Stretching from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the North to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala in the South, with palm-fringed coastlines and lush green forests in between, India is more like a continent than country. With a varying landscape – from artistic palaces and formidable forts built hundreds of years ago that still stand upright in testimony to its rich cultural heritage; vast tract of forests, national parks and sanctuaries that are home to exquisite wildlife; rolling tea plantations; world’s highest mountain range; mystical monasteries on top of lofty mountains; and astonishing temples, India is an incredible country.
It’s not just about the diverse landscapes – It is India’s rich and diverse tapestry that is the most enthralling. With the world’s second largest population spread over 36 entities (28 States and 8 Union Territories), India is a sublime mix of traditions, customs, culture and religious & spiritual beliefs. Nowhere on earth quite compares with it. Fascinating and chaotic, it intrigues even the most seasoned travellers flooding their senses, but the sights, sounds, smells and sensations can become addictive in no time as you discover frenetic cities, colourful congested towns, mesmerising markets, kaleidoscopic festivals and flavourful food.
Exploring the “Golden Triangle”, an enchanting circuit through Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, is often a great start for first timers with Taj Mahal as the highlight but there is plenty more to discover and one trip is not enough.
Get a taste of the glorious past in elaborate forts and palaces and colorful cities of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur, take a desert safari in Jaisalmer or search for the elusive Royal Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Watch the evening aarti (holy fire) ceremony in Varanasi at the ghats looking out to the sacred Ganga or the evening ritual of Guru Granth Sahib (religious scripture) being carried to rest for the night at beautifully illuminated Golden Temple (holiest Sikh temple) in Amritsar. Take a toy train to Darjeeling or Shimla in the foothills of the Himalaya. Drift over the tranquil Dal Lake in a houseboat in the mesmerizing Kashmir Valley. Cruise along the tropical backwaters of Kerala. Sample India’s finest brews and see the tea-pickers hard at work in the lush plantations of Assam and the Nilgiri Hills. The list is endless.
The best time to visit India is between October and March, when the weather is more likely to be pleasant and dry with clear blue skies in the North. December and January, however, are much cooler, and potentially foggy. Ladakh and Kashmir are best visited between June and September, when the rest of the country experiences monsoon. November onwards is the best time to visit the southern states after the monsoon has ended. February to April is ideal for tiger sightings, as they tend to congregate around the remaining waterholes with rising temperatures.
