India is not just a destination, it is an experience

India defies description. Each journey is a discovery; every corner is mysterious and relatively un-interpreted. The sheer panorama can take your breath away, its energy palpable and infectious. It pays to delve into the very heart and soul of the country to experience the unexpected. At its best, India is a heady mix of adventure, exotic flavours, delightful surprises and intoxicating memories. It offers a cornucopia of colours, textures and tastes.

India’s rich tapestry is evident in its people, its religion and its food. With its complex religious and ethnic fabric, India is a country that boasts ‘Unity in diversity’ and this apparent in so many parts of the country – from Nagaland in the north-east across to Kerala in the south-west and Kashmir in the north-west. You’ll be humbled by the kindness and friendliness of strangers and the warmth and grace of the people as you are made to feel welcome and treated as an honoured, highly esteemed guests.

Any journey through India is sure to be an exciting adventure. That is inherent in the nature of this land, which is mind-boggling and inspiring, imperfect and incredible… Incredible India!

India adorns its landscape with snow peak mountains to deserts, vast serene beaches to lakes in the forests.

October to February is the best time to visit India. India is such a large country you’ll find the best time to visit varies from region to region with mild winters and roasting summers. In general, India succumbs to a summer season, winter season and monsoon season in different regions at a different time of the year.

The best time to visit India for the sun worshippers is October to February, when their god makes her most glorious appearances, especially in the south. February until May are also lovely, although a lot more humid.

Tiger and elephant watching is best during the hottest, driest months, April, May and June, as tigers come out in search of water.

Delhi and the Golden Triangle are best visited during February and March, October and November for tolerable temperatures, but you will get the crowds at popular sites. The weather is scorching from April to June, with temperatures soaring over 40°C. It can be foggy and freezing in December, January and February. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

There are lots of wonderful celebrations in January, from the Kite Festival in Gujarat, Bikaner Camel Festival in Rajasthan to countrywide celebrations for Republic Day on 26 January. New Delhi festivities in particular are wonderful to witness.

If you want to go hiking in Kerala’s Western Ghats, you are best to do so outside the monsoon peak in July and August. Houseboats don’t tend to be rented out during this time either. March is generally perfect for hiking holidays in India.

In Kashmir, Jammu on the plains is hit by rain and humidity during the monsoon, June-August, but the mountains are cooler. Roads can be closed due to heavy snow during peak winter, December to March.

Diwali, the great Festival of Light, is always a splendid affair, falling in either October or November.

Don’t underestimate how cold in can get in rural central India in December and January – literally woolly hats and gloves and hot water bottles for nights and early mornings – but gloriously sunny days.

According to Ayurveda tradition, monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation therapies because the pores of the body open wide allowing them to fully absorb the oils and therapeutic treatments.