India is not just a country–it’s a vast subcontinent where you can find nearly any type of terrain, climate, and earthly environment your heart desires. However, with the temperatures in some regions rising past 50ºC in spring and summer, and torrential monsoon rains beleaguering the nation in summer and autumn, it can be hard to decide when to travel to India.
So we’re here to silence all your doubts with a single word: February. In this month, as winter is ending and temperatures are just beginning to rise, many parts of India are at their most beautiful, with clear skies, temperate climates, and an unbelievable number of national treasures to be explored.
Here are 7 of the best places to visit in India in February:
1. Coorg
When India was British Occupied, the resident Scotts noticed an uncanny resemblance to their homeland in the misty mountains of Coorg. The stunning verdant landscapes of this town make a great getaway for nature lovers.
February Weather: around 20°C in the morning and 8 to 10°C at night
2. Mahabaleshwar
This stunning hill station is settled on Maharashtra’s breathtaking Panchgani Plateau in a volcanic region that stays lush and green throughout the year. The stunning scenery and volcanic rock formations make this area an amazing stop for tourists wanting to see the natural side of India.
February Weather: average 20℃ throughout the day, dipping a little at night
3. Kaziranga National Park
Travel to this amazing national park to see the majestic one-horned India Rhino, an incredible endangered species that is tragically close to extinction. With a huge variety of other kinds of wildlife and a stunning number of bird species, this park is a magnet for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers of all kinds.
February Weather: varies 25°C to 5°C.
4. Taj Mahal
There is never a bad time to visit the architectural wonder that is the Taj Mahal. However, there is a best time. In February the Taj Mahotsav Festival is held to honor this national treasure and wonder of the world. The mahotsav is a colourful festival that celebrates a wide variety of cultures, with incredible displays of tradition and cuisine.
February Weather: maxes out at a breezy 25°C
5. Konark Sun Temple
This incredible temple was once an architectural mystery due to it’s floating statue that was held up by a magnetic field. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, made even more attractive in February due to the local Konark Dance Festival.
February Weather: 25°C to 31.4°C
6. Kala Ghoda
Mumbai is famously crowded, hot, and overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible center of colourful culture and a rich historical heritage. One example of this is the Kala Ghoda festival held every year in February, a showcase where some of India’s best artists put their installations on display. This unique festival could be compared to an urban Burning Man if there could be such a thing. Come to see outside-the-box art, people, and ideas, and leave inspired.
February Weather: Mumbai, usually sweltering, is perfect in February, ranging from 20.5 °C to 32 °C.
7. Orchha
Orchha literally translates to “hidden”, and this pristine getaway truly delivers on that promise. Far from the madding crowd, life here in Madhya Pradesh is very laid-back and peaceful, surrounded by untouched nature and ancient temples that you may have all to yourself–once you figure out how to get there.
February Weather: varies from 6°C to 25°C.
India is an unbelievable place to visit at any time of the year with it’s unparalleled heritage, history, spirit, and culture, but most if it is never more beautiful than at the end of the winter months. So what are you waiting for?