India

Summary
When to go
Where to stay

India is one of the most exotic and inspiring countries in the world. The vibrancy of its multicultural society is evident in the broad range of experiences it offers – from the iconic Moghul Taj Mahal to the palaces, forts and temples of Rajasthan, the mix of old and new in New Delhi and the hill stations in the tea country of the north-west. Some of the best wildlife viewing in the world can be found in India’s National Parks, where species once hunted almost to extinction are now conserved.

The feeling of spirituality is everywhere in India, flowing though everyday life like the Holy Ganges. A journey to India may be an emotional experience but it will also be vibrant and exciting with no two trips ever the same.

The placid backwaters of Kerala offer an experience like no other in India, far away from the noise of the highways. Here you can observe life in remote villages only accessible by waterways: the farmer herding his ducks onto the rice paddies, women singing and laughing while preparing for a wedding, children on their way to school all may be seen from the comfort of your traditional houseboat or “kettuvallam”. Cochin, the capital of Kerala, is the oldest European settlement in India, with many influences still evident today.

In southern India, the beautiful state of Karnataka is famous for incense sticks, sandalwood, shimmering silk and the magnificent palaces of its ancient capital, Mysore. Nagarhole National Park offers a landscape of gentle forested slopes and shallow valleys containing an abundance of wildlife. In Tamil Nadu the city of Madurai is a major textile centre and home to Shree Meenakshi, one of the most important temples in India, while Pondicherry is an attractive former French colony with a Mediterranean feel and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of the most popular and affluent in India. From here you can travel on to the beautiful city of Chennai on the Bay of Bengal to visit the Fort of St George built by the East India Company in 1653 and the 8thcentury Parthasarthy Temple built by the Pallavas and devoted to Lord Krishna, then reflect on your journey on the golden sands of Marina Beach.

Rajasthan – colourful, vibrant and a centre for culture – is famous for the opulent forts and palaces once inhabited by unimaginably wealthy Rajput Maharajahs. The pink city of Jaipur, the blue of Jodhpur, the hauntingly beautiful golden city of Jaisalmer set on the very edge of the desert beyond the Aravali Hills, the Marwari people with their music and legendary horses, and the gleaming white of Udaipur on shimmering Lake Pichola, all combine to make Rajasthan a captivating experience. Neighbouring Madhya Pradesh in the heart of India contains spectacular scenery within the boundaries of her National Parks, in which the variety of wildlife will astound.

In North India, you can take a train journey from the splendours of New Delhi through the cool green hills to the tea plantations of Darjeeling. Make a pilgrimage to the Holy Ganges at Rishikesh and experience the spiritual evening Aarti ceremony before travelling to Leti 8000 feet up in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, a place for rest and reflection.

India is a vast and diverse country with a wide range of climates and weather patterns across its different regions. The best time to travel to India largely depends on which part of the country you plan to visit and the experiences you seek. Let’s explore the weather in different parts of India and the ideal time to travel to each region:

 

North India:

Best Time to Travel: October to March

Weather: North India experiences four distinct seasons. During the winter months (December to February), the temperatures can drop significantly, especially in places like Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. This period is ideal for exploring historical monuments, forts, and palaces. The spring and autumn months (March to April and September to October) offer pleasant weather, making it an excellent time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer (May to June) can be scorching in places like Rajasthan, so it’s best to avoid these months.

South India:

Best Time to Travel: November to February

Weather: South India has a more tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. The winter months (November to February) offer cooler and more comfortable weather for exploring cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Cochin. However, regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu can be visited year-round, as even the monsoon season (June to September) brings refreshing rains and lush green landscapes.

East India:

Best Time to Travel: October to March

Weather: East India experiences a mix of tropical and subtropical climates. The winter months (November to February) offer pleasant weather in states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar. The monsoon season (June to September) can bring heavy rainfall, but it also results in lush greenery, making it an attractive time for nature enthusiasts. However, cyclones are more common during this period, so travelers should keep an eye on weather updates.

West India:

Best Time to Travel: October to March

Weather: West India has a varied climate due to its diverse landscapes. The winter months (November to February) are the most pleasant, with cool temperatures in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. The summer months (March to June) can be extremely hot, so it’s best to avoid this period. The monsoon season (June to September) brings relief from the heat but can also cause heavy rainfall and flooding in some areas.

Himalayan Region:

Best Time to Travel: April to June and September to October

Weather: The Himalayan region experiences a range of climates, from subtropical in the foothills to alpine in higher altitudes. The summer months (April to June) are ideal for trekking and adventure activities. The autumn months (September to October) offer clear skies and stunning views, making it another excellent time for trekking and sightseeing. Winter (November to March) can be harsh and extremely cold, especially in higher elevations, so it’s best to avoid this period for most travellers.

In conclusion, India’s diverse geography and climate mean that the best time to travel varies significantly across different regions. For most parts of the country, the winter months from October to March offer the most pleasant weather and are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, specific regions like the Himalayas or South India can be visited year-round, each season offering its unique charm and experiences. Before planning your trip to India, it’s essential to consider the weather conditions in the specific area you intend to visit and plan accordingly to make the most of your journey.

 

Aman-i-Khas

A beautiful wilderness camp of 10 tents, Aman –i-Khas can be reached easily from Delhi by train, plane or even... Find out more

Ananda in the Himalayas

In the foothills of the Himalayas, 260 kms north of Delhi, the river Ganges slowly breaks into the great Indian... Find out more

Banjaar Tola

Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s largest areas of pristine wilderness. Situated in the Maikal Hills... Find out more

Hyatt Regency Amritsar

Nestled in the heart of the city, 25 minutes drive from the airport; the Hyatt is in the perfect location... Find out more

Malabar House

Situated on a peaceful green in the heart of historical Fort Cochin, Malabar House is a fascinating and sophisticated hotel... Find out more

Purity at Lake Vembanad

A one and a half hour drive from Cochin and situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad, Purity is a... Find out more

Rambagh Palace

This elegant, romantic and legendary former residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur is located right in the heart of this... Find out more

Samode Haveli

Samode Haveli, steeped in history and tradition and restored to perfection is an oasis of serenity. This beautiful heritage hotel,... Find out more

Samode Safari Lodge

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh at a height of 800 metres above... Find out more

Shakti 360 Leti

Remote, rejuvenating and peaceful, Shakti 360 Leti is located in the Bageshwar district north of the Kumaon villages; this little... Find out more

Shakti Ladakh

Sitting at a height of 3500 metres, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Shakti Ladakh is located... Find out more

Sher Bagh

Located just a few minutes from the gates of Ranthambore National Park and easily accessible by road or rail from... Find out more

Taj Falaknuma Palace

Located on a hill 2000 feet above the legendary city of Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace is spread over 32 acres... Find out more

Taj Lake Palace

It is difficult to imagine a more romantic setting than this, surrounded by the Aravali Mountains and with the city... Find out more

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

One of the most iconic buildings in Mumbai, if not the whole of India this historic hotel could not be... Find out more

The Imperial New Delhi

Nestled in the heart of New Delhi, The Imperial stands as a testament to the grandeur and elegance of a... Find out more

The Leela Palace, Chennai

Only 16 kilometres from the International airport on the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Adyar River, The... Find out more

The Oberoi Amarvilas

Situated in Agra and located only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas is a quiet and peaceful... Find out more

The Oberoi Grand Kolkata

Located in the heart of the commercial district and shopping centre of the city and just 25 kilometres from the... Find out more

The Oberoi Udaivilas

The majestic city of Udaipur in the heart of Rajasthan is a wonder of palaces and lakes. Set on the... Find out more

The Serai

Turn off the main road about 30 minutes from the glorious golden city of Jaisalmer and enter a peaceful world... Find out more

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur and dominating the skyline is the magnificent and flamboyant Umaid Bhawan Palace,... Find out more

Wildflower Hall

This fairy tale luxury resort 8,250 feet high in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas is a picturesque 45 minute’s... Find out more

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