Across most of India, August is firmly at the heart of the monsoon season. With hot, wet weather in both the north and south of the country, crowds and prices will be low at this time of year. To avoid the rain, you can travel out to the desert of Rajasthan, or head up to the high mountains of Ladakh for a cooler, drier respite.
By September, the monsoon is starting to dry up in parts of India. With light rain in Delhi and Rajasthan and fewer crowds than in the winter, this is a great month to visit the attractions of the Golden Triangle. Hot spots like the Taj Mahal will be quiet, with great visibility, and you can expect shoulder season prices in most of the country.
October is the beginning of peak season in most of India. Falling temperatures and less rain make this a good time to visit Delhi and the Golden Triangle, before the heavy mist of December and January. The rain is also receding in Kolkata and West Bengal, and the attractions of Rajasthan will be pleasant and dry.
November is well into peak season in India. At this point, the monsoon rains have cleared, and the mists of December and January haven’t yet set in around Delhi. West Bengal, Rajasthan, and parts of South India are also cooler and drier than usual, making this a great month for sightseeing all over the country.
July is India’s off-season due to the rainy and wet weather. Across most Indian states, the monsoon is in full swing; rain falls every few days at this time of year. This is a good time to visit some of India’s drier areas, such as the historic cities of Rajasthan or Tamil Nadu's ancient temples.
June is the off-season in India: Delhi and the north are hot, while South and Northeast India are experiencing heavy rains. If you don’t mind braving the heat or the damp, this can be a good time to take advantage of reduced crowds and lower prices. Plus, there are cultural festivals in Kerala, Varanasi, and elsewhere to enjoy throughout the month, rain or shine.
The month of May is firmly in the middle of India’s blazing summer. Temperatures in both North and South India are at their peak, so it’s a good month to retreat to the mountains and escape the heat. While there won't be many foreign travelers to compete with, this is summer vacation in India and there's a spike in domestic tourism—you'll want to book your hilltop retreat in advance.
By April, the peak travel season is over in much of India. Temperatures are rising in North India and Tamil Nadu, and rain in Kerala is increasingly frequent. However, there are still some great places to visit this month—high season is just beginning in the Himalaya, Mumbai is still pleasant and dry, and it’s an ideal time for tiger-spotting in India’s national parks.
March is when temperatures in North India begin to climb. This is the last month of the shoulder season, before the north succumbs to the blazing heat of summer, and South India edges closer to the monsoon. However, the warmer weather makes this a great time to visit the Himalayas, and both Mumbai and Goa are pleasant and dry.
Although some areas, like the Himalaya, are freezing cold at night in December, the climate elsewhere ranges from pleasantly warm in Delhi to quite hot in Mumbai and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, the Northeast Monsoon will be winding down at this time; pack a raincoat if you plan to travel there. And if a celebratory atmosphere is what you're after, there's no shortage of festivals, including the Tibetan Lunar New Year.
In February, winter in India is nearing its end. Most of the country is reasonably cool and dry at this time. While the weather is pleasant in February, there are fewer visitors than in December and January, making this a good month to beat the crowds.
India in January is cool and dry. While some regions, like the mountainous Himalaya, experience freezing cold nighttime temperatures during this month, most of the country is only a few degrees cooler than usual. Winter provides a respite from the blazing heat of summer and the wetness of the monsoon. For this reason, it’s often considered an ideal time to visit.
The state of Rajasthan in northern India holds a bounty of breathtaking sites along with some of the country's most welcoming cities. This itinerary lays out a romantic trip that includes tours of ancient palaces, golden fortresses that seem to glow in the hot sun, and shrines and holy sites that seem to rise from the desert sands.
The Golden Triangle in North India symbolizes three pinnacles: culture, heritage, and metamorphosis. Your 10-day journey begins in the capital city of New Delhi, where you can learn about both Islamic and Hindu influences. In Agra, which symbolizes love, you will visit the grand wonder that is the Taj Mahal. A trip to Jaipur will reveal the beauty of the Pink City and its textile industry. On the final leg of your trip, you will visit Varanasi, where you will experience the live, iconic rituals along the Ganges, and visit the sacred Buddhist town of Sarnath.
Hit the temple trail to visit some of the stars of South India on this 10-day itinerary. You'll experience the modern culture of the state of Tamil Nadu alongside ancient Indian history and mythology, touring some of the world's most impressive and intricately carved temples and taking in the natural views along the Bay of Bengal.
Indulge your senses on this 12-day tour of southern India, featuring the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Discover Tamil Nadu's cultural wealth as you explore its ornate Hindu temples, sacred cities, and French-colonial towns. Cross over the Western Ghats into biodiverse Kerala and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of tea and spice plantations, jungle, forests, and lakes and rivers.
This all-encompassing tour of Rajasthan covers the must-see highlights of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra and features three days of the sprawling Camel Fair in Pushkar held annually every November. Come to Rajasthan for the culture, history, and magnificent architecture, stay for the lively bustling attractions and events of the fair. You'll ride camels in the Thar desert, discover historic Silk Road mansions in Mandawa, and wander ancient abandoned cities, like Kuldhara and Fatehpur Sikri.
Featuring the famous Golden Triangle (Delhi - Jaipur - Agra) and its well-visited attractions, this complete 11-day itinerary offers an in-depth look into Rajasthani culture. In addition to seeing Jama Masjid in Delhi, the Amer Fort in Jaipur, and the Taj Mahal in Agra, you'll wander historic mansions in Churu, visit with local artisans in Bagru, and marvel at architectural feats in Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri. You'll cook with locals, tour pink cities, and count the stars from the top of a sand dune.
Spend ten days exploring one of India's most popular regions with this itinerary. You'll go from the historic monuments of Delhi to the famed Taj Mahal in Agra, then continue to Ranthambore to search for the Bengal tiger. End your trip in Jaipur, the gateway to one of India's most colorful states, before you return to Delhi.
Wind your way through colorful cities, charming villages, and stretches of sand dunes with this two-week itinerary. You'll start in Delhi with a route through the famous Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur, then continue into Rajasthan, where you'll find lakeside palaces, ancient forts, and elaborately decorated mansions along your journey.
Take a spiritual journey through Buddhist India with this itinerary that will take you to some of the most important places in Buddha's life. The birthplace of Buddhism, India is home to some of the religion's most significant sites, including the place of Buddha's enlightenment at Bodhgaya, his first sermon at Sarnath, and last sermon at Vaishali, all easily accessed with a weeklong trip out of Delhi.
Kolkata offers a rich mix of Hindu, British, and Bengali culture that you won't find anywhere else in India. Once the capital of the British Raj, it has enough to keep you busy for weeks—or a single day, if that's all you have. Read on to find out how to spend a perfect morning, afternoon, and evening in this sprawling city.
In India, there are itineraries to suit every traveler, from short sightseeing sprees to months-long backpacking trips. Whether you’re on a quick, history-packed jaunt to tick off blockbuster sights or a rough-and-tumble mission lasting weeks or more, you’ll be sure to find a trip for every timeframe.
One day just isn't enough to cover everything in sprawling Delhi—but you’ll find that 24 hours is plenty of time to fall in love with this beautiful and surprising city. Discover the Indian capital on a whirlwind tour of historic temples, chaotic bazaars, and aromatic street food stands.
This cycling adventure through southwest India will take you from abundant forests to spice plantations, from sophisticated temples to beaches and backwater canals. The region's jungles and waterways, colorful towns and fishing villages, beaches and delicious cuisine will all be explored as you pedal the rural roads of Karnataka and Kerala.
With two weeks in India, travelers will have enough time to get intimately acquainted with a handful of key cities and sites. To get the most from your stay, you'll want to focus on exploring just one or two regions. Consider going for depth, rather than breadth, and resist the temptation to cover everything in one visit. Just think of it as a reason to keep coming back for more.
From the dreamy landscape of North India’s deserts to the tropical greenery of the South, India is an expansive country that encompasses a range of cultures, people, and landscapes. When choosing where to visit, it’s easiest to divide the country into distinct regions: North, West, South, East & Northeast, and Central India.
From tasting Mumbai's rich culinary creations to being doused in brightly hued powder during the country's colorful Holi festival, a visit to this ancient land is a feast for the senses. Here are our top ten must-do activities during a trip to India.
It would probably take several lifetimes to fully do this country justice, but with a week in India, you'll still get a spectacular taste—don’t be surprised if you end up coming back for more. From sun-dappled palaces and millennia-old temples to palm-fringed beaches and lazy backwaters, here are three possible trip plans for an unforgettable 7-day Indian adventure.
Featuring an exciting mix of culture, history, and nature, this comprehensive tour offers a unique overview of India's largest state, Rajasthan. On this 3-week trip, you'll enjoy the perfect combination of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation as you explore the best this enchanting corner of India has to offer. Rajasthan's exceptional architecture, epic love stories, ornate temples, delicious food, and vibrant colors are sure to charm you.
From the glistening backwaters of Kerala to the dreamy lakes and gardens of Udaipur, India has a rich heritage that is best experienced in person. To really explore the country, skip the run-of-the-mill hotel and consider these unique lodging options, such as staying in a luxury tent in Ranthambore or a homestay on a Keralan farm, for a truly one-of-a-kind immersion.
With delicious food, rich cultures, and stunning scenery, India has plenty of opportunities for unforgettable family adventures. You can meet rescued elephants in an animal sanctuary or celebrate cultural festivals like Holi or Diwali. From the misty tea plantations of Darjeeling to the colorful markets of Mumbai, this vibrant and diverse country makes for an awe-inspiring destination.
From the famously erotic temple carvings at Khajuraho to star-crossed lovers in today’s Bollywood films, India is in love with romance—and it has the honeymoon spots to show for it. The country rolls out the red carpet to honor the newly betrothed, so even if you didn’t have a destination wedding, you can still have an Indian honeymoon.
India's Kerala state, located in the south of the peninsula, is home to lush vegetation and wild animals, aromatic spices and stunning temples. Indulge your senses and experience Kerala's diversity. Trek through forest and jungle to heights that offer stunning views, take in cultural sights of bustling towns, and relax on a bamboo raft on the winding waters, with nature at your fingertips.
Have you taken a selfie in front of the Taj Mahal? Hopped a camel for a sunset ride through Rajasthan? If you’ve ticked those items off your India bucket list— or are simply looking to explore less trodden regions— then we’ve got you covered with these suggestions for unbeatable, but overlooked, sites in India.
This trip is designed to maximize your chances of thrilling experiences with the Bengal tiger. Located in the rural heart of India, you'll explore multiple natural habitats—including the deciduous forests of Kanha National Park, considered the most beautiful and pristine wildlife reserves in the country. The trip is topped off with visits to the Taj Mahal, the glorious city of Fatehput Sikri, and the extraordinary Khajuraho temples.
Lively and rowdy even during its quietest times, India is home to hundreds if not thousands of color-packed festivals, from chilled out arts and music meets and hipster-focused fare to frenzied religious rituals and costumed spiritual processions. You’d need several lifetimes to see them all, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying.
With thousands of miles of coastline, India has a beach for every taste and temperament, from untouched coves and colorful temple towns to thumping party meccas. Your only trouble might be deciding where to go - so here’s a guide to get you started.
With pounding monsoons, piping hot summers, and (in certain places) snowy winters, India is a country of extremes. Spring and fall tend to be the mildest and most temperate, but each region has its own high season and weather patterns - making India an ideal destination no matter when you want to go.
This tour takes you to some of the most spiritually important places in North India. Be introduced to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism at Rishikesh, Dharamsala, and Amritsar, and learn about ancient yoga and Ayurvedic traditions. Visit the classic and popular “Golden Triangle” of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur but from a different perspective by meeting local artisans, staying in village homestays, and engaging in other socially responsible tourism and business ventures.
This two-week journey will take you on an epic odyssey through two of the most fascinating states of southern India. You'll be enchanted by the French flavors of Pondicherry and the grand temple complex at Madurai in Tamil Nadu, the lush natural world of Periyar and the traditional culture of the backwaters of Kerala. Discover why this laid-back part of the country is a traveler favorite.
There are almost too many spectacular sights and experiences in Rajasthan — camel trekking in the Thar Desert, the watery splendors of Udaipur, open-air art museums in Bundi, the sandcastle city of Jaisalmer, the mesmerizing blue of Jodhpur, and the sacred lake-side town of Pushkar. Add on the must-sees of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra and you'll begin to understand why so many travelers are drawn back to India time and again.
South India is a hot, steaming, colorful mix of untamed nature and mesmerizing culture. This tour will immerse you in some of the more exotic traditions of peninsula India: the art and temples of Tamil Nadu, the flavors and jungles of Kerala, and plenty of chill-out time on the backwaters and in the hills that permeate the region.
Travel in India will open your eyes like nowhere else on earth. You'll see beauty and experience wonder in a new way in this incredible country. The triangle of Delhi - Agra - Jaipur is popular with tourists for good reason, but this tour offers a unique perspective. As well as seeing the Taj Mahal, you'll visit local communities, women’s cooperatives, and an elephant rescue center in Agra.
Only an hour’s flight from Delhi, Ladakh looks like nowhere else on earth. Turquoise lakes reflect snow-dusted peaks. Monasteries tower like beehives over the stark, sun-drenched hillside. The high-altitude desert, home to a welcoming Buddhist and Muslim population, is one of India’s safest and most spectacular regions. And it is best explored on foot. Here are some of the best treks in Ladakh to choose from.
With its colorful culture and rich history, Rajasthan is a splendid display of a unique Indian heritage. This trip focuses on spectacular sights of India’s largest state, including the palaces and temples of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. This itinerary not only showcases the traditional architecture characteristic of the region, but also allows you to understand the depth of India’s past, making for an unforgettable experience.
Perhaps the most popular route in India, you'll visit the three famous sites of India's northwest — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur — known as the Golden Triangle. You'll travel by road or train tour over the course of 6 days, exploring the cultural and historical heritage of each city. This is a great tour for people's first visit to India if you're looking to see the main highlights.
