When to go

WHEN TO VISIT SOUTH INDIA

Best time to visit South India is from September to April when its not too hot and fairly dry. December through to March are ideal months when it’s dry with guaranteed sunshine and perfect temperatures for exploring the backwaters or spending idyllic days on the glorious beaches. Unlike Rajasthan, South India does not experience any winter season so it’s either hot or hotter throughout the year. December & January sees plenty of sunshine and good temperatures; making South India an ideal destination for a Christmas holiday. April temperatures start to climb however April can still be a good month to travel as its mostly dry. May can be very humid in most parts of southern India. June, July and August are really wet months due to arrival of monsoons in Goa and Kerala so best avoided. In contrast, Tamil Nadu is fairly dry June-August. October and November are good months to visit Goa as its pretty dry, Kerala can get the odd bursts of rain and Tamil Nadu sees most of its rain in these months.

Our tip: If you considering a Christmas holiday in India and comparing between North and South India, the key difference is that Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle see onset of winter season in December. This means evening temperatures can drop considerably whilst day time is cooler and ideal for city sightseeing. In contrast, Kerala, Goa & the South offer guaranteed sunshine and perfect temperatures for sightseeing, beach & backwaters.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit South India?

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South India does not have a specific winter season as does North India. So it tends to either be hot or hotter with October to April being the most preferred time to travel when temperatures are lower than rest of the year. Avoid monsoon season from May to September.

Do I need a visa?

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All British Nationals require a visa to enter India. An e-visa facility is available for single entry visa where travellers can apply online and obtain visa within 3-5 working days. The visa should be obtained before your tour starts. If your holiday require a double or multi-entry visa, then the application has to be made through the visa application centre in UK.

What are the flying times? Are there any direct flights?

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There are a number of international airlines that have flights to India from UK and Europe. There are direct flights from UK to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Banglore. Flight times are between 8 to 10 hours. With an excellent network of domestic flights its easy to combine north and south India in your itinerary.

What vaccinations do I need to visit India?

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Specialised travel-medicine clinics or your GP are your best source of up-to-date information. They will recommend the requirement for any vaccinations which may be required. Another good source of information is the NHS travel medicine website fitfortravel.nhs.uk. The key for travel vaccinations is to plan early. Most vaccines don’t give immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given and vaccines like diphtheria and tuberculosis require a three-month incubation, so visit your GP well before departure. Ask your GP or travel clinic for an International Certificate of Vaccination (sometimes known as the ‘yellow booklet’), which will list all the vaccinations you’ve received.

What is train travel like?

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Train journeys can be a great way to experience real India. The bustling train stations, the chaos, the crowds, the resilience of everyday life and the countryside as you journey on an Indian train can immensely add to your experience. You do not have to compromise on travelling standards fully to get an Indian rail experience. The express trains offer air-conditioning with chair seats or sleeper cabins and toilets in each coach. Your seat or sleeper cabin will be reserved for you and your luggage will be ported across for you on the train. You can not expect European standards but reasonably good standard and service to make the journey comfortable and memorable.

Should I expect lot of mosquitoes around the Keralan backwaters and houseboats?

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During the day time, mosquitoes can be less of a an issue. During evenings, you may find them. Hotels and houseboats of repute tend to provide mosquito nets and do regular effective anti-insect sprays to keep them at bay. For your own protection, you may want to consider wearing full sleeves and full length trousers during evenings.

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WHEN TO VISIT SOUTH INDIA

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An alternative Christmas break surrounded by historic monuments and picture postcard hotels. Ta....