India Travel Calendar: Best Indian States to Visit in Every Month
Published on February 26, 2026
India is not a destination — it is an experience that changes with every season. From the snow-draped peaks of Himachal Pradesh in January to the monsoon magic of Kerala in July, every month in India tells a different story. Whether you are planning a solo trip to India, a family vacation, a honeymoon, or an adventure getaway, knowing the best time to visit each Indian state can make or break your experience.
This comprehensive India travel calendar is designed to help domestic and international travellers identify which Indian states to visit month by month. We cover weather, festivals, top attractions, and insider travel tips so you can plan your perfect India trip. Whether you are searching for the best places to visit in India in winter, the top hill stations in summer, or the most beautiful monsoon destinations in India — this guide has you covered.
Let's explore India, 12 months at a time.
January — Best States to Visit: Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu
January is peak travel season in India, especially for international tourists. The weather across most of India is pleasant, dry, and cool — making it ideal for outdoor sightseeing, wildlife safaris, and beach holidays.
Rajasthan — The Desert State in Full Glory
January is arguably the best month to visit Rajasthan. The temperature hovers between 8°C to 22°C, making it comfortable to explore the iconic forts and palaces of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. The famous Jaipur Literature Festival draws thousands of culture lovers, while the Jaisalmer Desert Festival in late January or early February is a spectacular celebration of Rajasthani folk art, camel racing, and turban-tying competitions. This is the best time for a Rajasthan road trip and Desert Safari.
Kerala — Backwaters, Beaches & Ayurveda
Kerala tourism peaks in January. The northeast monsoon has ended, the skies are clear, and the backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha) glisten under winter sunshine. January is perfect for a Kerala houseboat trip, Munnar tea estate trek, or a relaxing Ayurvedic retreat in Kovalam. The Thrissur Pooram preparations begin, and the state buzzes with cultural energy. Kerala in January is a must for anyone looking for serene, offbeat, and nature-rich travel in India.
Goa — Carnival and Beach Vibes
Goa in January is vibrant and electric. The Goa Carnival usually falls in February, but January sees the beaches at their best — warm, sunny, and filled with travellers from around the world. North Goa (Calangute, Baga, Anjuna) thrives with nightlife, while South Goa (Palolem, Agonda) offers serene stretches for those who want a quieter beach holiday. Water sports, flea markets, and Portuguese-influenced architecture make Goa one of India's most-searched travel destinations year-round.
Tamil Nadu — Pongal Festival & Temples
January 14-15 marks Pongal, Tamil Nadu's harvest festival — one of the most colourful and authentic cultural experiences in South India. Madurai, Chennai, Thanjavur, and Mahabalipuram come alive with traditional kolam art, jallikattu (bull-taming), and festive feasts. The weather is pleasant, and the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu are best explored in the cool January air.
February — Best States to Visit: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka
February is one of the most versatile months for India travel. You can chase snow in the Himalayas, witness tribal culture in Gujarat, or explore ancient ruins in Karnataka — all within one trip.
Uttarakhand — Snow Sports and Spiritual Pilgrimages
Auli in Uttarakhand becomes India's premier skiing destination in February. With fresh snowfall and panoramic views of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks, Auli Ski Resort attracts both beginners and experienced skiers. Jim Corbett National Park is also excellent in February for tiger sightings before the forest heats up. Rishikesh continues to be a hub for yoga retreats, white-water rafting, and bungee jumping — popular among adventure tourists year-round.
Gujarat — Rann Utsav and Cultural Extravaganza
The Rann Utsav festival at the Great Rann of Kutch runs from November to February, and February is when it reaches its crescendo. The white salt desert under a full moon is one of India's most otherworldly travel experiences. The region also offers rich tribal craft shopping, camel safaris, and vibrant folk performances. Gir National Park, home to the world's last Asiatic lions, is also best visited in February before the heat sets in.
Karnataka — Historical Grandeur and Coffee Trails
February is ideal for exploring Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The weather is warm but not oppressive, making boulder hopping and temple exploration enjoyable. Coorg (Kodagu) in February is lush and fragrant with coffee blossoms — a hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers. Mysuru's palaces are also best visited in cooler months.
March — Best States to Visit: Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha
March signals the end of peak winter travel but brings festivals like Holi and excellent wildlife viewing. It's an underrated month to explore central and eastern India.
Madhya Pradesh — Heart of India Wildlife
Madhya Pradesh is India's tiger capital, and March is one of the best months for wildlife safaris. Kanha Tiger Reserve, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench National Park, and Panna National Park all offer exceptional tiger and leopard sightings as animals gather around watering holes. The dense sal forests are at their most beautiful, and the dry weather makes tracking wildlife easier. For history lovers, Khajuraho's erotic temples and Orchha's medieval forts are comfortably visited in mild March weather.
West Bengal — Holi and Spring Celebrations
Shantiniketan in West Bengal hosts the famous Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) — Rabindranath Tagore's vision of Holi celebrated with music, dance, and flowers. This unique cultural experience draws tourists from across India and abroad. Kolkata's heritage trams, colonial architecture, and Durga Puja preparation workshops are wonderful in the mild March climate before the summer heat arrives.
Odisha — Tribal Heritage and Ancient Temples
March is ideal for exploring Odisha's temple circuit — the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Sun Temple in Konark, and Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. The weather is warm but manageable. Tribal districts like Koraput and Rayagada offer unique cultural immersion with markets and crafts that represent some of India's most ancient traditions.
April — Best States to Visit: Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Northeast India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
As plains heat up, April is the perfect time to head to the hills and islands. Northeast India and Sikkim bloom with rhododendrons and orchids, while the Andaman Islands offer crystal-clear waters.
Sikkim — Rhododendron Trails and Buddhist Monasteries
April is peak blooming season in Sikkim. The state's hillsides are blanketed in thousands of rhododendron species in shades of red, pink, and white. The Yumthang Valley, known as the Valley of Flowers, is at its most spectacular. Pemayangste and Rumtek monasteries offer spiritual tranquillity, while Gangtok's MG Marg is perfect for a leisurely evening stroll. Sikkim in spring is one of India's best-kept travel secrets.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands — Best Island Destination in India
April is among the best months to visit the Andaman Islands before the monsoon arrives. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) offer world-class scuba diving, snorkelling, and beach camping. Radhanagar Beach consistently ranks among Asia's most beautiful beaches. Ross Island's colonial ruins, Cellular Jail in Port Blair, and Baratang Island's limestone caves and mudvolcanoes make this archipelago one of India's most diverse travel destinations.
Meghalaya — Living Root Bridges and Waterfalls
April, just before the monsoon peak, is ideal for visiting Meghalaya's double-decker living root bridges near Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong — Asia's cleanest village. The pre-monsoon showers make the landscape lush without the extreme rainfall. Dawki River's emerald-green water and Shillong's colonial charm make Meghalaya one of India's most Instagram-worthy destinations.
May — Best States to Visit: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Ladakh
May is peak summer in India, but the Himalayas are at their most accessible and glorious. High-altitude passes open up, and flower-filled valleys beckon trekkers and nature lovers.
Himachal Pradesh — The Ultimate Summer Hill Station
Shimla, Manali, Kasol, Spiti Valley, and Dharamshala are all at their best in May. Manali's Rohtang Pass opens in May, giving access to snow-capped landscapes just a short drive from the town. The Kullu-Manali valley is popular for paragliding, trekking, and river rafting. Spiti Valley, often called 'Little Tibet,' awakens from its winter isolation with monasteries, starry skies, and fossil-filled mountains.
Ladakh — Land of High Passes Opens Its Doors
Leh-Ladakh is one of India's most searched travel destinations, and May marks the beginning of its prime season as the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways open. The Pangong Tso Lake, Nubra Valley's sand dunes, Magnetic Hill, and ancient gompas draw adventure travellers, bikers, and spiritual seekers. Ladakh's stark, moon-like landscape at 3,500+ metres above sea level is unlike anywhere else in India.
Jammu & Kashmir — Tulip Gardens and Dal Lake
Kashmir in May is paradise on earth. The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Asia's largest tulip garden, is in full bloom. A shikara ride on Dal Lake at sunrise is a bucket-list India experience. Pahalgam's Betaab Valley and Gulmarg's meadows are perfect for family holidays and romantic getaways. The Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage preparations also begin in May.
June — Best States to Visit: Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh
June brings the monsoon to most of India, but the Himalayas and Ladakh remain dry and incredibly scenic. This is also the start of the Char Dham Yatra season.
Uttarakhand — Char Dham Yatra and Trekking Season
June is when the sacred Char Dham Yatra — covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — is in full swing. Millions of Hindu pilgrims travel to these high-altitude shrines in the Himalayas. For trekkers, routes like the Valley of Flowers (which opens in June), Kedarkantha, and Roopkund are incredibly scenic. Rishikesh and Haridwar serve as spiritual gateways and buzzing backpacker hubs throughout the summer.
Ladakh — Peak Season Begins
June to September is Ladakh's golden season. The Hemis Festival in June/July — the largest monastic festival in Ladakh — is a cultural highlight with masked dances (Cham), thangka paintings, and local crafts. The high-altitude trek to Stok Kangri, camel safaris in Nubra Valley, and camping by Tso Moriri Lake are peak experiences for adventure travellers. Book accommodations well in advance as Ladakh sees massive tourist footfall in summer.
July — Best States to Visit: Kerala, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Spiti Valley
July is monsoon season across India, but for those who embrace rain, it unlocks some of the country's most magical landscapes. Kerala's backwaters rise, waterfalls thunder, and the entire subcontinent turns emerald green.
Kerala — Monsoon Ayurveda and Snake Boat Races
Kerala is stunning in monsoon, and July is considered the best time for Ayurvedic treatments as the humidity is said to open pores and enhance absorption. Thekkady's Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad's misty hills, and Munnar's tea gardens all look breathtaking in the rain. The famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race (usually in August) and Vallam Kali snake boat races begin their preparations during this month.
Meghalaya — Cherrapunji in Full Monsoon Mode
Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Mawsynram receive some of the world's highest rainfall in July. Nohkalikai Falls, Daintlen Falls, and Seven Sisters Falls are at their thunderous best. Umbrella eco-tours, waterfall treks, and cave explorations in Krem Liat Prah make July a unique monsoon adventure in Meghalaya. It is not a typical tourist month, which means fewer crowds and raw, untouched beauty.
Spiti Valley — Desert Mountain Paradox
Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh) lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas and stays dry even during the monsoon. July sees clear blue skies, dramatic mountain landscapes, and ancient monasteries like Key Gompa and Tabo Monastery in full photographic glory. Star gazing in Spiti in July is world-class. The Spiti circuit is one of India's most challenging and rewarding road trips.
August — Best States to Visit: Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra(Monsoon), Uttarakhand
August is Independence Day month, and India erupts in patriotic fervour. The Valley of Flowers reaches its peak, and many travellers embrace the Monsoon Goa experience for dramatic seascapes.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand — UNESCO Heritage Trek
August is the absolute peak of the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked in the Chamoli district. Over 500 species of Alpine flowers bloom in a carpet of purple, yellow, orange, and pink across the valley floor. The trail begins from Govindghat and takes 3-4 days round trip. Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh shrine at 4,329 metres, is a spiritually profound addition to this trek.
Maharashtra — Western Ghats and Waterfalls
Maharashtra's Western Ghats transform into a paradise in August. Dudhsagar Falls near Goa-Maharashtra border is at its most spectacular. Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and Panchgani are packed with weekend travellers from Mumbai and Pune. Kaas Plateau in Satara, known as Maharashtra's Valley of Flowers and a UNESCO Global Geopark, blooms spectacularly in August-September with rare endemic wildflowers.
Onam Preparations in Kerala
August sees the run-up to Onam — Kerala's biggest festival. Flower carpet (Pookalam) competitions, traditional dance (Thiruvathirakali), and the first round of boat races (Chundan Vallam) begin. The backwaters are full and lush, and the entire state is festooned with floral decorations and banana leaves.
September — Best States to Visit: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala (Onam)
September marks the tail end of monsoon. Wildlife parks reopen after their monsoon break, and Onam turns Kerala into a cultural spectacle. Rajasthan and Gujarat begin their post-monsoon cooling.
Madhya Pradesh — Wildlife Season Reopens
Most national parks in Madhya Pradesh reopen in October, but September sees them gearing up. Panna Tiger Reserve and Satpura National Park offer boat safaris and walking safaris that are unique to this region. The forests are lush from the monsoon, rivers are full, and wildlife is active. This is an exceptional time for bird photography and wildlife photography in central India.
Kerala — Onam Festival (September)
The Onam Sadya (a traditional 26-dish feast served on a banana leaf), the Vallam Kali (snake boat races), and the Pookalam (floral carpet) competitions make Onam one of India's grandest state festivals. Visiting Kerala during Onam in late August or early September gives travellers an intimate window into Malayali culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Thrissur, Alleppey, and Kottayam host some of the most elaborate Onam celebrations.
Rajasthan — Teej Festival and Cooler Temperatures
September sees Rajasthan cooling down after a hot and dusty monsoon. The Teej Festival — celebrating the monsoon and marital love — is a splash of colour in Jaipur, with women dressed in green and red, decorated elephants, and folk music. Ranthambore National Park reopens for tiger safaris in October, and September is a good time to plan ahead and book before the peak winter rush.
October — Best States to Visit: West Bengal (Durga Puja), Goa, Himachal Pradesh
October is when India's best festival season truly explodes — Navratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra light up the country. The monsoon retreats, and North India transitions into its glorious autumn season.
West Bengal — Durga Puja: India's Biggest Street Festival
Durga Puja transforms Kolkata into the world's largest open-air art gallery and cultural festival for five days. Thousands of pandals (temporary temples) are erected, each with increasingly creative and elaborate themes. The city stays awake through the night with music, dance, street food, and devotion. Durga Puja has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. October in Kolkata is a bucket-list India travel experience.
Himachal Pradesh — Kullu Dussehra and Autumn Colours
The Kullu Dussehra festival is one of India's most unique — celebrated for seven days after the rest of India celebrates it for one. Over 200 local deities are brought in procession from surrounding villages to Dhalpur Maidan. Apple orchards across Himachal turn golden and crimson, and the roads through Shimla, Kinnaur, and Spiti are lined with apple-laden trees. October is peak apple harvest season in Himachal, and the scenic Kinnaur Valley drive is surreal.
Goa — Pre-Season Calm Before the Rush
October sees Goa transition from monsoon to tourist season. The beaches are washed clean, the sea is calmer, and prices have not yet spiked. October is the ideal time for budget travellers and those who want to experience Goa without the December-January crowd. The Goa International Film Festival preparations begin, and the feni-tasting, spice plantation tours, and casino culture all come back to life.
November — Best States to Visit: Rajasthan (Pushkar Fair), Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka
November is when India's most extraordinary cultural festival takes place — the Pushkar Camel Fair. Diwali lights up every state, and the weather across most of India becomes ideal for travel.
Rajasthan — Pushkar Camel Fair: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
The Pushkar Camel Fair (Kartik Mela) draws over 200,000 visitors — including 50,000 camels, horses, and cattle — to the sacred town of Pushkar for one of the world's most colourful festivals. Camel races, hot air ballooning, folk music, Rajasthani cuisine, and the spiritual ghats of Pushkar Lake create an unforgettable confluence of culture and commerce. This is one of the most photographed events in India. Book accommodation at least 3 months in advance.
Madhya Pradesh — Wildlife Safaris in Full Swing
By November, all major tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh are operating at full capacity. Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Satpura offer exceptional wildlife encounters in comfortable cool weather. November is also the best time to visit the rock shelters of Bhimbetka (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) near Bhopal, and the ancient temples of Khajuraho.
Karnataka — Hampi Festival and Heritage Sites
The Hampi Utsav festival in November turns India's most dramatic UNESCO heritage site into a living monument of Vijayanagara glory. Classical dance performances, puppet shows, and light-and-sound spectaculars are staged among the ruins. Mysuru's Ooty-like climate in November makes it ideal for palace visits and silk shopping. Coorg's coffee plantations are at harvest time, filling the air with the aroma of freshly harvested arabica.
December — Best States to Visit: Goa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu (Madurai)
December is peak tourist season in India. Christmas and New Year attract global visitors, and the weather across most of the country is near-perfect. Book early, as prices surge and accommodations fill up fast.
Goa — Christmas, New Year, and Global Party Capital
December is Goa at its peak. Midnight Mass at historic churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), beach parties on Anjuna and Vagator, New Year Eve fireworks over Palolem Beach, and the Sunburn Music Festival make December in Goa an iconic India experience. Despite the crowds and premium pricing, the energy and atmosphere are unmatched. Goa in December is one of India's most searched travel queries, and for good reason.
Rajasthan — Desert State in Winter Perfection
December in Rajasthan offers crisp desert mornings, warm afternoons, and beautifully lit forts at night. The Ranthambore and Sariska tiger reserves are at their most productive. The Pink City of Jaipur, the Blue City of Jodhpur, the Golden City of Jaisalmer, and the romantic White City of Udaipur are all at their visual best. Hot air ballooning in Jaipur and camel safaris in Jaisalmer Desert are must-do experiences.
Tamil Nadu — Mahabalipuram Dance Festival
December in Tamil Nadu is festival month for classical arts. The Chennai Music Season — the world's largest cultural festival of classical Carnatic music — runs from December to January with thousands of concerts across the city. The Mahabalipuram Dance Festival showcases Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and other classical Indian dance forms against the backdrop of 7th-century shore temples. Tamil Nadu's pilgrimage circuit — including Madurai Meenakshi Temple — is at its most visited in December.
Quick India Travel Calendar Summary
| Month | Best Indian States / Destinations to Visit |
|---|---|
| January | Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu |
| February | Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh |
| March | Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha |
| April | Sikkim, Meghalaya, Andaman Islands |
| May | Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir |
| June | Uttarakhand (Char Dham), Ladakh |
| July | Kerala, Meghalaya, Spiti Valley |
| August | Uttarakhand (Valley of Flowers), Maharashtra |
| September | Kerala (Onam), Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan |
| October | West Bengal (Durga Puja), Goa, Himachal Pradesh |
| November | Rajasthan (Pushkar), Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka |
| December | Goa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala |
Expert India Travel Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Go
India is a vast, diverse, and complex country that rewards well-prepared travellers. Here are key tips from seasoned India travel experts to help you plan your perfect trip.
Best time to visit India overall: October to March is widely considered the best period for most of India. North India's winters are pleasant, South India is dry, and the festival season is in full swing.
Visa requirements: Most international tourists can apply for an India e-Visa online, which covers tourism, business, and medical visits for up to 60 days. Apply at least 4 business days before travel.
Domestic air travel in India: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara connect all major cities and tourist destinations. Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance for peak season travel to get reasonable fares.
Train travel in India: Indian Railways is the world's largest railway network and one of the best ways to experience the country. The Vande Bharat Express, Shatabdi Express, and Rajdhani Express connect major cities. Book on IRCTC at least 1-2 months in advance for popular routes.
Budget planning: India caters to all budgets — from ₹500/day budget backpacker trips to ₹50,000+/night luxury palace hotels. Peak season (December-January) sees prices 30-50% higher in Goa, Rajasthan, and Kerala.
Health and safety: Carry water purification tablets or a UV pen. Eat at reputable restaurants. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Consult your doctor about vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis for some regions) well before travel.
Sustainable travel: Support local guides, homestays, and eco-lodges where possible. Many tribal and forest areas in India require responsible tourism to preserve their culture and ecosystems.
India Awaits You Every Month of the Year
India is not a single destination — it is 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own language, cuisine, festival, landscape, and soul. There is truly no bad time to visit India — only the need to choose the right state for the right season. Use this India travel calendar as your starting point, and let the diversity, colour, and warmth of this extraordinary country surprise and inspire you.
Whether you are Googling 'best places to visit in India in winter,' 'India trip in summer,' 'monsoon travel India,' or 'best Indian states for holiday,' the answer is always the same: somewhere in India, every single month, something extraordinary is happening — and it is waiting for you.
Plan smart. Travel deep. Experience Incredible India.
