Month-Wise Holiday Destinations in India 2014

Those engulfed in the dynamics of daily life must agree that the life in an metropolitan city is often related to stress, pressure and dealing with traffic in day to day life. These people often think about taking a break and going on a holiday. However, when it comes to choosing the right destination, people often get confused. Keeping in mind the whopping size and perplexing diversity of India, it is not possible to finalize a ‘best time of the year to visit’ to explore all its holiday destinations . In this blog, I would like to put forth the best holiday destinations in India (month-wise) for your kind perusal.

January

One of the coldest months in India, January is a time to welcome the New Year. The weather is perfect for a winter holiday in Auli, Uttarakhand. 

Auli, Uttarakhand,  Image Credit - www.indianholiday.com

In Auli, one can enjoy skiing along the snowy slopes and treat their eyes with the breathtaking views of Himalayan mountain ranges all around. The ski slopes of Auli are quite popular amongst skiing enthusiasts. The best way to getting in and around the city is via cable car service, which is about 3 kilometers long and takes fifteen minutes to complete.

February

Without giving a second thought, it would be best to choose a beach in February. You might be wondering why February is the best time to explore beaches. Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a perfect choice as a holiday destination in India. 

Image credit - travelpod.com 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands - This group of islands is situated towards the east of peninsular island. Andaman and Nicobar islands offer an amazing beach holiday experience to its tourists. Some of these beaches are uninhabited and are chosen by tourists for camping purpose. Foreigners require special restricted area permit to stay on this island. Travel to this island can be either via ship or via flight to Port Blair.

March

Shillong - Image credit  www.travelandleisureasia.com 

The north-east region of India is the most pleasant and highly blessed by nature. But the sad part lies in the fact that it is often neglected as a holiday destination by the general Indian population. Sikkim, Shillong and Kaziranga National Park are some of the great places to visit in this part of the country. The main airports in this area are Guwahati and Kolkata.

April

Taking cue from the April fool’s day, we would advise you to dupe your juniors and flatter your bosses to get your holiday sanctioned. 

Darjeeling - Queen Of Hills

Darjeeling, situated in the eastern part of India, is known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. The hill station gives you a whole cornucopia of must visit places. It is a common name to jaunt among couples, honeymooners and newly-weds, owing to its all-year round soothing climatic conditions. You may also like to travel a couple of hours north to Gangtok for white water rafting and other adventures.

May

Manail, Himachal Pradesh  In may

May is the month when summer is at its peak and the burning heat of sun compel holidaymakers to gear up for a hill station vacation. Manali in Himachal Pradesh is a good holiday option in the month of May. While staying in Manali, take a trip to the Rohtang Pass, shop for dry fruits, shawls & handicrafts and overlook the snow-clad mountains from your windows. The nearest railhead to Manali is Ambala Cantt.

June

Jammu and Kashmir - Image credit yahoo.com

Fondly touted as the ‘Paradise on Earth’, Kashmir, situated in North India, is one of the topmost hill stations in the country. When one thinks of Kashmir, the beautiful images of flower parks, the majestic hills, the deep valleys and the famous Dal Lake comes to mind. Don’t forget to try the Shikara ride in the Dal Lake, check out the fruit market and make sure to stay in houseboat. Besides Srinagar, one can also visit the popular destinations in and around Gulmarg and Sonamarg. There is a domestic airport in Jammu and Srinagar.

July

Image taken from - www.lehladakhindia.com

The month of July marks the advent of monsoon in most parts of India. However, up in north, there is Ladakh which bustles with tourists throughout the year. It is a high altitude desert surrounded by high mountains and passes. The region is home to only a few tourists enjoying the beautiful mountains, high altitude lakes and the Buddhist monasteries. In order to explore places around Ladakh, Indians and non-Indians require special inner-line permits. There is a domestic airport in Leh which has regular flights to and from Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar.

August

The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur

With rain still beating down in most parts of India and the weather getting cooler, it’s time to hit the road towards the drier regions of India. And nothing can beat a holiday in Rajasthan for those who are annoyed by the haphazard caused by hefty rainfall.  One of the best things to do here is staying in palace turned hotels in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer. Hop on the camel back and treat your bellies with lip-smacking Rajasthani food at Chokhi Dhani.

September

Image credit -  www.keralabackwater.com

Since the monsoons are on its verge to bid goodbye, it’s time to enjoy the greenery that it brought. If you love to relax in the lap of natural greens, Kerala is a one stop shop for them. Fondly known as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala has so many natural jewels hidden under its sleeves. Take a trip to the hills in Munnar, enjoy elephant safari in the Periyar National Park, take delight in a traditional Ayurvedic massage and stay in a houseboat in the Alleppey backwaters. But September is not the best time to explore the beaches in Kerala.

October

Image Credit -  www.indiamarks.com

On the south of Konkan, near the west coast of India, there is a beautiful hill station known as Coorg. Best known for its coffee plantation, Coorg is an excellent place to spend your holiday with your family. Here is a list of things that you can explore while on a holiday in Coorg. You can check out the many waterfalls around, visit the Tibetan settlement in Kushalnagar, stay in one of those beautiful resorts or Homestays etc.

November

Image Credit - www.Goatrip.com

With the weather getting a lot cooler, it is time to spend some time on the beach. When it comes to beach holidays in India, Goa is truly unbeatable. Apart from a number of beaches, there are several beautiful churches, Portuguese style homes and sea-side restaurants. Since October to March is a peak tourist season, you may found a huge crowd in Goa. So if you are looking forward to Goa beach vacation, make sure to do your bookings in advance.

December

Agatti-Island Lakshadweep - Image Creadit  http://www.alltouristattractions.org 

With the temperatures getting cooler up in north, it’s time to head straight to South India. This can be done by choosing a very good holiday destination. Lakshadweep is a composition of beautiful islands glittering with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, swaying palm trees and coral reefs. Whether you are an Indian or not, you require a special permit to visit these islands.

This completes the list of month-wise holiday destinations in India. The blog has been written after a thorough research conducted by writer, who happens to be a travel buff, and contains his personal views and opinions as well. Do read this blog before planning your holiday in India. 


Contributed By Rahul Sharma