“If you are interested in Ayurveda, this is the most recommended time to visit, as it is considered particularly healing,” adds Jayasundara. Additionally, Saxena says some parts of India like Rajasthan don’t see the full impact of the monsoon: “Jaipur, Kalakho and Agra haven’t had heavy rains in recent years.” All of these factors—plus the added benefit of low-season rates—make the so-called “skip season” even more attractive to certain types of travelers willing to put up with a little rain.
When is the peak season in India?
The peak season in India usually runs from November to February, when the weather is at its coldest. In addition, this is the time when many Indians abroad come home to celebrate Diwali or attend the peak wedding seasons from October to late December and January to late March, says Saxena. On top of this, many travelers are taking advantage of the Christmas holiday time-off around the world to visit India. All this leads to higher prices at this time.
Additionally, Jayasundara says, “It’s worth noting that during the colder months, air pollution can be particularly bad in Delhi, Agra and larger cities. Jaipur. Low visibility and potentially unhealthy air quality are common, especially in November, when post-harvest crop burning in nearby states often exacerbates the problem.” If you’re sensitive to pollution, consider leaving big cities or preparing adequately for air quality conditions.
How many days should I spend in India as a first timer?
Both Saxena and Jayasundara suggest two weeks for a first visit to India; Longer layovers allow you to comfortably see a handful of destinations without feeling rushed through the days of travel. However, as Jayasundara says, any time spent in the country is sure to be an enriching and enlightening experience: “Keep it short and organized. I recommend spending 6 to 16 days on your first visit. It will give you an insight into what India is all about.” Will give you enough time to: A world to yourself. If you enjoy your time there, you’ll have a better idea of how to tailor your itinerary to your type of trip.
When visiting India for the first time, where should I go?
For Saxena, the first-timer will get a lot of mileage from visiting northern India and three destinations that are close to each other: Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located. “It will give you the biggest bang for your buck and checks all the usual boxes – forts and palaces, snakes, elephants, vibrant colours, intricately carved temples, markets galore,” he says, especially if you’re short on time.
Jayasundara, on the other hand, suggests reserving the Taj Mahal until a second visit to India, saying, “Not only does it require a lot of extra travel, it represents the most commercial and crowded part of India.” Instead it suggests focusing on a mix of rural locations such as backwaters Kerala And quiet small towns like Udaipur in Rajasthan: “It’s better to start somewhere quiet rather than one of the big cities like Delhi or Mumbai, as their charm is often lost on the travel-weary and jet-lagged. You can always return to them at the end of the trip. If possible, take an extra flight on arrival and ensure a soft landing in a quiet place like Udaipur.
It bears repeating: India is vast and there is an endless list of things to see, do and experience in this geographically and culturally diverse country. “Don’t try to see it all—it’s not possible, and trying to do so will be exhausting,” says Jayasundara.