Best Time to Visit the Indian Subcontinent

Our winter is the perfect time to travel to India as the weather is bright, sunny and not too uncomfortably hot. January and February are great for birders, when migrating species arrive en masse, particularly in the rural areas of Rajasthan. The south and west coasts of Sri Lanka are beautiful at this time of year, with warm and dry weather. From December, large groups of whales can be spotted off Sri Lanka's south coast at Mirissa. Head out by boat to search for blue whales and sperm whales, as well as spinner dolphins. Traveling to Sri Lanka over Christmas and New Year is particularly popular, so be sure to book well in advance.

Nepal experiences near perfect weather during the spring months, making it ideal trekking conditions, while Bhutan bursts into bloom. Stroll the flower-strewn trails and stumble across intricate temples with few others around. In Sri Lanka, this is the time to travel to the east coast or the Cultural Triangle, where you can enjoy sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. During April and May, temperatures in India rise significantly and many deem it too hot, but if you can handle the heat, this is the optimum time to go on a tiger safari in Central India or Ranthambore National Park, as the vegetation is sparse and water levels are low, making the tigers easier to spot.

In the summer months, most of Sri Lanka is experiencing good weather and families can make the most of the school vacations. Witness the colorful processions and traditional dancing of Kandy Perahera festival in July or August. You can also observe the mind-blowing phenomenon of hundreds of elephants gathering around the ancient reservoir in Minneriya National Park. June to August is a great time to travel to Ladakh in India’s remote western Himalayas. At a time of year when most of India, Nepal and Bhutan are engulfed by monsoon, Ladakh provides a warm and dry haven with plenty to explore. Soak up the spellbinding scenery, glorious trekking and bountiful cultural delights.

October is the start of the peak season in most of the Indian Subcontinent, when the monsoon has come to an end and the weather is cool and crisp, providing comfortable conditions for sightseeing in India, Nepal and Bhutan. September offers similarly appealing weather, with the benefit that in India you tend to see fewer crowds and get some great offers on hotels. For a truly immersive experience, time your trip to Bhutan to coincide with Thimphu Festival which takes place in late September or early October. It’s a real cultural extravaganza like nothing you’ll see elsewhere, featuring many intricately designed masks and carefully practiced dance moves, performed in honor of the king.