India Tourism

Best Time To Visit India

Winter is the best time to visit India. Winters in India generally range from late November to March, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C. Hence, outdoor exploration is quite comfortable and pleasant. From April onwards, summers start to take hold in India, and temperatures skyrocket. 

However, it is also worth keeping in mind that India is a vast country with diverse climatic regions. While winters may be perfect for some places in India, they may not be ideal for others.

 Season  Months  Average Temperature  Winter  November - March  5°C – 25°C  Summer  April - June  30°C – 45°C  Monsoon  July - October 25°C – 35°C

Best Places To Visit in India

From the beautiful meadows of Gulmarg to the manicured cliffs of Kodaikanal. Here are some of the best places to visit in India for your next trip:

Gulmarg

Located at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination. Surrounded by snow-covered lofty Himalayas, meadows of flowers, deep ravines, and evergreen forested valleys, Gulmarg also has the world's second-highest Gondola ride. A lot of courses on trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and snowboarding are offered by the IISM (Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering).

Munnar

Munnar, situated in Kerala's Western Ghats, is a renowned hill station renowned for its expansive tea plantations, misty mountains, and pleasant climate. Ideal for nature lovers and honeymooners, it offers scenic viewpoints, wildlife sanctuaries, and trekking opportunities.

Gangtok

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a scenic hill town renowned for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, vibrant monasteries, and diverse array of adventure activities. It’s an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and Rumtek Monastery.

Manali

Manali, nestled in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley, is a popular hill station known for its snow-capped mountains, adventure sports, and scenic beauty. Key attractions include Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, and Old Manali’s cafes. It’s a hub for trekking, paragliding, and skiing, especially in winter. The best times to visit are from April to June and October to February for snow enthusiasts.

Ladakh

Ladakh is located in the northernmost part of India, and is a high-altitude desert. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, and unique culture. Popular attractions include Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, and the monasteries of Hemis and Thiksey. It’s ideal for adventure seekers, offering trekking, biking, and river rafting. The best time to visit is from May to September, as winters are extremely harsh.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, often referred to as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” is a serene retreat in Tamil Nadu renowned for its cool climate, lush forests, and scenic lakes. Key attractions include Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, and Pillar Rocks. It's perfect for nature walks, boating, and relaxing in the misty hills. The best time to visit is from April to June and September to October.

Things To Do in India

Explore the Taj Mahal in Agra: A symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos.

Ride a Houseboat in Kerala’s Backwaters: Cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom on a traditional houseboat. Book an overnight stay for a peaceful experience with local food and scenic views.

Trek in the Himalayas: From short treks in Himachal and Uttarakhand to high-altitude treks in Ladakh, India offers stunning Himalayan adventures. Acclimatise properly and carry warm clothing, even in summer.

Go on a Desert Safari in Jaisalmer: Ride camels across the golden dunes, enjoy Rajasthani folk music, and camp under the stars in the Thar Desert. Best experienced between October and March to avoid the extreme heat.

Attend the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi: Witness the spiritual Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats of the Ganges River, a powerful and peaceful ritual. Arrive early to find a good spot or take a boat ride for a unique view.

Try Indian Street Food: Sample local favourites like pani puri, chaat, dosa, and kebabs across different states. Stick to busy stalls with high turnover for safer, fresher food.

Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore national parks like Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, or Kaziranga to spot tigers, elephants, and rhinos. Book safaris in advance and visit early in the morning for better chances of sightings.

Attend a Festival: From Diwali’s lights to Holi’s colours or Pushkar’s camel fair, India’s festivals are vibrant and immersive. Check dates beforehand, as they follow the lunar calendar and vary from year to year.

Take a Yoga or Meditation Retreat: Join an ashram or retreat in Rishikesh, Kerala, or Goa for inner peace and rejuvenation. Many centres offer short or long-term courses for beginners.

Shop in Local Bazaars: From Delhi’s Chandni Chowk to Jaipur’s Bapu Bazaar, India’s markets are great for souvenirs, spices, and textiles. Bargaining is common, so don’t hesitate to negotiate.

Essential Tips

Plan according to seasons: India’s climate varies widely—North India is best from October to March, while the South is pleasant from November to February.

Embrace the chaos: India can be overwhelming, so be prepared for busy streets, traffic, and a vibrant, sometimes chaotic, atmosphere. 

Learn some Hindi: Even a few basic phrases can make interactions easier and more enjoyable. 

Be mindful of scams: Be cautious of touts and those who might target tourists. 

Respect cultural and religious sites: Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering temples, and be aware of local customs. 

Practice safe travel: Stay aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and avoid isolated areas after dark. 

Bargain when appropriate: Bargaining is common in local markets, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices. 

Stay hydrated and avoid tap water: Carry a water bottle and refill it with safe, bottled water. 

Be patient and flexible: Things may not always go according to plan, so be adaptable and enjoy the unexpected.

There’s no small list of places to visit in India if one wishes to see and experience even half of what this country has to offer. From the colourful valleys of Kashmir in the north, to the palm-covered beaches of Kerala in the south; from the aromatic tea gardens of Assam in the east, to the gleaming deserts of Rajasthan in the west; every nook and cranny of the country will greet the travelers with a unique set of landscapes.

Travelers can pick from a plethora of things to do in India at all the different places they visit. When here, one can indulge in a range of activities like diving in the coral-rich sea of Andaman, riding bikes in Ladakh, dwelling in the religious mysticism of Varanasi, spotting wild beasts in the Western Ghats, visiting countless monasteries in Sikkim, witnessing the charm of Taj Mahal in Agra, camping on the arid deserts of Kutch, partying on the hippie beaches of Goa, playing with colours in Mathura, riding a toy train in Shimla, and rafting and paragliding in Himachal. With all this and more to explore and experience, you’d never be the same after a trip to India! Read on to find out more about Indian tourism.