Best Places To Visit In India: Destinations For Every Month

Auli: Kickstart the new year with an incredible adventure in the snow-clad meadows of Auli Bugyal in Uttarakhand. Ski down the glistening snow on the slopes that transform Auli into a winter wonderland, which makes January the best time to visit Auli. It is one of the most dream-like places to visit in India.

Haridwar is the nearest railhead at a distance of 273 km from Auli and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

Read more: Auli, the winding road and a twist at every turn by Shipra Dubey.

Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary: Visit Asia's largest salt-water lagoon in Odisha in January, when the migratory birds arrive at their wintering ground. The mystical sight of flamingos and Irrawaddy dolphins at this time of the year make it just the right spot on the map for your escape.

Bhubhaneshwar Airport is the closest airport, 95kms from Chilika. Regular trains are available from major Indian cities to Chilka (CLKA). The nearest bus stand to Chilka is Satpada.

Read More: Best of Orissa- A Ten Day Itinerary by Vartika Sharma

Diu: These beaches of the west coast are some of the most serene places to visit in India and make for a perfect trip for the first month of the year. Enjoy parasailing and wind surfing at Nagao Beach and Ghoghla Beach and behold the vision of the clearest sky above the vast Arabian Sea.

Diu is well connected to major cities of India by bus. The nearest railway stations to this destination are Somnath (SMNH) and Veraval (VRL). Regular flights are also available from cities across India to Diu Airport (DIU).

Read More: Diu- An Underrated Coastal Heaven by Harleen Kalsi

Nasik: Fun, food, fashion, wine and music – that's Sula Fest for you. The first week of February will give you a weekend to remember. Sula Fest in Nashik is a party-goer's paradise with music performances by internationally-acclaimed artists, great food to go with the wine, the fantastic energy of the crowds and a tent site where you can sleep under the stars.

Nashik is one of the best places to visit in India by road for people in Mumbai. For travellers reaching Nashik from other cities, Mumbai and Pune are the nearest Airports.

Read More: Dolce Vita in the vineyards of Nashik by Harleen Kalsi

Gulmarg: February is an excellent time to get your gear on and go snow boarding and skiing in the the snow-clad meadows of Kashmir. Gulmarg not only becomes the hub of adventure activities in this season but also promises surreal landscapes and a clear night sky for those who want a peaceful vacation. It remains one of the most beautiful places to visit in India.

The nearest airport is in Srinagar, 56 kms from Gulmarg. Taxis and buses are available from Srinagar to Gulmarg everyday at regular intervals.

Read more: Snow-Covered Gulmarg In Photos by Ayandrali Dutta

Periyar Tiger Reserve: Visit the home to the wild in Thekkady. Among the best places to visit in India in February, Periyar Tiger reserve is a top choice for wildlife and outdoor photography enthusiasts. During this time of the year, animals spend time near the lake and the forest is at its greenest best.

The destination has a direct link from other popular places to visit in India such as Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin and Kottayam by road and Kottayam is also the nearest railhead.

Read More: Safari in Periyar Tiger Reserve! by Nicolas Zapata

Places To Visit In India in March

Vrindavan: Celebrate the festival of colors, Holi, in one of the most famous places to visit in India that boasts of being the playground of Krishna himself. Located in the district of Mathura, Vrindavan and its surrounding towns make for one of the best heritage tours and places to visit in India.

Vrindavan does not have an airport. The nearest railhead is Mathura Cantt and frequent taxis and buses are available to Vrindavan.

Read More: On the streets of Vrindavan by Deepti Asthana.

Velas Beach, Ratnagiri: This small coastal village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharastra becomes a travellers' hotspot during the Velas Turtle Festival during this time of the year. Hundreds of Olive Ridley Turtles come to the Velas Beach during this breeding season. The festival dates back to 2006 and is organised by the locals with the help of an NGO, Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra.

Roadways is the usual mode of transport to reach Velas, as the beach is well-connected to all the major cities of Maharashtra.

Read More: Velas - the final journey home by Kush.

Rishikesh Yoga Festival: Visit the yoga capital of India for the biggest yoga festival in the country during the first week of March, which makes this month the best time to visit Rishikesh. Learn the ancient art of meditation from the gurus who gather during the International Yoga Festival to address yoga enthusiasts from all over the world in one of the most peaceful places to visit in India.

Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is 35 kms away from Rishikesh. Frequent buses are available from other touristy places to visit in India such as Haridwar, Dehradun and New Delhi to Rishikesh everyday.

Read More: If peace is your goal, then Rishikesh needs to be your destination by Ramesh Thampi

Mon, Nagaland: The Aoleang festival of the Konyaks from Northern Nagaland is celebrated during the first week of April. The festival is celebrated after the people of the village sow seed in the new fields. This festival is also a celebration that marks the beginning of the new year in the region and visitors experience the rich cultural heritage of northern Nagaland through indigenous dance performances by the locals, music talent shows, songs and games. It is one of the most unexplored places to visit in India.

There are no direct trains or airports connected to Mon. Travellers can reach Bhoju railway station (Assam) and reach Mon via Sonari (7km from Mon). Nearest airport to the destination is in Jorhat, Assam.

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Read More: The King's Naga-Landing! by Kaveri Mayra

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir Tulip Festival: South Asia's biggest Tulip Festival takes place during the month of March and April every year. The festival held at Siraj Bagh Chesmahsahi (also known as Indira Gandhi Memorial Garden) in Srinagar makes this month the best time to visit Srinagar when the flowers are in full bloom. Apart from the festival, this time of the year also promises the best climate conditions to explore the nearby places to visit in India such as Gulmarg and snow-covered hilltops surrounding the valley.

Jammu Tawi or Udhampur are the nearest railway stations. Travellers can also reach Srinagar by a local train that starts from Banihal. Visitors can also fly to Srinagar, which is connected to all the major cities of India.

Read More: People of Kashmir Showed Me That Srinagar Is More Than Just Dal Lake and Shikaras

Shillong: Walk up to the top of the Shillong Peak and enjoy the 360‎° panoramic view of the city. Photographers will have the time of their lives witnessing the incredible 18-hole golf course in Shillong. It take almost two hours to reach Mawlynnong from Shillong and this trip could be your chance to explore one of the most interesting places to visit in India. The quaint village is also known as the cleanest village in Asia. Around 20 kms out of the city, on the way to the airport, you can stop by at another one of the mesmerizing tourist attractions in India – Umiam Lake at Barapani.

The nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi Airport at a distance of 25km from the city. The nearest railway station is Guwahati. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to Shillong from there. It takes almost three hours to reach Shillong from Guwahati by bus or a shared taxi.

Read More: Experience eco-tourism in the abode of clouds and sound of waterfalls in Shillong

Ooty: This town in the state of Tamil Nadu is also known as the capital of the Nilgiri Hills where two mountain ranges meet. It is undoubtedly among the most frequented hilly places to visit in India. Botanical Gardens on the slopes of the Doddabetta peak and the small tea factory and museum in Ooty are definitely the must-see spots. Doddabetta Peak in Ooty, at a height of around 8,650 feet, is the highest peak in South India.

Nearest domestic airport from Ooty is Coimbatore at a distance of 88kms. Mettupalyam is the nearest railhead and there are trains connecting Ooty to Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore and Bangalore. Ooty is just a road trip away from Bangalore via Mysore or via Chamarajanagar.

Read More: Ooty, a ride into the heavenly Nilgiris by Rahul Arora

Gangtok: Head to the hills of Sikkim along the Teesta River and reach the gorgeous capital city, Gangtok. The numerous hilltops such as Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok; monasteries namely Rumtek and Enchey monastery, and scenic viewpoints around the city of Gangtok are some of the top places to visit in India. They make this location an absolute delight especially during May when the pleasant climate make it the best time to visit Gangtok.

Nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri. There are frequent taxis and buses available to reach Gangtok from Siliguri.

Read more: Gangtok, A piece of heaven for the mankind by Monojit Mandal

Kasol: Get a taste of the hills of Himachal Pradesh during the pleasant summer time. The hill town of Kasol and the entire Parvati Valley is a hub of travellers throughout the year. During the month of May, the best time to visit Kasol, the hikes around this town leading to other attractive places to visit in India such as Kheerganga, Malana and Rasol offer the best scenic trails to adventure lovers.

Bhuntar is the nearest airport, though not frequently used. Buses are available from all the major cities to Bhuntar or Manali. Taxis and local buses take you to Kasol, which is 30kms from Buntar.

Read More: Kasol and its magic by Himani Khatreja

Ladakh: The arrival of the summers is also an invitation to travellers from across the world to visit one of the most surreal places to visit in India that has become the Indian traveller's Mecca, Ladakh. The roads via Manali and Srinagar open routes to Leh, the capital city of Ladakh and the marvelous places to visit in India that lie on the route to Leh are the sight to behold. Leh Palace, Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri are some of the highlights of all the places to visit in India that are at their scenic best during this time of the year.

Travellers can choose to fly to Leh directly. Alternative road routes to reach Leh are (1) From Srinagar via Zoji La, (2.) From Manali via Tanglang La. These routes will allow you to spend some time in other alluring places to visit in India as well.

Read more: Ladakh Diaries, Your Checklist to Manali-Leh by Srishti Jugran

Kodaikanal: Sometime in the middle of the year, take a trip to the quaint little hill station of South India, Kodaikanal. Kodai Lake, Pillar rocks and the surrounding pine forests together make Kodaikanal one of the most peaceful places to visit in India to spend your vacation. Vattakanal a nearby village is also an emerging backpacking destination.

Nearest airport to Koidaikanal is Madurai. Regular bus services are also available for Kodaikanal from Chennai and Coimbatore.

Read More: Above the Clouds & Between the Seas! A Road Trip to Kodaikanal & Dhanushkodi by Anurag K

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh: This hidden heritage city in the heart of India is one of the choicest places to visit in India for travellers interested in history, art and culture. The ancient temples and palaces around the city such as Raja Ram Temple, Jahangir Mahal and Rai Praveen Mahal are surely must visit places to visit in India for travellers in Orchha.

Orchha can be a great pit-stop for a road trip around the exciting places to visit in India, namely Agra, Gwalior and Khajuraho. Jhansi is the nearest railhead and Gwalior serves as the nearest airport to Orchha.

Read More: Orchha, The hidden gem by Bhawna Sati

Valley Of Flowers: July is just the right time of the year to experience the wonders of nature at the Valley Of Flowers trek in Uttarakhand. 300 kms north of Rishikesh, the trek starts from a distant village in Uttarakhand, Govindghat. The trek through the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve promises the valley in full bloom during July, August and September.

Valley of Flowers is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and the last motorable road will take you to Govindghat, 500 kms from New Delhi and almost 300kms from Haridwar.

Read More: Witness Heaven in Nature’s Own Valley: The Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand by Tushar Chatterji

Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani: The two towns together make the best getaway destination for people from Mumbai and are some of the finest places to visit in India. The vast and endless plateau of Mahabaleshwar is surrounded with hills on all sides. Wilson or Sunrise Point is the highest point in the town at 1439 m. Other scenic locations in the town include Kate's Point and Connaught Peak.

Nearest airport is Pune, around 120 km from Mahabaleshwar. Nearest railway station is in Satara, however Pune remains the most frequently used railhead.

Read More: Finding the serenity at Mahabaleshwar by Drashti Buch

Spiti Valley: Take the road trip of a lifetime to the stunning Himalayan desert in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The district of Lahaul and Spiti promise some of the best places to visit in India for exploration on a road trip that start from Manali, via Chandrataal, Kee, Kibber, Komic, Tabo and Nako.

Travellers can reach Spiti Valley via two routes: (1.) via Manali (2.) via Shimla. Buses are available everyday from New Delhi to Manali and Shimla. You can hire a taxi or go on a self-driven exploration from Manali and Shimla to Spiti.

Read More: Hitchhiking Through Spiti Proved That Himachal Is Safest For Solo Female Travellers by Disha Kapkoti

Karjat: Karjat is one of the best places to visit in India around Mumbai during the rainy month of August. The exciting trekking places to visit in India around Karjat include Chanderi Fort Trek, Matheram Trek and Peth Fort Trek. Replete with opportunities for visitors Karjat is also famous for picturesque places to visit in India that are nearby such as the scenic vistas of Ulhas Valley, Bhor Ghat and Kondana Caves.

Karjat is at an hour's distance from Mumbai and it's also well-connected to all the major cities of Maharashtra. Karjat railway station is also connected to Mumbai and Pune.

Read More: Journey filled with fireflies at Kothaligad, Karjat by Kristine Rathod

Munnar: 6000ft above sea level, Munnar lies in the Idukki district of Kerala. This erstwhile British tea plantation location is still one of the most desired vacation places to visit in India for travellers. Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty and waterfalls of Chinnakanal & Anayirangal are some great places to visit in India to checkout while in Munnar.

Cochin International Airport and Madurai International Airport are the nearest airports. State run and private buses are available from major towns of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to take you to Munnar.

Read More: A visit to God's own country-Allepey, Munnar by Soumili Chandra

Kinnaur: This corner of Himachal Pradesh is not just known for the best apples in India but also for the hidden places to visit in India around the Kinnaur District that make for a great exploration hub. Visit the caves of Tabo, the quaint village of Nako and the nearby town of Kalpa.

Kinnaur makes for one of the most enthralling places to visit in India by road for travellers from Delhi reaching Kinnaur via Shimla. Buses and taxis are also available from Shimla and Rampur. You can also reach Kinnaur from Manali via Spiti.

Read More: The Mystical Land, Kinnaur by Sachinder S. Rathore

Wayanad: Visit the land of the paddy fields during the best time of the year to experience the peaceful Wayanad. The best way to experience Wayanad is to explore the natural wonders through hiking. Some favourable hiking trails are to Sahibkkunnu, hike to Kurisumala Peak and Chembra Peak. Wildlife sanctuaries around the region, namely Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, are some of the most splendid places to visit in India.

Wayanad is Karipur international airport at Kozhikode is the closest airport. Kozhikode is also the nearest railhead, which is 110 km from Wayanad.

Read More: Wayanad- The Land of Collective Beauty in Kerala by Purnima Manhas

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: These islands are unrivalled places to visit in India. Visit Corbyn's Cove beach, North Bay Island and Ross Island. Experience the light and sound show at the cellular jail. Watch the majestic sunset at Radhanagar beach and enjoy snorkelling at the Elephant Beach on Havelock Island.

The best way to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands is to take a flight from the major cities of India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata) to Port Blair. Passenger ships are also available from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair.

Read More: Offbeat India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Aashna Jain

Kaas Valley: One of the most interesting places to visit in India and declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kaas Plateau is a mini valley of flowers in Maharashtra. After the rains are over, Kaas is one of the most wonderful places to visit in India which makes for a remarkable weekend getaway destination from Mumbai, giving opportunities for visitors to explore the outdoors. Trails along the valley would help you study the hundreds of species of flowers in the region.

Best way to reach Kaas from Mumbai is by taking the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and NH4 upto Satara. The Kaas Plateau is about 22 km from Satara.

Read More: Riya Mukherjee's trip to Kaas Plateau.

Coorg: With astonishing variety of flora and fauna, vast expanse of coffee plantations and stunning waterfalls, Coorg is on the bucket list of places to visit in India for many curious travellers. Some of the must visit places in Coorg include Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey falls, Brahmagiri Peak and Iruppu Falls.

Nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore International Airport. Mysore is the nearest railhead, about 120 kms away from Coorg. Bus services connects Coorg to all the major cities of Karnataka through KSRTC bus services.

Read More: Disconnect and let the Wild sink in at Coorg (Kodagu) by Pratiksha Mohanty

Pushkar: October serves as the best time to visit Pushkar, a Hindu pilgrimage centre that is one of the most revered places to visit in India. It has lately emerged as the new hippie hub in the state of Rajasthan. Apart from the Brahma temple and the majestic Pushkar Lake, the city is also known for the countless cafe-hopping spots that are an absolute delight to any visitor on a tour of the aesthetic places to visit in India.

Best way to reach Pushkar is to take a road trip from Delhi via Ajmer. Ajmer is also the closest railway station to Pushkar at a distance of around 11kms.

Read more: 8 Things To Do in Ajmer and Pushkar by Bidisha

Cherrapunji: Visit the Northeast India during the pleasant winters. Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Dainthlen Falls are some of the best spots to get the best of Cherrapunji. A short drive away from Cherrapunji is the living root bridge at Mawlynnong, which is also the cleanest village in Asia.

Guwahati Airport connects Meghalaya to most of the major cities. The nearest railhead to Cherrapunji is also Guwahati. Shared taxis and buses are available from the railway station to Shillong and nearby locations.

Read More: An Abode of Clouds - Shillong and Cherrapunji! by Shwetha

Agumbe: This village in the Shimoga District of Karnataka in the Western Ghats is home to the last remaining low land rainforests. The town of Agumbe is surrounded by a number of reserve forests in the Western Ghats that are some of the most significant places to visit in India, such as Kundapur, Sringeri, Hosanagara and Thirthahalli, which are together known as Agumbe Rainforest Complex.

Mangalore, 108 kms away from Agumbe, is the nearest airport. Nearest railway station at Shimoga is 90 kms away and another railhead Udupi is 55km from Agumbe. You can also take a bus from Bengaluru to Agumbe directly or a bus towards Theerthahlli and another bus from there that can take you to Agumbe.

Read More: Looking For A Vacation Mission? Find The Hidden Malgudi House In India by Disha Kapkoti

Lakshadweep: Visit Lakshadweep if you are looking for one of the popular places to visit in India for an ultimate beach vacation. Among the best things to do in Lakshadweep some of the best picks are scuba diving in Kalpeni Island and canoeing in Minicoy Island. Agatti Island is also well known for the water sports activities it offers. Kite surfing at Kadamat Island another addition to your list of must-dos in Lakshadweep.

7 passenger ships operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep. Cochin International Airport links Lakshadweep to all the major cities of India. Flight from Cochin to Agatti takes almost 1 hour 30mins.

Read More: Cherrapunji : A place serenely beautiful by Niharika Baruah

Varkala: At the end of the year head to the beaches of India. Varkala is a quieter beach destination emerging to be one of the major touristy places to visit in India. Varkala Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach and Edava Beach are some of the most peaceful places to visit in India during your travel to Varkala.

At a distance of 36km, the nearest airport to Varkala is the Thiruvanthapuram Airport. Varkala Station is not a very well-connected railway station and hence, Trivandrum Rail Strip provides better connection to Varkala.

Read More: Why you should chuck Goa for Varkala this time by Roshni MS