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Best Places to Visit in India in March: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Picture this: You’re sipping chai on a houseboat in Kerala, surrounded by emerald-green backwaters, while the March breeze gently tousles your hair. Or maybe you’re dancing in a cloud of rainbow-colored powder during Holi in Jaipur, laughing with strangers who feel like friends. March in India is that magical—a month where the weather smiles, festivals ignite the streets, and landscapes burst with life. If you’re hunting for the best places to visit in India in March, you’ve come to the right guide. As someone who’s spent over 15 years uncovering India’s hidden gems (and dodging tourist traps), I’m here to share insider tips, personal favorites, and foolproof advice to make your trip unforgettable. Let’s dive in!
Why March is India’s Best-Kept Secret
Forget peak-season chaos or monsoon mishaps—March is Goldilocks’ pick for India travel. Here’s why:
- Weather Wins: Think sunny days (25°C–30°C) and cool evenings—perfect for exploring without melting into a puddle.
- Festivals on Fire: Holi’s color fights, Goa’s Shigmotsav parades, and Sikkim’s flower festivals turn the country into a giant party.
- Wildlife Wake-Up Call: National parks like Bandhavgarh reopen, and tigers strut around like they own the place (spoiler: they do).
- Budget Bliss: Score deals on hotels and flights before summer crowds jack up prices.
Pro Tip from My Travel Diary: March is when I snagged a lakeside Udaipur heritage hotel for half-price. Always ask for off-season discounts!
Top 10 Best Places to Visit in India in March
Ready to explore? Here are my handpicked best places to visit in India in March, mixing classics with under-the-radar stunners:
1. Kerala: Where Backwaters and Beaches Collide
Last March, I lost track of time cruising Alleppey’s palm-fringed canals in a houseboat shaped like a rice barge. With temps around 28°C and zero monsoon gloom, it’s prime time for:
- Munnar’s Tea Trails: Trek through misty plantations—the smell of fresh tea leaves is pure therapy.
- Kovalam Beach Bliss: Swap crowds for quiet coves. Pro tip: locals swear by the seafood at Johnny’s Beach Shack.
- Ayurvedic Reboot: Try a 3-day detox at a Kochi spa. My aching backpacker shoulders thanked me later.
Why March? No rain, cheaper stays, and the Kochi Biennale (if you’re into edgy art) wraps up in early March.
Rajasthan: Palaces, Puppets, and Desert Dreams
March is Rajasthan’s “golden hour”—warm days (30°C) but bearable, with nights cool enough to sleep sans AC. Don’t miss:
- Jaipur’s Holi Hullabaloo: Imagine elephants spraying colored water and royals hosting powder fights at City Palace.
- Jaisalmer’s Starry Nights: Camp in the Thar Desert. I still remember the campfire stories and milky-way views.
- Udaipur’s Hidden Cafés: Grab lake-view paneer wraps at Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar—a fave among expats.
Local Hack: Hire a vintage Royal Enfield to explore Jaipur’s forts. Way cooler than tuk-tuks!
Goa: The Crowd-Free Beach Hack
Most folks flee Goa by March, but smart travelers stick around. Why?
- Beaches All to Yourself: Palolem’s crescent bay becomes your private paradise.
- Dudhsagar Magic: Waterfalls are still roaring post-winter—hike early to avoid monkeys stealing your snacks.
- Sunburn Reloaded: The EDM fest’s “off-season” parties in March are cheaper and wilder.
True Story: Last year, I befriended a Portuguese-Goan chef who taught me to cook fish rechad in his backyard. March = local bonding time!
Himachal Pradesh: Snow Melts, Adventures Begin
Skiers pack up in March, but thrill-seekers stay for:
- Paragliding in Bir: Soar like a hawk over kangra Valley—cheaper than in peak season!
- Shimla’s Secret Gardens: The 180-year-old Kennedy Cottage garden blooms with rhododendrons.
- Dharamshala’s Dalai Lama Vibes: Attend a Buddhist teaching session (check his public schedule!).
Pro Packing Tip: Layer up! Mornings are chilly (10°C), but afternoons hit 18°C.
Rishikesh & Uttarakhand: Yoga, Rapids, and Rhododendrons
March = Rishikesh’s International Yoga Festival. Even if downward dog isn’t your thing, you’ll love:
- Beatles Ashram Revival: Graffiti-covered meditation cells where John Lennon once chilled.
- Nainital’s Secret Lookout: Ask a boatman to row you to Pangot—a birdwatcher’s Eden with 250+ species.
Local Myth Alert: Locals say March full moons make the Ganges glow extra bright. I’ve seen it—no photos do it justice.
Karnataka: Coffee, Culture, and Cool Vibes
Bangalore’s techies escape to these March gems:
- Coorg’s Coffee Bloom: Stay at a plantation homestay—wake up to the scent of roasting beans.
- Hampi’s Hidden Boulders: Climb Matanga Hill at sunrise. Pro tip: pack bananas for the temple monkeys!
- Mysore’s Silent Sundays: The palace lights are dimmed every Sunday in March for energy conservation—eerie and beautiful.
Andamans: The Postcard-Perfect Escape
March is Andamans’ sweet spot—monsoons are months away, and visibility for diving hits 30m!
- Neil Island’s Natural Bridge: Snorkel here at low tide to find neon clownfish.
- Port Blair’s Forgotten History: The Cellular Jail’s light show hits harder in March’s balmy evenings.
Warning: Book ferries now—they sell out faster than hot samosas!
Madhya Pradesh: Tigers, Temples, and Tribal Tales
Bandhavgarh’s tigers are easier to spot in March’s dry weather. Pair safaris with:
- Orchha’s Riverside Ruins: Rent a bicycle and hunt for hidden murals in the Ram Raja Temple.
- Pachmarhi’s Fairy Pools: Swim under waterfalls without the summer crowds.
Safari Hack: Choose afternoon drives—big cats love sunset strolls!
Tamil Nadu: Temple Hopping Without the Sweat
Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple is jaw-dropping in March’s mild heat (28°C). Also:
- Pondicherry’s French Flair: Bike through the White Town when bougainvillea blooms riotously.
- Ooty’s Toy Train Trick: Book the 7:10 AM train from Mettupalayam—misty valleys straight out of The Darjeeling Limited.
Sikkim: Where the Himalayas Bloom
March kicks off Sikkim’s flower season. Must-dos:
- Yumthang Valley’s Hot Springs: Soak with views of snow leopards’ playground (they’re shy, but hey—hope is free!).
- Gangtok’s Momo Crawl: Try phing (glass noodle momos) at Noodle House—life-changing with chili chutney.
Permit PSA: Apply for Inner Line Permits 15 days early. I learned this the hard way in 2019!
Your March India Travel Cheat Sheet
- Clothing Hacks: Cotton + linen layers, a pashmina for chilly forts, and always socks for temple visits.
- Transport Tricks: Use 12Go Asia for train bookings. For hill stations, opt for shared taxis—they’re cheaper and fun!
- Festival Etiquette: At Holi, wear clothes you’ll trash later. Trust me—that pink stain won’t budge!
FAQs: March Travel in India Unplugged
Q1. Is March too hot for Rajasthan?
A: Nope! Days are warm (30°C), but AC isn’t a must. Evenings are perfect for rooftop dinners.
Q2. Can I trek to Valley of Flowers in March?
A: Sadly, no—it opens in June. But nearby Nag Tibba offers killer spring hikes!
Q3. What’s the weirdest March festival?
A: Ladakh’s Matho Nagrang—monks perform oracle rituals while hypnotized. Spooky but epic!
Q4. Beach or mountains in March?
A: Both! Andamans (26°C) and Goa (28°C) are beach-ready; Himalayas are crisp but snow-free.
Q5. Is Holi safe for solo female travelers?
A: Stick to group celebrations (hostels organize them) and avoid crowded areas post-sundown.
Conclusion
March in India isn’t just a month—it’s a mood. It’s the scent of jasmine in Tamil Nadu’s temples, the adrenaline rush of spotting a tiger in Bandhavgarh, and the joy of getting lost in Jaipur’s pink alleys. Whether you’re a beach bum, culture vulture, or mountain mystic, the best places to visit in India in March are ready to steal your heart. So pack those bags, embrace the chaos, and let India work its magic. As we say here, “Chalo, phir milenge!” (Let’s go, see you later!)
