When to Visit India
India exudes diversity with its fabulous blend of cultures, landscapes and cuisine. If you're in the midst of planning a trip, you'll need to consider when to visit India, what to do upon your arrival and where to stay. Be sure to weigh the weather, annual events and terrain accessibility before you decide when to go to India. All in all, with the exception of a few summer months, India is a fantastic destination year-round - between the Taj Mahal, the Golden Triangle, the backwaters of Kerala, the Himalayan range, the busy bazaars and India's luxury hotels (many of which are palaces), you'll inevitably have an extraordinary time. Click here for our signature luxury travel to India after reading through the different criteria on when to travel to India, listed below!
The Weather in India
The country's weather is extremely varied. India experiences wet, cold and intensely hot weather conditions. The best time to visit India is from November to March simply because these months are usually cool and dry. Most India travel guides are in agreement in advising visitors to avoid the monsoon season as well as the hotter months. Lucky for you, they are one in the same and both occur May-June, leaving you plenty of time to explore all that India has to offer.
The weather in India will almost always determine the best times to tour most of the country's unforgettable sites. For instance, the wet season can cause landslides in the Himalayan foothills. So, if you intend to trek the Himalayan range, then the ideal time to visit India is from March through the first half of May or rather from September through November.
Unforgettable Sightseeing Opportunities
If this is your first tour of India, the Golden Triangle should without a doubt be on your travel itinerary. The Golden Triangle is made up of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. In Delhi, plan to visit architectural marvels like Jama Masjid (i.e. the Great Mosque) and the Red Fort. Agra is home to the Taj Mahal and Jaipur will give you a proper introduction to India's street life and bustling bazaars.
Accommodations
India's finest luxury properties are intrinsic to your travels - and we'll tell you why. Throughout the years, India's wealthy built a number of truly extraordinary residences. Today, savvy hoteliers have converted many of these homes and former palaces into fine resorts. Unique tea estates, Raj-era guest homes and colonial residences provide historic and intriguing accommodations for those who visit India. Among some of our favorites are Taj Lake Palace, Chhatra Sagar, the Jawai Leopard Camp and Rambagh Palace.
The Wildlife
Two words: Tiger Safaris. Whether it be Kaziranga National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kahna or one of India's other wildlife sanctuaries, we absolutely recommend that you include a tiger safari in your travels and witness one of the most majestic animals in the world.
Beyond tigers, the beaches of Goa are, among other things, home to turtles, dolphins and a vast array of extraordinary underwater life. Goa also hosts a great nightlife scene, fantastic restaurants and luxury spa resorts.
The Food
During your tour of India, dining will certainly be an entertaining and memorable experience. We have to admit that India more or less leads the world in its use of spices. Cumin, chili, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, cloves and ginger are used liberally and generously. The ingredient fusion in your kebab is likely to both astound and satisfy your taste buds. India offers a lovely medley of regional cuisines, combining both local and surrounding inspiration. Persian stews, Kerala seafood, southern vegetarian curries and northern grilled dishes - all at your fingertips.
The Culture
Because India's culture is one of the oldest in the world, it is naturally among the most intriguing. India is responsible for several religions, yoga, the arrival of intense spices in cuisine and so much more. The north, south and northeast are culturally distinct and have their own traditional nuances. When you travel to India, be sure to respect these cultures. Examples include removing your footwear prior to entering a temple, and wearing modest clothing when touring religious sites.
Annual Events
Before you decide when to visit India, you must consider whether you want to be there during one of the country's renowned events or festivals. Johdpur hosts the Rajasthan International Folk Festival every October - this lively celebration features traditional dancing, artists and musicians. In January, you can enjoy the Jaipur Literary Festival. The Holi Festival, a celebration of color and love, is held at the onset of spring. And, Diwali, which is by far the country's largest festival, is held in either October or November, depending on the year.
Last Thoughts
So, to determine the best time to visit India, start off by assessing the country's annual weather conditions. Be sure to then consider the pros and cons of traveling to India during one of its famed celebrations - this is more of a personal choice and mainly depends on how laidback or lively you wish your visit to be. All in all, be sure to keep in mind that the food, culture and accommodations make the destination worth visiting at any time of the year.
