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The Best Times to Visit India for Good Weather, Lower Rates, and Festivals

Tips from an expert to make the most of your visit.

India is a massive country, home to more than 1 billion people. Complex, intricate, overwhelming, and beautiful, there are many reasons to visit the South Asia destination, and many things to consider before booking a fabulous trip. "India is not only about forts, palaces, and temples; it's about five-star deluxe properties , delicious food, and the human experience," says Marion Miller, an India travel specialist with Micato Safaris and a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor . That said, Miller also wants travelers to know that there are better — and worse — times to arrive. "India is not a year-round destination," she says. "Within the timeframe that you travel to India, there are also optimal times; it just depends on where you want to go." Read on to learn about the best times to visit India, and which stretches of the year to avoid. Related : Marion Miller's 14-day Trip Around India

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit India for Smaller Crowds

With such a tremendous number of residents, plus nearly 20 million tourists per year, you simply have to expect crowds in India year-round. That said, there are times of day when crowds may be smaller. "When you see [monuments like] the Taj Mahal, visit in the morning. Then it is very calm," says Miller. "We usually go very early in the morning, around 5:30 a.m., so that we are the first in line. Then it is less crowded and you can get those famous photos. There are crowds [in India]; you can't really get away from that."

Best Times to Visit India for Good Weather

Determining the best weather is dependent on where in India you want to visit. The country is the seventh largest in the world in terms of landmass, so the weather can be dramatically different from one part to another. "Northern India has its seasons, just like Europe and the U.S.," says Miller. "I love October, because temperatures are lovely; it's between 75 and 85 degrees, with a slight nip in the air, something that says fall is coming." November is the same as October, except temperatures dip a little bit more, between 70 and 80 degrees. In the northern part of India, you may even need a light jacket by December. Miller says February and March are lovely, too, as spring begins and the flowers start to bloom. "The south is tropical," she said. "The coastline, like Chennai, Goa, and Bangalore, will have more humid temperatures, and there is not much difference in temperature there during the year."

Best Times to Visit India for Lower Prices

Between mid-April and mid-September, India has its monsoon season, and temperatures soar up to nearly 110 degrees. If you are looking for travel deals, this would be the time, but it's also one of the least favorable stretches during which to visit; the extreme heat and torrential rains often deter travelers.

Best Times to Visit India to See Tigers

James Warwick/Getty Images

A caveat to the above: monsoon season is one of the best times to visit India if you want to spot the country's majestic resident tigers.  "Tigers are very elusive creatures," says Miller. "They are beautiful animals, and they are easily seen when it is hot because they are hunting for water. I had an avid photographer visit in April last year and he saw 26 tigers."

Related : Why India Should Be Your Next Safari Destination

Best Times to Visit India for Festivals

CR Shelare/Getty Images

When it comes to festivals in India, there is never a wrong time, as the country always has a reason to celebrate. Two of the largest festivals in India are Diwali and Holi. The holidays run on a lunar calendar, so the dates change every year, but Diwali is typically in the winter and Holi is typically in the spring. "Diwali is the Festival of Light," says Miller. "It's a lot of lights, people give each other gifts, and it's also a time where they shoot lots of fireworks into the sky." Holi is the festival that welcomes spring. It is a festival of colors, where anyone and everyone throws colorful dye at each other, filling the air, their clothing, faces, and hair with bright, springtime hues.  "There is also Dussehra [usually in October], which is the festival of good prevailing over evil," Miller says. "Another festival called Raksha Bandhan [usually in August] celebrates the connection between siblings. Plus there are so many gods and goddesses, and they are all being celebrated."

Worst Times to Visit India

As to be expected, the worst time to visit India is also the best time to get deals, but you have to consider if those deals are worth the extreme weather. Between April and September, temperatures are extraordinarily high, and monsoons make traveling quite difficult. 

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India travel guide

What to do, where to stay and why you’ll love it.

T ravelling in India can overwhelm your senses with myriad sights, smells and sounds. One moment you might be gazing at the snowclad Himalayas in Ladakh and the next sipping beer and eating fried fish at a beach shack in Goa. Another, you could be listening to the clattering of train wheels as you careen through the Nilgiri mountains, or the gentle lapping sounds of Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat cruise. Then there’s the contrasting architecture: swanky malls in Bengaluru and ancient archaeological wonders in Mahabalipuram.

Can I travel to India from the UK? Entry requirements explained

What you will remember the most are the people; the warm smiles and hospitality of more than 1.3 billion souls, a largely young population embracing modernity while firmly holding on to traditions and culture — and eager to tell you India’s story.

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue .

One of the first travelling tips for India is “do not attempt it all”. With an area equivalent to most of western Europe, a single trip will barely scratch the surface. Spend a few days in the capital city of New Delhi ticking off the big-name sights* : Mughal-era Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. Immerse yourself in the frenetic markets of Chandni Chowk before finding a moment of peace at the landscaped Lodhi Gardens. Then there’s Agra* for the Taj Mahal — best visited in the early morning or towards sunset to avoid the tourist hordes.

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From here, proceed to Rajasthan to explore its colourful cities; the pink city of Jaipur* with its intricate Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Amber Fort; the blue city of Jodhpur* with Mehrangarh Fort overlooking labyrinthine streets flanked by indigo house; and the golden city of Jaisalmer with its forts, havelis (mansions) and the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Kolkata, in West Bengal, may not be on the usual tourist trail, but its languid pace, colonial architecture and superb food is worth a short detour.

Take a break from the chaos of Indian cities and head into the jungles to spot the big cats; tigers in Ranthambore* and Bandhavgarh national parks, leopards in Jawai and lions in Sasan Gir. Then, dive straight into hectic (and humid) Mumbai for eclectic art galleries in Kala Ghoda and trendy cafés and restaurants in Bandra. Make your way to Marine Drive to watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea and the Queen’s Necklace light up. No India travel guide is complete without a mention of Goa , India’s sunshine state known for its beaches, food, and relaxed vibe. Lately, it has become a hub for the craft drinks industry with some excellent beers, gins, and rums — not to mention the local cashew nut liquor, feni.

Further south, the intricately carved monuments dotted around the ancient village of Hampi in Karnataka evoke the grandeur of the medieval-era Vijayanagara Empire and make a dramatic picture against a backdrop of granite boulders. A brief halt at the hill stations of Kodagu (Coorg) or Chikmagalur will give you a taste of Indian coffee amid picturesque plantations.

South India’s major cities have their own charms — Bengaluru for its malls, restaurants, and craft breweries and Chennai for its multicoloured temples and the sandy Marina Beach along the Bay of Bengal. Wind up your trip in soul-soothing Kerala where palm-fringed beaches and shimmering backwaters are interspersed with ayurveda spas; further inland, wildlife reserves, spice plantations and tea estates glisten green, living up to the state’s moniker of God’s own country.

Discover the best places to visit in India

Where to stay

Whatever your budget, there’s an accommodation option for you; from backpacker hostels and dirt-cheap hotels to swanky five-stars and royal palaces-turned-hotels, India covers the entire gamut. Bed and breakfast at a basic hotel can be had at as little as £10-15 but be warned that accommodation quality and amenities can vary.

At the other end of the spectrum, luxury hotels may not always burn a hole in your pocket; even £100 can get you a swish stay. International hotel chains abound and you can also splurge at one of the homegrown luxury chains — Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Tower* and ITC Maurya* in New Delhi are top picks. For more recommendations, see the best hotels in Delhi .

You can stay at one of India’s many palace hotels for a truly royal experience. Forts and palaces belonging to erstwhile maharajas or havelis of zamindars (landowners) have been restored into heritage hotels that offer a glimpse of a glorious past with their vintage furniture, plush fabrics, and heirloom artefacts. Rajasthan, in particular, is replete with such hotels at various price points, but you will find options in almost every state.

As you travel around India, choose boutique hotels that evoke a sense of the place: British Raj-era plantation bungalows on Darjeeling tea estates, treehouses overlooking vineyards in Nashik, and houseboats on Dal Lake in Srinagar or on the Alleppey backwaters. Even jungle safaris do not require you to slum out; from Ranthambore to Kabini, luxury wilderness camps are spread across various national parks in India.

Northeast India — comprising the “seven sisters” Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim — is one of the most scenic yet least explored regions in the country. Home to the one-horned rhino, Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a must-visit, as is Majuli, the largest river island in the world and a birder’s paradise.

The state is also dotted with lush tea estates, many of which have handy on-site accommodation. Meghalaya (land of the rainclouds) is one of the wettest places on earth with spectacular waterfalls and dramatic “living” root bridges deep in tropical forests. Its capital city Shillong hosts the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in November. For the adventurous traveller, Sikkim brings river rafting, kayaking, paragliding and trekking opportunities, as well as striking views of Kangchenjunga, the highest Himalayan peak in India and third highest on Earth. Several boutique travel operators now create curated trips to the northeastern states that are timed around festivals (such as Assam’s harvest festival Bihu) or centred on indigenous culture, crafts, and textiles (such as the tribal weavers of Manipur).

At the other end of the country, off the southwest Malabar Coast of Kerala, the archipelago of Lakshadweep beckons with its white sandy beaches, pristine lagoons, and warm waters perfect for snorkelling and diving amidst unspoilt coral reefs. More water activities await on the eastern coast, where the Andaman Islands glitter like emeralds in the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal. The golden beaches of Havelock Island and Neil Island are some of the best in India for swimming and snorkelling. Head over to Kalipur Beach in Diglipur for turtle nesting season from mid-December to April.

Best time to visit

Weather-wise, December to March is the best time to visit India, but if you want to catch a couple of festivals, target October to November. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September.

Discover the best festivals in India

How much should I budget for a trip to India? India can be ridiculously cheap. In general, food and public transport are inexpensive and even high-end hotels can seem modestly priced given the favourable exchange rate. Budget about £70 per day for a mid-range trip rising to £150-175 per day for a luxury traveller.

Where should I start in India? The so-called Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer) is a good place to start your trip to India (a tourist visa is essential). You will cover several big-ticket attractions and get a taste of Indian culture. Add a few days in Kerala for some sun and sand, delectable coastal cuisine, and a relaxing ayurveda spa experience before you return home.

Is India safe for tourists? In general, yes — although pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and taxi scams are common, especially in touristy areas and on public transport. Solo female travellers should remain vigilant, avoid deserted and poorly lit areas, and dress modestly. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise caution as attitudes towards homosexuality are largely conservative. And finally, take care with food and water hygiene; hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccines are recommended.

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Inspired to visit India but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui* and Virgin Holidays* .

• Discover holidays to New Delhi* • Discover holidays to Goa* • Discover holidays to Rajasthan* • Discover holidays to Kerala* • Discover tours in India*

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Tea, a Train and an Epic Sunrise at a Summer Retreat of the Raj

Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills, is famous for its tea, its elevated railroad and the view of dawn breaking over Mt. Everest. A writer fulfilled a childhood dream of visiting.

By Romy Gill

Romy Gill is an Indian-born chef and cookbook writer.

Ever since I was a little girl I’d dreamed of going to Darjeeling. My imagination was captivated by this town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Indian state of West Bengal. Surrounded by lush, terraced tea gardens that extend across rolling hills, with the majestic snow-capped mountains behind them, Darjeeling is one of India’s most stunning hill stations, known as the Queen of the Mountains.

Originally set up in the 1800s as a summer retreat for British officials, it was leased to them by the Kingdom of Sikkim, and subsequently annexed to the British Raj in India. This history is still evident in its architecture and churches.

Darjeeling sits high above some of its neighbors at an altitude of 6,710 feet. I had visions of myself sipping tea amid the mountains, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquillity.

I visited Darjeeling for the first time in 2014 and it rained the whole time. For years I had longed to return and finally, in the spring of 2023, I made the trip again, this time with my father and sister-in-law in tow, spending four days. The plan was to explore Darjeeling itself, then visit Tiger Hill, famous for its sunrise; take in the tea gardens and the Batasia Loop, where the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway makes its famous 360-degree turn; and then to ride the train on its vertiginous climb through the mountains.

Starting at the crossroads

People all over the world associate Darjeeling most closely with tea — but little do they know that the fame of Darjeeling’s tea has come at a price, namely massive deforestation as the tea plantations have expanded.

Today, the population is largely immigrant and migrant workers keep the town’s tea trade flourishing. I learned a great deal about the history and culture of the tea industry from some of the town’s tea estate managers and owners. They explained how quickly the industry had grown and that their security teams kept a close watch over the laborers to keep production levels as intensive as possible. While we take great pleasure in enjoying our tea, it is always worth remembering how such enjoyment can sometimes come at the expense of other people.

Our first stop was the Chowrasta — or mall — the heart of the old town on the Nehru Road. It’s a lively, bustling place: home to a promenade where tourists and locals alike come to shop, eat or simply sit and take in the views. For me it was a great chance to people-watch, sitting with a cup of tea and listening to young people singing Bollywood songs, families bargaining with the vendors and conversations between passers-by.

While taking in the beautiful chaos around me, and surrounded by the heady smell of pine trees, I spotted a few women vendors selling bhuta (corn on the cob). I walked over to one to order some and as it cooked, I asked her about the four roads leading off from Chowrasta. She explained that the name Chowrasta means “intersection”: Each of the four roads that lead out of the mall takes you in a different direction.

We were staying at the Mayfair Hill Resort Darjeeling . The one-time summer retreat of the Maharajah of Nazargunj offered panoramic views of the surrounding tea gardens and snow-capped peaks. Mayfair Darjeeling is known for its colonial charm and old-world elegance. Its bright yellow buildings with their red roofs are perched on a hilltop overlooking the former summer house of the British governor during the Raj era.

The mail station

The next day we traveled to the village of Chimney, or Chimeni, home to the British Army during the First World War. During the colonial period, they built the 24-foot-tall chimney for which the village was named. Once the heart of a building called the Dak Bungalow, the chimney is the only part of the structure that remains in the forest beside the beautiful village in the Himalayas.

“Dak” translates as “mail”: These bungalows provided accommodations for the English mail carriers during the colonial period, as well as offering lodging for the British Empire’s government officials whose role was to maintain the outposts of the East India Company. Inside the bungalow you’d find a khansama (cook) who would feed these officials during their stays — giving their name to the famous Anglo-Indian curry known as the dak bangla, or mail bungalow curry, which was traditionally lighter on spices to please the English palate.

At Dak Bungalow I paid my entrance fee and stared up at the red brick chimney, which now stands almost in despair, offering a glimpse into the area’s history.

Suddenly the sunlight started to give way to darkness, and it was time to head back to our hotel in Darjeeling. We wanted to get a good night’s sleep before an early start to see the Tiger Hill sunrise.

Dawn on Tiger Hill

Seeing the sun’s first rays breaking over the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Kanchenjunga Mountain and Mount Everest has become a ritual among tourists. Because of the location of the sun, the best time to see this incredible sight is from mid-October to December or March to April, and you’ll want to leave early: Tiger Hill was about an hour and a half’s drive from our hotel and we made sure to arrive by 4 a.m. You’d be surprised by how many people were there at that hour.

I’ve seen some incredible sunrises over the years, but this was something else: It was an experience that stole my heart. As the very first rays of golden sunshine rose across the snowy mountain tops we were mesmerized. We sipped the sweetest coffee I’ve ever tasted, sold in flasks by vendors capitalizing on the crowds — the perfect way to warm up on a cold, windy morning. The entire experience at Tiger Hill lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes. It begins before dawn, as visitors gather to secure the best place to view the sun.

When I reached the viewing point, everything was enveloped in darkness. Suddenly the sky transitioned to deep indigo, creating an aura of anticipation. Then the eastern horizon started to illuminate with a soft, pale orange or pinkish hue. The sky took on a delicate, pastel color, with the sun peeking out. As the sun began to rise above the horizon, it was a moment of sheer awe and wonder as its rays illuminated the landscape. For me the entire spectrum of colors during the Tiger Hill sunrise created a magical and surreal experience, with the play of light and shadow against the Himalayan peaks.

The one big disappointment — both on Tiger Hill and elsewhere in Darjeeling — was the mess. Tourists leave their litter everywhere, putting these landscapes at risk: something we need to be more mindful of to preserve these sites for the generations to come.

Back in Darjeeling, after a simple breakfast I took a leisurely stroll around some of the town’s church buildings to admire the architecture while the others were freshening up. Walking is by far the best way to explore the town and see as much of its colonial architecture as possible. Many of the town’s colonial churches are still functional and are open for services and prayers, including the St. Jude Catholic Church , built in 1892. Erected to cater to the local Catholic community and British military, it was left vacant for several years after the English left but was reopened decades later by Darjeeling’s Catholic community. With its breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and landscape, its pointed arches, ornate carvings, stained glass windows and the intricate details on its facade, the church is a historical and architectural gem.

Riding the toy train

Rather than travel with my father and sister-in-law by car to Kurseong to visit some of the area’s tea estates, a distance of about 18 miles, I instead chose to travel by train. I wanted the time to marvel at the landscape around me — and I knew that the rattle of the train along the track would also invoke happy memories of the holidays I used to take with my family when I was little.

The narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the Toy Train, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. On a clear day, it was easy to see why. The train line runs on high, elevated tracks and climbs steeply through the mountains with more than 850 loops and curves. It gave me a glimpse of life around Darjeeling as it passed through the hill towns and villages, with shops and vendors selling things along the roads.

Riding the train I was like a child with a new toy. Along the way we stopped to take on water and I managed to hop on and off when the train was at slow speed. I was nervous as it passed through the steep curves but I was marveling at the same time. The most iconic section is the Batasia Loop, situated between Darjeeling and Ghum, where the train makes a 360-degree turn.

The train traveled through the Mahananda wildlife sanctuary, staggering along the sharp curves and beautiful hillside loops, before coming to a halt at the old Kurseong station where I met my family to visit some of the area’s tea estates.

Sampling tea culture

While there are plenty of tea estates in Darjeeling, I wanted to try something different. We stopped and looked at the Makaibari estate, where tea has been cultivated since the 1850s. It is one of the first tea estates in India to win a fair trade certificate and raises its tea organically. I served their tea when I had a restaurant, getting it from the Bristol Tea Company, a supplier specializing in organic and fair trade teas. A small hotel on the property, the Makaibari Bungalow, is the kind of place where you could sit and write novels, sipping the most delicious tea while enjoying its slow pace and tranquil luxury.

We also spent time at the Selim Hill Tea Garden, which borders the town of Kurseong and dates to 1870. Sitting at 4,000 feet above sea level, the estate is named after the tea plantation’s founder, called Selim Sahab by the locals. The current manager, Shahab Mallick, explained to me that the estate is 100 percent organic and that it has moved away from the commercial model of other tea plantations in the area. Instead, they’ve created the Selim Hill Collective, with an inclusive, sustainable approach to tea growing that’s designed to preserve biodiversity and treat workers fairly.

The estate’s 240 permanent staff receive accommodation, social security and medical care and we learned about the whole tea-production process from start to finish: plucking, weathering, rolling, drying, sorting and packing. Mr. Mallick showed me around the estate’s cottage, now inhabited by the owners. I was excited to learn that Rabindranath Tagore , the 1913 Nobel Prize Laureate for Literature, used to stay there.

Those who want to visit Darjeeling to be immersed in its tea culture can do so even more easily by staying overnight at a luxurious tea estate like the Taj Chia Kutir Resort and Spa , the Glenburn Tea Estate , the Ging Tea House or the Singtom Tea Estate & Resort .

As we drove along the hillside roads back to Darjeeling, we stopped at Timboor on the Trail, a restaurant known for its Nepalese food, that was surrounded by a terraced garden filled with a wide variety of beautiful flowers including azaleas and petunias. I wanted to experience a traditional Nepalese thali, a combination of different dishes, including dal, sabzi (vegetables), meat or fish, salad, pickle, chutney, raita (yogurt), rice and chapati bread. I was hoping to recapture the memories of meals shared with the Nepalese friends I grew up with in West Bengal. A sizable vegetable patch at the back of the restaurant provided the basis for many of the dishes on their menu, including creamy dal makhani made with black lentils and an indulgent butter chicken.

The Nepalese thali was an explosion of exciting flavors. An earthy mushroom sabzi, an organic black dal and lightly spiced gobi matar sabji — cauliflower and peas — sat alongside the Nepalese fried potatoes simply known as aloo fry.

In addition, we enjoyed various pickles: gundruk ko achaar (fermented greens), mooli ko achar (pickled radish with chili) and filinge achar — a powdered pickle made with nigella seeds. In addition, the thali included a creamy kheer (rice pudding), the perfect way to finish the meal.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture and landscapes, India will set your memories ablaze long after you've left its shores.

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Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

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Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a rocky hill that itself stands 120m above Jodhpur’s skyline, Mehrangarh is one of the most magnificent forts in…

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The park’s 2400 one-horned rhinos represent about two-thirds of the world’s total population (in 1904, there were only 200). Kaziranga offers popular 4WD…

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India Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

I’ve never been to India. I know. Crazy, right? It’s not that I don’t want to go but life has just always gotten in the way. However, India is a place a lot of people visit and, since I can’t write about it, I want to bring in someone who can: my friend Mariellen Ward. She’d a travel writer who has been going to India since 2005 and runs the website Breathedreamgo . We’ve known each other since 2010. Today, she’s going to share some tips on how to visit India for first-time visitors.

I will never forget my first time visiting India. My first car trip in Delhi felt like a roller-coaster ride. Cars and trucks of every size, overloaded bicycles and motorcycles, and even the occasional bullock cart, seemed to be coming at me from every direction. No one was paying any attention to lanes or the rules of the road. Vehicles were driving the wrong way. I couldn’t make sense of what was happening.

I had heard about the “sensory overload” travelers feel in India, and now I was experiencing it. It was exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure. And just a taste of things to come.

I spent six months crisscrossing the subcontinent on my first trip, back in 2005 and was often overwhelmed by the huge crowds, the foreign traditions, the perplexing bureaucracy, the mind-boggling complexity, and the bewildering culture shock.

These things combined make India a challenging — though very exciting and rewarding —destination.

However, if you read and follow these travel tips for first-time visitors, they could help smooth out some of the more disorienting bumps.

1. Slow down

It takes time and some know-how to successfully navigate in India. This is not a place for hurried travel. Don’t try and see as much as you can; that is not the right approach. It’s tiring to travel in India, and the object should be to experience it, not to check things off a list.

As a general rule, for every two weeks you are in India, pick one region. For a one-month trip, just pick two regions — say, two weeks in Rajasthan and two weeks in Kerala . You can even sit in one place and still not miss anything. No matter what, if you are in India, you will experience India.

2. Adjust your attitude

Likewise, accept that things will not go as planned. Cultivate the philosophy that things happen the way they are supposed to, not the way they are planned. This attitude can lead to the most marvelous adventures.

3. Be careful who you trust

Having said that it’s a good idea to be open, a healthy level of skepticism also comes in really handy in India. There are many con men there, especially in the travel and hospitality sector. They have a sixth sense for first-time visitors and will try and take advantage.

So, learn the prices by asking locals and other travelers before negotiating with auto-rickshaw drivers and market vendors. Don’t believe drivers — or random people you come across at airports, train stations, and tourist attractions — who tell you things such as your hotel burned down, or the train you want was canceled.

Often, an opportunity to make money off of you will spur creative tactics, and some of these scams can easily catch you off guard. Once, I was looking for a new iPhone case and the vendor showed me one and told me it was made by Apple. But a close look revealed four spelling mistakes in one short sentence engraved inside the case.

4. Practice safe travel

There are also anecdotal reports of women being molested, especially in busy, crowded places. Follow basic precautions and safe travel strategies, and use common sense in India.

Here are several safety travel tips (please read my top tips for women traveling in India for more details):

• Buy a local SIM card so that you can make local calls and stay in touch.
• Research carefully where you want to go, ensuring it is an area frequented by other travelers, with good infrastructure and hotels.
• Plan your travel so you don’t arrive late at night; travel during daylight hours only.
• Be careful when posting to social media, so that you are not revealing your current location.
• Stay alert to your surroundings, and keep a close eye on your handbag and luggage.
• Keep the Tourist Helpline number handy and call if you need any assistance: 1-800-111363.

5. Try a small group tour

For your first time in India, try taking a small group or custom tour to help you get your feet wet. My company, India for Beginners , was founded to help women travel safely and well in India. We offer a few small group tours, but we specialize in creating custom tours and providing a high level of personal service, such as meeting travelers at the airport and assigning a tour manager who is available 24/7. We hold your hand in India!

6. Take the train

Taking a train in India is a great experience and should not be missed. However, you need some basic knowledge about the classes and the trains. You may not want to dive into sleeper class or general class immediately; I would recommend 2AC (second class with air conditioning) or CC (chair car). Or even 1AC (first class with air conditioning) or EC (executive chair car).

Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains are among the best in India, so try and book one of these. Overnight trains can be a problem because they don’t clean the toilets at night, so keep that in mind when you book.

7. Eat the food

India is one of the world’s great culinary destinations, and first-time visitors should not shy away from trying all the delicious cuisine on offer, even street food. Some of the famous Indian items you shouldn’t miss are masala chai, sweet lassi, biryani, pakoras, dosas, and sweets such as gulab jamun and kheer.

It’s hard to avoid getting sick in India, though, because you never know when a tainted item will cross your plate. It could be at a street stall or a five-star restaurant. However, you can reduce the chances of getting sick by following these basic rules:

• Drink filtered or bottled water only.
• Watch for undistilled water in ice or sauces.
• Avoid salad and other raw food unless you can peel it (such as an orange or banana).
• Eat only food that is freshly cooked.
• Look for busy stalls and restaurants with high turnover.

8. Get a local SIM card

Everything in India runs on WhatsApp, one-time password (OTP) verification, and text messages. Because of this, you need a local number. To do so, get a local SIM at the airport when you arrive. Still, you may have trouble paying for things online with a foreign credit card, as India requires OTP verification, and getting registered with Indian Railways so you buy train tickets online is nearly impossible.

9. Remember where you are

For example, unless you’re on the beach in Goa, it’s wise to wear modest clothing in India . Long, loose, and flowing are key for dressing for the climate and the culture.

It’s also best to be very respectful, especially with regard to the myriad religions. And be aware that genders relate differently in India, and overfriendliness can be misconstrued. Be polite, but with strangers, and especially those working in the hospitality sector, it’s usually best to dial back effusive friendliness.

10. Follow the seasons

Weather and the season matter in India. It’s incredibly hot almost everywhere in May and June, the monsoon season is July to August, and it’s surprisingly cold in north India in winter, December to February. Do some research and find out the best places to visit in India by season .

So, when it’s cold in north India, head down to tropical Kerala or Goa and hit the beach. In the heat of summer, check out Ladakh, a high desert plateau that sometimes seems otherworldly. Note: Fall is festival season, so you can experience Durga Puja in Kolkata, Diwali in Jaipur, or the Camel Fair in Pushkar.

11. Visit attractions in the morning

(However, this rule does not apply to shopping. Stores, and even restaurants, tend not to open until 10 or even 11 am. Urban Indians tend to do everything late. Breakfast and lunch are late, and dinner can be very late indeed.)

12. Head into the countryside

You can go trekking in the mountains, take a tiger safari , visit one of the many national parks, camp out overnight on a sand dune in Rajasthan, or take a boat cruise on the Brahmaputra River.

And don’t forget the rural areas. Most Indians still live in villages. It’s really worthwhile to meander through the quaint villages of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, or Uttarakhand.

India is not an easy place to travel. It’s not a relaxing vacation destination. It is, though, an experience — often a life-changing experience. Start by doing research, read books about India , watch movies about the country, learn about the cultures and various destinations, and get ready for a transformative travel experience.

Like many before you — from The Beatles to Steve Jobs to Elizabeth Gilbert — you may just fall in love with the place. As writer Rumer Godden said, “Once you have felt the dust of India, you will never be free of it.”

Mariellen Ward fell in love with India, with travel, and with travel blogging on her first trip to the country in 2005. She has spent more than seven years of the last 18 in India, and now lives there. Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen considers India to be her “soul culture.” With her travel blog, Breathedreamgo , she tries to encourage and help other female travelers to go after their dreams. And her custom tour company, India for Beginners , is dedicated to helping women travel safely and well in India.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Best (and Worst) Times to Visit India 2024, Rainy Season?

Generally, the best time to visit India is from December to February , when it is warm during daytime and cool at night in most areas of India. December marks the beginning of the peak travel season with higher-priced accommodation and flights.

It starts to get hot from March and the temperature reaches its average high point of 45°C (113°F) in May. If you can bear the heat, traveling India from April to May, you can expect the benefits of smaller crowds as well as big promotions from hotels and airlines (usually 50% off).

India's rainy season starts from June and lasts until September . North India is less affected by downpours than central and southern parts. You could still enjoy a good experience if you visit north Indian destinations like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and other Rajasthan areas. Many national parks are closed because of floods and landslides. Goa becomes a "ghost city", with few travelers and many beach resorts closed. Ladakh, located in the far north is cool, and little affected by the rainy season, and it starts to welcome its high travel time from June to August.

Rain starts to ease from the middle of September . In October, most areas of India have dry weather. Though it is still hot, it feels much more comfortable than in May. Traveling in October and November, you'll not be drenched, while enjoying better deals than in December-February.

• Best Times for Tiger Safari, Festivals, Low Price
• Worst Times to Visit India
• Travel Guide by Month

Best Times to Visit India for Tiger Safari, Festivals, Low Prices, etc.

Although most people consider the best time to visit India to be from December to February, India is a large country that contains many different climates with extremely different weather patterns. When you should visit India varies greatly depending on what/where you want to see, budget, and weather preferences.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Best Time for Tiger Safari in India

For most comfortable weather, December to February are the best months to travel. You can enjoy clear skies and all kinds of outdoor activities in most of the country. It is also a good time for a tiger safari as the undergrowth is low and the animals are more active in cool weather.

Get some inspiration about  How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Trip to India .

Best Time for Mountain Hiking in India

If you're a mountain hiking lover, visiting Ladakh from June to August or doing a Himalayan trek from March to early June or from late September to November would be rewarding with cool weather and little rain.

• Himalayan mountains get extremely wet from late June to early September!
• The passes and roads in Ladakh are blocked by snow September to April.

Best Time for Festival Experiences in India

If you're interested in attending India's colorful festivals, Holi and Diwali are two most celebrated festivals in India. Holi is typically observed in March, occasionally in late February. 

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Best Time for the Cheap Price in India

April to June is the best time for the lowest prices in general. The heat prohibits many travelers (international and domestic) from traveling around India. You may find only a few visitors in the temples, and you can expect lower prices, with 30–50% off offered by many hotels and flights.

An Insider's Guide to the Best Time to Visit India for Good Weather With Better Prices : 

• March, October, and November could be seen as middle ground periods. During these months, you don't need to bear extreme hotness like in April to June, while you can expect less crowding and more affordable prices than in December to February.

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The Worst Times to Visit India

Strictly speaking, there is no worse time to visit India. No matter which month you travel, India has somewhere with suitable experiences that are not too negatively affected by the weather.

For first-timers to India, the travel routes usually focus on Delhi , Agra , and Jaipur (Pink City) with Varanasi , or Mumbai , Goa ,and Kerala in the south. With time permitting, you can also extend your trip to Jodhpur (Blue City), Udaipur (White City), and Jaisalmer (Golden City) in the western desert, Rajasthan . For these areas:

• If you cannot stand the burning hotness, avoid April to June .
• If you don't like heavy rain, avoid August. The monsoon will approach to India from June and fade away after September. August is the wettest month. But you can still find some hours for sightseeing during the rest of monsoon season as the rainfall might not last for several days.
• If you'd like to experience a desert camp in the western desert, avoid May and June as some resorts in the desert are closed because of the heat. Accommodations in city areas is still OK to stay in. The desert is a good destinations in rainy season as it's hardly affected.
• If you want to relax on the beach in Goa, avoid June to August as summer's big sea currents are not safe for swimming and many resorts will close.

India Travel Guide by Month

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.

Visiting India in January: Pleasant Weather

• Average temperature ranges : 7 to 20°C (46–68°F) in the north (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 20 to 30°C (68–86°F) in central and south India (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festivals : Bikaner Camel Festival, Republic Day (January 26th)

Many travelers from America and Europe come to India from the end of December to January to celebrate Christmas and New Year . January has pleasantly warm days and cool nights , which are great for outdoor activities. Though there might be some fog in early morning, January is generally good for traveling throughout India, except for the highlands and far-north mountain areas.

The weather in the south is much warmer than in the north in January. It's a great time to celebrate the New Year on beaches in Goa or join in a camel festival in the desert of Bikaner .

Read more on January Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visiting India in February: Nice Weather

• Average temperature ranges : 10 to 25°C (50–77°F) in the north (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 18 to 30°C (64–86°F) in the center and south (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festival : Taj Mahotsav in Agra (February 18th to 27th)

Warmer than January and with less fog, the weather in February is still very comfortable for traveling in India .

If you visit Agra (home of the ultra-famous Taj Mahal) from February 18th to 27th , don't miss the Taj Mahotsav for its dizzying handicraft presentations, enchanting local dances, and tasty range of local foods. You'll get a real eye-opener. The festival is held in Shilpgram, 20 minutes' walking from the Taj Mahal . More details about best places to go in February in India >>>

Read more on February Weather in India and the Best Places to Visit >>>

Visiting India in March: Start of India's Hot Season

• Average temperature ranges : 16 to 32°C (61–90°F) in north India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 25 to 33°C (77–92°F) in central and south India (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festival : Holi

Most of India starts to get hot from March. Many locals go to hill stations in the Himalayan foothills to escape the heat. It is still comfortable to visit popular cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur and enjoy cooling down in the sea in Goa .

Hotels and airlines begin to offer some deals to attract more customers .

March is the month when the Festival of Colors (Holi) is held. People throw vibrant colors over each other to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, welcome spring, and pray for good luck. It is celebrated all over India. The top places include Udaipur, Pushkar, Hampi, Jaipur, and Goa. For more, see our Holi Travel Guide for India .

Read more on March Weather in India and the Best Places to Visit >>>

Visiting India in April: Hot, but Better than May

• Average temperature ranges : 21 to 37°C (70–99°F) in the north (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 25 to 33°C (77–91°F) in the center and south (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festival : Eid al-Fitr

It begins to heat up in April, but it is still pleasant enough for outdoor activities in popular destinations. The rainy season hasn't come and animals become more conspicuous looking for food, which makes it a good time for safaris in national parks . To avoid the heat, you can plan activities for early mornings and evenings and enjoy pool time and a nap at noon.

April is not a high season for travel in India . Popular tourist sites such as the Taj Mahal will not be as packed. It will give you more of a chance to leisurely explore the sites and get some great photos without huge crowds in your shots.

There might be a peak period around Sunday , April 9th in 2023 for the Easter break . Book an Easter trip to India at least 3 months ahead for more affordable prices.

Read more on April Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visit India in May: Hottest Month

• Average temperature ranges : 26 to 42°C (79–108°F) in north India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 26 to 34°C (77–93°F) in its center and south (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festival : Buddha Jayanti

With May comes the hottest month in India . In the Golden Triangle area (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur), temperatures reach 45°C (113°F) on some days. If you don't want to miss Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur in your first trip to India, lower prices and smaller crowds are the rewards for braving the heat of May. Check the best places to avoid the heat >>>

Mumbai and Goa in central India and Kerala in south India have comparatively cooler weather. You can seek coolness in Himalayan mountain areas in the northeast or relax in the tea plantations and palm jungles of Kerala in the south . From the end of May, the southwest monsoon from the Indian Ocean starts to bring some rain to southern parts of India.

Read more on May Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visiting India in June: Start of the Rainy Season

• Average temperature ranges : 28 to 39°C (82–102°F) in the north (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 25 to 34°C (77–93°F) in central and south India (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festivals : There are no major festivals in June. Some villages hold celebrations for the coming of the rain, which is essential for their harvests.

After the hot season, India experiences monsoon weather that lasts from June to September across most of the country. Heavy downpours are seen nearly every day in June in the south and middle of India (Kerala, Goa, Mumbai, etc.). As the monsoon starts from the south and spreads north gradually, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur may still get some sunny, dry days in early June .

Because rainfall is so high in this season, some of the lowland areas and rivers, like around Mumbai and Kalkata, experience flooding and many national parks close at this time . Check with us whether a tiger safari is available if you are planning to visit India in the rainy season.

Monsoon Season in India: When It Is, 5 Best Places to Go >>>

Ladakh in the far north welcomes its best season . It is nearly unaffected by the monsoon. It's great to relax there, while taking in mountain views, hiking, or exploring Buddhist monasteries, as it starts to get nicely warm from June.

Read more on June Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visiting India in July: Rainy, but Less hot

• Average temperature ranges : 26 to 34°C (79–93°F) in north India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 25 to 30°C (77–86°F) in the center and south (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festival : Guru Purnima

India gets cooler in July. Although the likelihood of heavy rain means it is not a good time to visit some areas of India, certain cities in North India have dry and cool weather, making them the perfect places to visit. Leh in Ladakh is especially beautiful in July . The Rajastan area in west India, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer, gets much less rain as well .

If you travel in July, you will meet less crowding as most domestic family groups will have gone back home when India's summer vacation ends (usually lasting from mid-April to mid-June). In order to attract more clients in the low travel season, promotions from hotels and flights are still common .

Read more on July Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visiting India in August: Wettest in the North

• Average temperature ranges : 25 to 34°C (77–93°F) in north India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 24 to 30°C (75–86°F) in central and south India (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festivals : Raksha Bandhan, Independence Day

August is usually the wettest month in cities in north India, such as Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. In contrast to them, cities in middle and south India, like Mumbai and Goa, get less rain than in August.

The unstable sea currents mean Goa is still not a safe destination for swimming and sea sports .

Visiting Rajasthan in west India, you will meet less rain.

Because of high river levels, August is a good time to take a Ganges River cruise between Varanasi and Patna.

August will be the last good month to travel to Leh in Ladakh as the mountain routes will start to be snow-blocked from September until April.

Read more on August Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visiting India in September: End of the Rainy Season

• Average temperature ranges : 24 to 34°C (75–93°F) in the north (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 24 to 30°C (75–86°F) in central and southern India (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festival : Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

September is the last month of the rainy season in India . Although the northeast monsoon will bring some rain to south India in November and December, especially the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, this rain is much less heavy than from June to September.

Beach resorts start to reopen in September with the easing of the rains . The Himalayan trekking routes are dry enough for you to come, and the trekking high season lasts from September until November.

Most hotels still haven't raised their prices (fully). Less crowds, less rain, and low prices are the rewards for traveling in September .

Read more on September Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visiting India in October: Sunny Days and Cool Evenings

• Average temperature ranges : 19 to 34°C (66–93°F) in the north (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 24 to 32°C (75–90°F) in central and south India (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festival : Diwali — the Festival of Lights

October is a month of transition from the rainy season to the cool season. Because of this, October's weather is very pleasant with sunny days and cool evenings . There are still some rainy days in south India, but only showers that don't affect travel much.

As there is little rain and tour prices are not as high as in peak times starting from December, traveling in October is a great time if you're looking for an affordable price and sunny but not very hot days .

The biggest festival in India, Diwali , is celebrated in the latter part of October or early November. The whole country will be immersed in the festival atmosphere of lights and candles.

Read more on October Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visiting India in November: Start of the Cool Season

• Average temperature ranges : 10 to 29°C (50–84°F) in north India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 22 to 33°C (72–91°F) in its center and south (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festival : Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan

The weather in November is pleasant in most areas of India. The rainy season ends officially and the cool days begin .

Comfortable weather attracts more visitors to this incredible country. We recommend that you book your hotels and tickets at least two months in advance. Check India tours for inspiration >>>

Read more on November Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visiting India in December: Cool and Sunny

• Average temperature ranges : 9 to 23°C (48–73°F) in the north (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 20 to 32°C (68–90°F) in central and southern areas of India (Goa, Mumbai, Kelara)
• Key festivals : Christmas (December 25th) and New Year's Eve (December 31st)

Because of the pleasant weather and the last month of the year to use up vacation time, December is India's busiest travel time . Many travelers come to India for an incredible warm Christmas and a New Year getaway . Try to make your bookings at least three months in advance for reasonable prices and flight availability.

Read more on December Weather in India and the Best Plases to Visit >>>

Visiting India with Asia Highlights

Want to explore all of the incredible destinations India has to offer while avoiding extreme heat and heavy rains? Here at Asia Highlights, we can help you navigate India's changing seasons and help you pick your perfect time to see the famous sites you want to see most. Some India tours are recommended below for inspiration.

• 7-Day Golden Triangle India Tour
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• 11-Day India and Nepal Tour
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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

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• Paris main airport unveils new baggage handling system ahead of the 2024 Olympics

"If we have doubts about a piece of luggage, the luggage won't leave," said Edward Arkwright, CEO of Aeroports de Paris Group, the body that runs Paris' airports. "We prefer an athlete to leave without their luggage rather than leaving (with something) questionable."

• Published On Apr 24, 2024 at 02:48 PM IST

Transit passengers from Chennai most affected due to flight disruptions in Dubai

As flights resume, transit passengers are cleared first in Chennai and in Dubai. However, the flights from Dubai to other destinations are still delayed or disrupted. Airlines have stopped booking new tickets for travel beyond Dubai from Chennai. After heavy rain affected Dubai airport on April 16, Chennai-Dubai flights were cancelled on Wednesday and Thursday.

• Updated On Apr 24, 2024 at 02:48 PM IST

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