Top Indian Cities Ideal for Inaugural Voyages by New Explorers

Exploring India: A Guide to the Best Regions and Seasons for First-Time Visitors

India, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, is an exciting destination for first-time travellers. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey, we recommend focusing on North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan), South India (Kerala), and spiritual sites like Varanasi during the best overall season, which is October to March[1][2][5].

North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan)

This region is best visited between October and March to avoid the extreme summer heat and monsoon rains. During this period, you can explore cities, forts, palaces, and cultural sites such as Jaipur, Udaipur, and the Taj Mahal in Agra with ease[1][2][3][5]. Rajasthan, with its royal heritage and desert landscapes, is particularly comfortable during the winter months[3][4].

South India (Kerala)

Similarly, Kerala is best visited from October to March when the weather is pleasant, ideal for enjoying backwaters, beaches, and Ayurvedic retreats. The monsoon (July–September) can be wet and disruptive for travel, but it brings lush landscapes to the region[1][2][5].

Himalayan regions (Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand)

These regions are best from May to September, as outside these months some mountain passes may be snowblocked or prone to landslides during monsoon[5].

Varanasi

Offering deep spiritual experiences, Varanasi is suitable to explore mainly in the cooler, drier months, aligning with the October–March timeframe[1][3].

Monsoon Season (July–September)

Generally considered less favourable for travel in most regions except if seeking lush landscapes in Kerala and Goa. It can also involve heavy afternoon rains and some risk of travel disruption[2][4].

Other Recommendations

Delhi, India's capital, is a city with a rich history, including the Mughal-era splendor of Humayun's Tomb and the Red Fort.
North Goa thrums with energy, while South Goa is quieter and offers space for yoga, meditation, and dolphin spotting.
Old Delhi, with its labyrinth of lanes and the massive Jama Masjid, pulses with life.
The Indian Museum in Kolkata houses artifacts from across the subcontinent.
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is famed for literature, theater, and cinema, and is often described as India's intellectual and cultural capital.
Kochi, Kerala's coastal gateway, has Portuguese and Dutch architecture, ancient synagogues, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
Jodhpur's old town has winding lanes where one can find miniature painting ateliers and rooftop restaurants.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala shelters elephants and langurs.
Jodhpur's skyline is dominated by Mehrangarh Fort, earning it the nickname "The Blue City" due to its indigo-painted houses.
Mumbai is India's financial powerhouse, home of Bollywood, and nicknamed "City of Dreams".
Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes and is romantic in comparison to Jaipur and Jodhpur.
The Elephanta Caves on nearby Elephanta Island are a UNESCO-listed attraction in Mumbai.

Travel experts advise slowing down and picking one or two regions for a visit, allowing at least two weeks for each area[6].

[1] Lonely Planet. (2021). Best time to visit India. [online] Available at: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/planning/best-time-to-visit-india [Accessed 14 Mar. 2023].

[2] Rough Guides. (2021). Best time to visit India. [online] Available at: https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/india/best-time-to-visit-india/ [Accessed 14 Mar. 2023].

[3] Time and Date. (2021). India Weather. [online] Available at: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/india/ [Accessed 14 Mar. 2023].

[4] BBC Travel. (2021). Best time to visit India. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/destination/india [Accessed 14 Mar. 2023].

[5] Fodor's Travel. (2021). Best Time to Go to India. [online] Available at: https://www.fodors.com/world/asia/india/articles/best-time-to-go-to-india/ [Accessed 14 Mar. 2023].

[6] National Geographic. (2021). India Travel Tips. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/asia/india/travel/ [Accessed 14 Mar. 2023].