes reaching 45 degrees with high levels of humidity, which can make travelling and sightseeing uncomfortable, particularly during the peak heat of the day. However, great deals can be had across hotels as rates start to fall in to low season, and we can plan excursions early in the morning and later on in the day to avoid the midday heat. Hill stations will be a little cooler, so it is worth venturing up to higher ground during your trip.

June

Ladakh in the very north of the Himalayas with stunning scenery, amazing walks and a strong Tibetan culture, is now accessible. This is the best place in the country to visit over the summer months with clear, sunny days. Due to its high altitude warm layers are still needed. Throughout the rest of the country the monsoon is looming with high humidity and regular thunderstorms.

July

The monsoons continue throughout July across most of the country. The monsoon season is a great time to experience an Ayurveda retreat, the ancient Indian form of healing and wellness. In fact, the monsoon plays an important role in traditional Ayurveda and links to rejuvenation. In Ladakh, in the very northern area of the Himalayas, the good weather continues.

August

In August, the trekking season in the Himalayas reaches its peak. The rest of the country is deep in to the monsoon season and the water levels of the mighty River Ganges can peak. 

September

The rains begin to clear in September so it can be a great time to visit Rajasthan, if you don’t mind some mixed weather, as hotel rates can be lower. Visiting the south is less advisable at this time of year as the rains can still be quite persistent. Up in Ladakh the season is drawing to a close but it is still possible to travel.

October

With Ladakh out of season, the rest of the country enters the start of the peak travel season. Beautiful day time temperatures, sunny weather and comfortable evenings creates the perfect climate for both exploring and relaxing.

Diwali, the atmospheric festival of light and one of the largest festivals in India, falls either in October and November. As with Holi, it is advisable to plan well in advance! 

November

As with February, November is an excellent time to visit India. Pleasant day time temperatures, dry weather and comfortable evenings can be enjoyed before the cooler temperatures and potential fog of the winter months becomes a feature. 

Diwali, the atmospheric festival of light and one of the largest festivals in India, falls either in October and November. As with Holi, it is advisable to plan well in advance! 

December

With the south enjoying sunshine and clear skies it is a popular time to visit for the Christmas and New Year holiday, so do book in advance to get the best accommodation (do note hotel prices are at their peak, and often festive Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners are automatically built in to the hotel rates). The north is still pleasant but temperatures are cooler and heavy fog can feature, particularly in the mornings and in the cities. During the festive season, international flights can be at their most expensive so do bear this in mind.

Delhi
The gateway to many north India trips, Old and New Delhi are full of history and charm and it is an exciting place to explore. More
Agra
Agra is home to one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal. Visiting this monument at sunrise is a truly magical once in a lifetime experience, and one that must not be missed. More
Jaipur
The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a riot of colour and rich in fascinating history. Stroll around the magnificent Amber Fort and marvel at the intricate facade of the Palace of the Winds. More
Ranthambore National Park
Search for the majestic Tiger and enjoy the peaceful landscape of rural Rajasthan. Fantastic accommodation options and a high population of Tigers makes Ranthambore a brilliant addition to north India tours for wildlife enthusiasts! More
Jodhpur
The blue hue of the city's old town, imposing Mehrangarh Fort and bustling markets makes Jodhpur one of the most colourful and characterful cities in Rajasthan. A selection of properties ranging from rustic traditional Haveli's to luxurious palaces make for a wonderful stay. The Blue City is the perfect backdrop for atmospheric photographs, so be sure to keep your camera handy! More
Jaisalmer
Known as The Golden City, and for good reason. Jaisalmer city and Fort rises out of the honey hued sands of the Thar Desert, and along with elaborate and intricate architecture it is one of the most atmospheric cities in north India. A camel ride into the surrounding dunes for a night under the stars completes the magical experience. More
Udaipur
The romantic lake-side city of Udaipur has a more relaxed pace than other cities, so is the perfect last stop on any Rajasthan tours. The picturesque Lake Pichola, the iconic Lake Palace, seemingly floating in the water, and the stunning hillside as the backdrop create the perfect setting for a lazy evening, cold beverage in hand, watching the sunset. More
Mumbai
Vibrant and exciting, Mumbai is a city of extremes. The home of Bollywood and the rich and famous, it is also home to one of the largest slums in Asia, Dharavi. A tour around Mumbai highlights the iconic monuments and rich culture, and gives a wonderful opportunity to get under the skin of the city and gain an insight into local life. More
Goa
Beaches lined with colourful shacks, golden sands, tropical Palm Trees and a relaxed, bohemian vibe is what you can expect to find in Goa. Head to north Goa for more of a buzz, central Goa to explore the relaxed capital of Panjim, and the less built-up south for a little more seclusion and peace. More
Fort Cochin
Relaxed and historic Fort Cochin is a wonderful place to explore, enjoying the beautiful sights of the Chinese fishing nets, colourful fishing boats lining the shore, coconut stalls sitting under the dappled sunlight and, if you're lucky, the odd sighting of the river Dolphin. More
Munnar
Travel inland from Kerala's tropical coast and you discover the hill station of Munnar, nestled within lush green tea plantations and breathtaking scenery. Spend your time walking through the country side and enjoying the view, learning how tea is picked and processed and gaining an insight into the local way of life in the hills. More
Thekkady
Thekkady is the location of Periyar National Park, a must for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Kerala. Enjoy Jungle treks into the park and keep your eyes peeled for Sambar Deer, Giant Squirrels, Monkeys and Wild Boar amongst impressive bird life. More
The Backwaters
Experiencing life on the backwaters is often a highlight of trips to Kerala. Drift down the waterways on a traditional Houseboat, or choose from a number of wonderful properties to stay in to enjoy this serene way of life, a total contrast from Indian cities. More
Marari Beach
The beautiful and peaceful Marari Beach is a wonderful way to end a trip in Kerala, relaxing on the vast golden sands and dipping your toes in the warm Arabian ocean. The setting of Kerala's tropical coastline is the perfect relaxing end to a tour of this region where you can just enjoy the surrounding nature. More
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
You can expect to find stunning white sand beaches, azure waters, world class diving and exotic jungle on these remote islands in the Bay of Bengal. It can be a little more of a challenge to reach the islands, but it is more than worth it for the secluded tropical hideaway that awaits. More
Wayanad
The alluring rainforest covered mountains of Wayanad are spectacular and a must for nature lovers. Home to coffee and spice plantations, it makes a wonderful scenic change from the exotic beaches and tranquil waterways found on the coast of northern Kerala. More
Nileshwar
Nileshwar in northern Kerala is home to a beautiful coastline and peaceful waterways. Less touched by tourism than elsewhere in India, visitors to this region benefit from an off the beaten track experience of traditional houseboat cruises and village life on the waters edge. More
Varanasi
Located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is one of Hinduism's seven holy cities. An incredibly spiritual, historic and culturally rich city, a visit to Varanasi never fails to be a memorable one. Witness daily rituals on the water's edge and navigate the tangle of narrow lanes weaving through the city, too narrow for cars to pass through. More
Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and full of magnificent architecture and fascinating history. The city is also very well known for it's delicious cuisine, unique to the region. More

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