Pondering over the best time to plan a trip to India? Well, you have just landed on the right page. We will help you find the most ideal time to visit India.
India is often quoted as a land of beauty with a variety in her landscape right from lush green central plains to arid deserts in north-west and from snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the virgin peninsular beaches in south India.
The land is the undisputed combination of colors, vibrancy, spices, warmth and exotic beauty. Perhaps it may sound incorrect to describe India in a few short paragraphs.
When to Embark on the Incredible Indian Journey?
India is like a jigsaw puzzle of a variety of terrains which also gives it a regional diversity in the climatic conditions.
Travelers need to remember that Indian subcontinent enjoys three basic seasons:
Summer (March to May)
Monsoons (June to September)
Winter (October to February)
Northern Mountains
This region typically includes the mountainous terrain of north Indian states like Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The temperatures fall by 0.5° C for every 100 mt rise in the altitude.
Ideal Time to visit: Summer
Northern Sub-tropical Regions
This region includes states set at the foothills of the northern mountainous belt.
It includes states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, northern Rajasthan, northern West Bengal and Assam. These areas receive heavy showers and summers can often get unbearably hot.
Ideal Time to visit: Winter
Tropical Rain Forests
This region comprises north-eastern states like Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, etc., as well as regions along the western peninsular coast of India like Mumbai, Goa and south-western states of India.
Ideal Time to visit: Winter
Arid Desert Regions
This region comprises a major part of Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat and Punjab states.
The rainfall is really scanty while summers are really hot with mercury rising up to 50° C. During winters, the average daytime temperature is pleasantly warm while nighttime temperature can get really freezing.
Ideal Time to visit: Winter
Central India
This region particularly comprises eastern Maharashtra areas near Nagpur, interior Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and parts of northern Karnataka.
This region is rain shadow region experiencing hot and dry climate during major part of the year. The region is basically known for extreme climatic conditions.
Ideal Time to visit: Winter
South India and Eastern Coastal Regions
This region comprises Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, coastal Karnataka, Orissa and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Travelers are advised to avoid summers in south India as there are high chances of getting sun strokes. Monsoons are known for heavy showers making traveling difficult.
Ideal Time to visit: Winter and early Summer
Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands
The Andaman islands are located are located in the Bay of Bengal while the Lakshadweep islands are located in the Arabian Sea close to the coast of Kerala.
The islands can experience heavy rainfalls. The region offers extensive opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports. Similarly, the region is popular for fishing. You can get some of the best varieties of fish in summer.
Ideal Time to visit: Summer
Festival Time of India
You will not only get a chance to see the colorful spirit of the celebrations but an opportunity to taste some of the choicest festive delicacies of India. Some major festivals start with Navratri in October or early November closely followed by Diwali in a few days span.
Popular Festivals
You can experience the Pushkar festival of Rajasthan in November. Celebrating Christmas and New year in Goa can be fun too. Other popular times to head to India include Sankranti or Lohri festival in mid-January and the colorful festival of Holi in March.
Travelers are advised to make bookings of their intended stay in India well before arrival of the peak season, as hotels and accommodations tend to fill up fast.
