The Ultimate Seasonal Guide To Indias Best Cities

You’d be rich if you earned a dime every time someone told you India is diverse, wouldn’t you? A land of mysticism, charms, crowds, spirituality and much more. India’s exhaustive diversity lies not just in the languages spoken, dress worn or food eaten. The flora and fauna, terrain and climate alters from place to place too. It would be a nightmare if you visited Delhi at its hottest or Leh at its coldest! So, here’s a seasonal guide to the best cities in India.

Delhi

The capital of India is well worth a visit. It’s marvelous to see monuments dating back to the 16th century attracting tourists more than the modern tall skyscrapers. But, Delhi’s summer is intense. Temperatures get up to 42 degree Celsius and people die due to heat stroke! So, Delhi should be avoided between April and mid-June.

Best time to visit: Between October and March

Oh, Shillong! It’s a magical city with pristine lakes and green peaks to soothe and rejuvenate your soul. Shillong lies in the north east part of India and, thus, the heat is never too intense. Monsoons are beautiful in the city because that’s when the lush green contrasts with the beautiful clouds. But, many might not enjoy the heavy rainfall and chances are you might not be able to travel much.

Best time visit: Between March and June. The temperature fluctuates between 15˚C to 24˚C.

Shillong is beautiful during monsoon too

Jaisalmer

Once the trading capital of the desert land Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is probably one of the most beautiful cities with an endless list of forts and monuments to boast. But, the city is impossible to love in the summer, with temperature rising up to 42˚C.

Best time to visit: Between November and March

Jaisalmer is situated in the desert state of Rajasthan, India

Hampi

The entire temple town of Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent shrines date back to 3rd century BC! Situated in the Southern state of Karnataka, Hampi can get very hot in summer. Apart from winter, monsoons are a great time to visit too, if you are careful not to slip and fall while walking on the stones.

Best time to visit: Between October and February

Pondicherry

Pondicherry was taken over by the French East India Company and remained a French trading town until 1954 when it attained the status of a Union Territory under India. A part of the city is filled with well-maintained French architecture that gives a glimpse of the old life there. Pondicherry is in the south of India, very close to Tamil Nadu and it is hot almost throughout the year.

Best time to visit: November to February

Pondicherry is a Union Territory close to Tamil Nadu, India

Gwalior

It is difficult to pick the most beautiful cities in India, but Gwalior features quite high on the list. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, the city is full of palaces from 15th century and before and intricately carved temples. However, summers can be terrible in the city. The hottest was once measured at 47˚C!

Best time to visit: Between November and March

Gwalior is one of the most beautiful cities in Madhya Pradesh

Srinagar

In the Northern most part of India, Kashmir’s most popular city Srinagar is full of lakes and Mughal gardens. The breathtaking landscape has often attracted film shoots! Since Srinagar is so close to the Himalayan range it gets terribly cold between October and March.

Best time to visit: Between March and June

Srinagar is a pristine city of lakes and gardens

Leh

Leh is in the Northern-most part of India and has a high-altitude desert climate due to which it becomes difficult to reach during winters. Apart from the jaw-dropping, vast expanse of mountainous landscape there are forts and temples to see in Leh.

Best time to visit: Between May and August

Kolkata

The trading capital during British rule in India, Kolkata is organic and beautiful in its own way. Much like any coastal city the place gets humid during summer and that, while surfing the city, wouldn’t be a great experience.

Best time to visit: Between November and March

Kolkata was once the trading capital during British rule

Mumbai

The financial capital of India and the busiest city Mumbai is a fascinating mix of culture. From gothic architecture to the beautiful Arabian Sea, the city has a lot to offer. Monsoons are not a great time to visit Mumbai since it tends to rain a lot and the city doesn’t run as smoothly as normal.

Best time to visit: Between October and March

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.