India is a country worth a million words. Bombastic, larger-than-life cities sit in perfect harmony with mountain temples, and languid, lazy backwaters are found right next to iconic national parks. The country itself also happens to be absolutely enormous, and a single visit could entail the snow-topped Western Himalayas or the steamy southern coast – or both! So, when is the best time to visit India? Almost every state has a distinct season and all are worth visiting at different times of the year. So, read on for the 4-1-1 on the best time to visit India and your planning made easy!
December to February
If you’re plotting a trip filled with Rajasthan’s grand forts and even grander palaces, camel trekking in the countryside and the pearly domes of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India’s winter season is one of the best times to do so. The cities are at their coolest with clear skies and little humidity, which makes the higgeldy-piggedly streets and markets very pleasant to explore. The western coastline is balmy, sunny and beautiful – but don’t expect to have the beach all to yourself as this is smack-bang in the middle of peak tourist season. Tamil Nadu is also lovely at this time of year and if you’re following the trail of artful and intricate temples in the southern state, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful weather.
Take care of your wanderlust with our Hidden Rajasthan trip, where there are romantic moments in front of the Taj Mahal, desert safaris on the outskirts of Rajasthan and tranquil boat rides in the City of Lakes.
March to May
As winter subsides, the Himalayas welcome adventurous hikers once again as the mountain trails open up. Discover the astounding scenery of these iconic peaks on lengthy treks or spend quieting moments with the Buddhist monks that have lived here for centuries. India’s vibrant and auspicious festivals may also play a role in deciding when to visit. In March, the festival of colours, Holi, takes place in all its eye-catching splendor and Varanasi, India’s oldest inhabited city, is one of the most incredible places to witness it. If you can handle temperatures upwards of 35°C, this is a perfect time to go tiger-spotting in the jungles of Ranthambore and Madhya Pradesh, when the dwindling water sources in the parks draw out their striped icons.
For a trip that does it all, our Golden Triangle, Tigers & Beach springs to mind. Discover the wonders of India’s Golden Triangle and fall in love with the rose-hued city of Jaipur, be swept off your feet by the sun-crisped desert, and spy on Bengal tigers in Ranthambore. The, end with a flourish on a soul-soothing island in the Maldives.
June to September
While the monsoons make Goa, Kerala and the central tiger-filled reserves (they close during this time) a no-go, Rajasthan manages to evade the rain and humidity. So why not escape to a palace in the Aravalli Hills, wander the sky-blue city of Jodphur or go glamping in the Thar Desert? The Western Ghats and far-flung hill stations are also a delight during these otherwise rain-filled months, as is Periyar, one of India’s largest national parks, where you can spy tigers, forest elephants and fabulous birdlife on walks with a member of a local tribe. Or perhaps, it’s the sensational mountain town of Ladakh that strikes your fancy, where you’ll sleep in a luxury tent below the Himalayas and picnic beside glacial rivers. Trekking also reaches its zenith at this time of year and the mountain passes are a dream between August and September.
Step into a world of clouded, snowy peaks and tanzanite-blue rivers, tiny, hillside towns and deep spirituality with our Magic of the Himalayas trip. You’ll stroll down alpine trails, join Buddhist monks for a serene morning at the monastery and camp out in true style.
October to November
As the rains pass, the coast and backwaters of Kerala become idyllic once again, making this the ultimate time to set sail on a houseboat, enjoy the finest Ayurvedic treatments, or venture even further off the beaten track in the Andaman Islands. Delhi is at its most temperate too, so dive head first into the melange of ancient and up-and-coming, not to mention the world-famous street food. You’ll also find truly spectacular sunrises at the Taj Mahal, but expect to have some company as it is one of the most popular times to visit Agra’s great ode to love. Diwali takes place in the autumn months too and there are few celebrations as enthralling as India’s festival of lights.
On this trip, take things slow in India’s sunny south where there are historic towns to explore (and the cuisine that goes along with them), tea plantations offering more than a little R&R and, of course, cruises on Kerala’s ever-so-picturesque waterways.
