Favourite places you've been in India and what time of year

[LetsGetDancing]

Tell me all about the amazing India trips you've had and specifically the time of year you went. I'm an Indian myself and an OCI but having been born and brought up here I just go back to one place (where my family is from). I'm wondering where else to try.

I used to live in India for work (but I’m not Indian). The best places I’ve been have been off the usual tourist trail. I went to an amazing eco resort in rural Maharashstra, which I think is probably no longer there sadly. But there are lots of beautiful places to explore in the Western Ghats.

Kerala is also lovely and I was really charmed with the political culture there. It’s very leftist and very matriarchal.

Completely different end of the country, I really loved the Himalayas. McLeod Ganj to see the Dalai Lama, but there is so much travel you can do in the surrounding area, especially if you like trekking.

And though it’s touristy, I always spend a few days in Colaba in Mumbai. I love an Irani cafe.

Also, have you been to Sri Lanka? It used to be where we holidayed when living in India and it’s my favourite place in the world.

Oh to answer your question about time of year, it a little bit depends on where you’re going, but spring into early summer is hot. I personally like the monsoon season. It’s my favourite time of year, but it makes travel to some areas difficult. Parts of Goa and Kerala can become completely inaccessible when there is flooding. Most Europeans tend to go in our winter months, so that may be a time to avoid.

I've only ever been to Bengaluru. Never once been Sri Lanka but my family have been.

We loved Kufri - further up in the mountains from Shimla. Stayed in amazing hotel called Wildflower Hall. Went in December. No snow but cold and gorgeous. Then flew down to Mandrem in Goa, stayed in an hut and had Christmas Day meal at La Plage on the beach. And saw in the new year in litikli bottom guesthouse which funds a school.
Also did Chandigarh for Nek Chand’s rock garden.
Would love to go back now kids are teens but not sure where we’d go next time, maybe more touristy and maybe brave the trains.

Taj Mahal is an absolute must-see. We got the train from Delhi. Fort Cochin in Kerala is interesting too.