Best Time to Go
Whether you’re looking for winter sun or a summer escape to slot into your travel calendar, the Indian subcontinent has something for every season. The vast size of the region ensures it can cater for wildlife enthusiasts, beach buffs and culture vultures at any time of the year. This being said, trying to find the right destination at the right time can be bewildering to say the least, so we’ve compiled a selection of our favourite destinations to help inspire your next holiday no matter the month.
Where to go October to April
Combine two totally contrasting destinations on an unforgettable holiday in Bhutan and the Andaman Islands. Begin the journey in the largely undiscovered Kingdom of Bhutan, where you can soak up the culture of Thimpu, marvel at the majestic scenery of Punakha and take the pilgrimage to Paro to see the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. From there, you will continue your trip via Calcutta to the Andaman Islands. The rest of the holiday promises total relaxation and there are few better places for ultimate rejuvenation than Jalakara, a luxurious retreat on Havelock Island in the Andaman Sea.
Journey through Sri Lanka staying in some of the country's best loved boutique hotels, and some Scott Dunn favourites too. From the beautiful surroundings of Kandy, to the cosmopolitanism of Colombo and wildlife rich plains of Gal Oya National Park, to the endlessly rolling tea plantations, the historic Galle Fort and the stunning beaches of Galle, this itinerary takes in Sri Lanka's many highlights on a two week tour. Perfect for anyone visiting the country for the first time and ideal for an escape during the first few months of the year.
The best time of year to visit Rajasthan is between October and April, before the heat of the summer sets in and the monsoon has subsided is the best time to visit. This itinerary takes you on a tour of Rajasthan, taking in the highlights of the Golden Triangle and the capital, Delhi. Combining rural Rajasthan with the intoxicating cities of the region is a fantastic way to see its many highlights.
For those looking for something a little different in India, exploring the state of Tamil Nadu is bound to take you off the beaten track to an undiscovered corner of the country which is brimming with temples, colonial cities and spectacular verdant landscapes. This itinerary begins in Cochin on the west coast of India, a town famed for its giant Chinese fishing nets and home to bustling markets and charming eateries. From here, you will continue inland, through the hills of Tamil Nadu, the buzzing city of Madurai, and the elegant streets of Pondicherry. Whilst this itinerary is jam packed, it takes in so many of south India's highlights, leaving you vowing to return.
Travelling to Nepal is best between October and May, with November and December welcoming crisp blue skies and clear days. This itinerary takes you on a tour of Nepal's highlights, combining the bustle of Kathmandu, the crisp fresh air of the Annapurna mountains and the beautiful surrounding countryside. This is the perfect itinerary for getting out in the great outdoors, trekking and authentic Nepalese life.
Where to go May to September
This fantastic itinerary takes in Delhi and Ladakh, one of India’s little known gems, incorporating rural village houses and adventure in the incredible mountain scenery of the Himalayas. Ladakh is only open to visitors between June and September, the only time of year when the mountain passes are open. Towards the end of the summer, the monsoon season begins to subside in Delhi, reducing the humidity of the capital.
Sat on the edge of Yala National Park, Chena Huts is best visited between December and March, when the weather is at its best, but throughout the summer when it is still dry is the perfect time to see the park's wildlife. Animals congregate around the watering holes meaning that safari opportunities are abundant at this time of year. Chena Huts is a simply extraordinary property, nestled between sand dunes and Sri Lanka's rugged coastline. With easy access to the national park from here, it is in prime position for safari in Sri Lanka.
Designed with the summer holidays in mind, this itinerary has been created to make the most of the seasonal variations of Sri Lanka for an entirely different holiday on its shores. This is the perfect option to see Sri Lanka's highlights differently and ideal for families. Incorporating the Cultural Triangle, leopard encounters in Wilpattu National Park and beach relaxation on the east coast, the itinerary includes many fantastic experiences for the whole family to enjoy. A summer to remember for young and old.
Setting up camp in Ladakh between the months of June and September, the Ultimate Travelling Camp moves to this Himalayan gem when the region is open to visitors and the weather is mild. For a sumptuously luxurious option, the Chamba Camp in Thiksey is exquisitely appointed whilst the nearby Diskit Camp in the Nubra Valley provides comfortable eco-tented accommodation in a more rural setting. Whichever camp takes your fancy, this is a fantastic way to see the region and get off the beaten track in India.
Uga Bay is a stunning beachfront hotel which looks out across the stunning Pasikuda Bay on Sri Lanka's east coast. Between May and September is the best time to visit this part of Sri Lanka when the weather is warm and the sea maintains a temperature of around 27°C, perfect for lazy days by the beach. Uga Bay lays claim to one of the most pristine stretches of beach in the region and many of the rooms have sea facing rooms (the others look out on to the hotel's perfectly manicured gardens). A view worth waking up for.