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Plan a trip to India

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The main criteria in planning a trip to India are time, money and most important, weather.

Time for everything?

_{How long of trip? At least 4-6 weeks is the minimum to enjoy a trip to India. Ideally 2-4 weeks per state over 6-8 months. October to March is the classic cycle, with a nip over to Thailand for 3 weeks and then off to Nepal in April.}

What? why you say? You only have 12 days? You only have 2 weeks? What's wrong with that?

Problems with a short trip:

1.Jet Lag, if you are coming from North America or even Europe jetlag can be extreme, it may take a week just to get your sleeping on track.

2. Transportation. Indian roads and transportation is just not very reliable. So you it is likely that travel time take much long than expected. Also it will be very tiring going to too many places, expecially as soon as your arrive. If you only spend one day somewher then go somewhere else, you miss the good stuff from the first place. India takes time.

3. Culture shock. Takes some time to adapt to a new country.

4. Climate shock, weather, dust dirt ect.

Where should i go for a short trip? Maybe Goa, other than that wait to go for at least 4-6 weeks, prefferably 3-6 months for your trip.

Money

_{Domestic flights run 2500Rs to 4000Rs can save a lot of time and make India more enjoyable. But the trains is still cheap and great fun. The price of beer @120Rs and bottle might be a concern for some of you.}

_{15-30$ per day should be fine budget. Although costs have risen in India due to rapid growth and inflation!@}

Accommodations is one of the biggest expense these days in India. The reason is the incredible increase in domestic tourist. For a decent room it now cost 400-1000Rs per night. Supply and demand rule. In cities such as Delhi, Mumbai etc. prices for a 5 star reach $300 per night. A 600Rs room will be small, hot and noisy. Better deals are found in the small parts. Also if you plan to stay long term you can always negotiate a cheaper price. Remember to always bargain, Indians love to bargain.

A Seasoned Traveler

The best strategy you can take in India is to go when and where there is the best weather.

The Mountains, The Plains and The South (the 3 zones)

       The Mountains are of course incredible Himalayas that is rich in culture, history and scenery. During the monsoon season (April to September) the plains will be too hot reaching 45+ Many Indians take refuge in the cool mountains. During the winter the mountains get very cold and but can be offer clear views of the mountains. Lodges are usually heated or have adequate insulation. The best season is Oct-Nov when the monsoon has passed the air is clear. April – March can be good as well the summer.

     The Plains: Central India is generally dry and dusty. The best time is Oct-Dec, because the monsoon has passed and the sky is clear from dust. Also the trees are bright green. After the monsoon there maybe many mosquitoes though. By winter it will get cold at night and the mosquito will have died. By March it’s getting warm, dry and dusty. April to June may reach ultra high temperatures, 45+ degrees. Followed by the monsoon rains. The plains can also be noted for the high population and pollution problems particular in the cities or towns. Generally it is better avoid the monsoon period April to September.

   The South: Hindus and culture is actually every different to that of the North. Tropical feel and some of the friendliness of local folk compared to other part of India. The south is easier to travel and is has many green hill mountains as well as beaches. Consider the south starts in Bombay, Goa and then the far south Kerela/ Tamil nadu. Bombay/Goa , Monsoon ends by September and Oct to December should be cool. Mosquito and sand flies will be a problem. December to April is the tourist season. By April it is very hot and start to rain.

  The far south, Kerela and Tamil Nadu, Rains end by December but still hot, Jan and February being the cool dry months are best for travel. The south is hot except for the Mountains such as KodiaKannal at 2100m the mountains can get down to 6 degree in the winter (Jan to Feb.) South India Mountain will be crowded during the summer with locals avoiding the heat and wet.

October: Plains or mountains

November: Plains, mountains, mid south

June-Sept: Northern Mountains (Ladak, Manali)

December-March: plains, all of south.

April: mid south, plains, mountains

TIP: During the month of October the hill stations will be very crowded with Indian tourist which you may want to avoid.

To monsoon or not monsoon?

Generally it best to avoid this time in India. However if your are the adventurous type and don't mind heat, humidity, rain , endless cloudy days you might want to give monsoon travel a try.

Keep in mind that A/C is not always available, also there tends to be more disease outbreaks and other natural disasters during or after the monsoon.
Goa and Kerela will be nice and green, but the seas will be rough and the sand flies will be horrendous.

TIP: Travel during the monsoon is not only uncomfortable, it an also be unhealthy. You are twice as likely to become ill during the monsoon. Also air conditioning is not widely available, transportation may suffer delays. Generally people like to plan a trip to India when the weather is at it's best.

The Festival Traveler

Divali to Dushara: long stretch of holidays stretching for 3-4 weeks. Many Indians trevel during this times. Rooms maybe scace.

Camel festival: End of October in Pushkar, touristy

Ladak, September

Christmas: where else but or Goa? Well anywhere will a large Christian population which includes Kerela and Tamil Nadu. Also Puri, Mamallapuram

Holi- Varanasi comes to mind. Anywhere in the north it will be celebrated with a vigor.

Kumbamela mini-mela: Sadhus babas hermits you name it - they smoke it!

New Years: Bombay comes to mind. Also Goa andy tourist local as Christmas. can be nice in small places such Puri or anywhere!