India is such a diverse country where not only the language and food habits change every hundred kilometers, but the weather patterns also show new colors. From the snowy mountains of the North to the blue sea of the South and from the Thar Desert of the West to the lush green valleys of the Northeast, every season in India has its own magic. Often, while planning a holiday, people get confused about which corner of the country to visit in which month. Going to the wrong place in the wrong season not only spoils the budget but also makes traveling useless. To solve this problem of travel lovers, we have prepared a complete travel calendar of ’12 excuses to travel in 12 months’. This guide will tell you which months of the year the weather, nature and local culture are in the best conditions to welcome you.
January: Golden Sands and Cultural Festival of Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
The beginning of the year i.e. the harsh cold month of January is considered most suitable for exploring the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer becomes very pleasant in this season. The mild sunshine during the day and the cool breeze of the Thar Desert at night give a wonderful experience. The world famous ‘Jaisalmer Desert Festival’ is organized here during January-February, where you can enjoy camel rides, Kalbelia dance, traditional puppet shows and tent camping in the desert at night along with starry sky. Apart from this, the huge fort of Jaisalmer and the mansion of the Patvas are worth seeing.
February: Snowy valleys and snow sports of Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir)
If you are fond of heavy snowfall, snowboarding and skiing, then head to ‘Gulmarg’ of Kashmir, which is called heaven on earth, in the month of February. In February, Gulmarg is completely covered with a thick blanket of white snow. The thrill of ‘Gondola Ride’, included in the world’s highest cable car safari, doubles in February. The view of Afarwat peak from here seems like a dream. Gulmarg is the perfect destination for those who want to play with snow and enjoy exciting snow sports.
March: Holy festival of colors and spring season of Mathura-Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh)
The month of March brings the message of the arrival of spring. There is neither extreme cold nor extreme heat in this month. For the most vibrant cultural experience of India, one should visit Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh in March. Holi of Braj is famous all over the world. Witnessing ‘Lathmar Holi’ of Barsana, ‘Phoolonwali Holi’ of Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan and ‘Chhaddimar Holi’ is a memorable moment in everyone’s life. The ghats and temples of Braj, immersed in the devotional atmosphere of Holi, give a unique feeling of spirituality in March.
April: Pleasant weather of Darjeeling and views of Kanchenjunga (West Bengal)
With the arrival of April, the heat starts in the plains, in such a situation, the famous hill station of North-East India ‘Darjeeling’ becomes the most suitable place to visit. The weather here remains absolutely clear and pleasant in April. The view of the first rays of the sun falling on Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, from Tiger Hill early in the morning is mesmerizing. UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’ i.e. toy train ride, lush green tea gardens and Batasia Loop will make your trip in April memorable.
May: Leh-Ladakh Adventure and Pangong Lake (Ladakh)
In the month of May, when most parts of India are in the grip of extreme heat, the routes to Ladakh open for tourists. In May, snow is removed from Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways. For bike riders and adventure lovers, May is considered the best time to visit Ladakh. Exploring Pangong Tso Lake, famous for its changing shades of blue, the two-humped camels of Nubra Valley, and Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable pass, in the pleasant cool of May is a unique experience.
June: Rainy Valleys of Meghalaya and Living Root Bridge (Northeast India)
Monsoon starts arriving in the country in the month of June and the beautiful north-eastern state of Meghalaya gets hidden behind the clouds. The meaning of ‘Meghalaya’ is ‘home of clouds’. The waterfalls of Cherrapunji and Shillong are at their best in June. The view of Nohkalikai Falls and Elephant Falls is worth seeing. Apart from this, seeing Mawlynnong village (the cleanest village in Asia) and the natural ‘Living Root Bridge’ built by the Khasi tribe from the roots of banyan trees in the early monsoon of June gives an incredible feeling.
July: Mysterious ‘Valley of Flowers’ of Uttarakhand (Uttarakhand)
Monsoon completely prevails in the month of July and at such a time the ‘Valley of Flowers’ situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand blooms in its most beautiful form. This UNESCO World Heritage site is open to the general public only between July and September. During this time, colorful flowers of more than 500 rare species are spread naturally like a carpet in the valley. For nature lovers, photographers and trekkers, trekking to the Valley of Flowers in July is no less than heaven.
August: Tea gardens of Munnar and greenery of the Western Ghats (Kerala)
In August, during the waning monsoon and intermittent rains, the ‘God’s Own Country’ of South India i.e. Kerala becomes very beautiful. Munnar, situated on the hills of the Western Ghats, gets covered with a new sheet of greenery in August. Dew drops on tea plantations, mist covered hills and spectacular waterfalls like Attukkad make Munnar very romantic in August. It is also considered quite comfortable to enjoy Ayurvedic spa and kayaking in Kerala during this month.
September: Fragrant breezes and waterfalls of Coorg (Karnataka)
In the month of September, monsoon is leaving and the weather becomes slightly pleasant. ‘Coorg’ of Karnataka, which is also known as ‘Scotland of India’, is the best place to visit in September. After the rains, the coffee plantations of Coorg smell of wet aroma. Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls flow at their full speed. Watching the sunset from Raja’s Seat and relaxing at this serene hill station in South India fills your mind with new freshness.
October: Spiritual Ghats and Ganga Aarti of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
With the arrival of autumn in October, the weather of India’s cultural capital ‘Varanasi’ (Banaras) becomes very pleasant. In October, the humidity and heat end and the nights start becoming slightly cool. The grand Maha Aarti held at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening, boat ride in the river Ganga in the morning and the taste of Kachori-Jalebi and Lassi in the narrow streets of Banaras give double the pleasure in October. Preparations for Dev Diwali and cultural festivals also start in Varanasi from October itself.
November: White Rann of Kutch and the grand ‘Ran Utsav’ (Gujarat)
As soon as the month of November arrives, colorful cultural festivals begin in the ‘Ran of Kutch’ located in the west of Gujarat. This huge white desert of salt is worth seeing in November. On a full moon night, the white Rann shining in the moonlight appears like a magical world. Rann Utsav, which runs from November to February, showcases a confluence of handicrafts, Kutchi folk music, folk dance and Gujarati cuisine. The temperature of Kutch remains very comfortable during this season.
December: Andaman’s Blue Sea and New Year Celebration (Andaman-Nikardweep)
In the last month of the year i.e. December, if you want to escape from the harsh cold and enjoy the sunshine and sea waves, then ‘Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ is the best option. The weather of Andaman in December is very pleasant and the sky is clear blue. Radhanagar Beach of Havelock Island (Swaraj Island), which is counted among the most beautiful beaches of Asia, is perfect for water sports in December. Here you can closely see the colorful world under the sea through scuba diving, snorkeling and sea-walk and celebrate the New Year.
Always keep these 3 things in mind to become a smart traveler
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Advance Booking: The month in which a place is most popular, the demand for hotels and flights/trains increases. Therefore, book at least 2 to 3 months in advance.
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Local food: If you go to any place, definitely taste the local food and traditional dishes, this doubles the travel experience.
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Packing according to season: Never forget to carry warm clothes for hilly areas and light cotton clothes for coastal/desert areas and sunscreen.
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