Lured by the familiarity of their origin and the charm of multiple tourist places that have fascinated the global travel community, of late, NRIs have turned their attention to India. From the traditionally vibrant Rajasthan to the serene mountains of the Himachal, India is home to diverse destinations that become tourist hotbeds during different seasons. If you’re planning a trip to India, here are a few seasons and appropriate destinations to consider before booking your ticket.
SUMMERS
Leh-Ladakh
From whitewashed monasteries, meandering roads inviting riders, to the thrill of adventure sport, Ladakh has something in store for every type of traveller. It is the perfect getaway for NRIs coming from cooler places as the mountainous region offers a welcome respite from the quintessential Indian heat.
Munnar
The salubrious climate and lush green hills dotted with tea plantation is all the reason you need to visit this postcard-perfect destination in the southern parts of India. And the traditional south Indian cuisine is just the bonus.
MONSOONS
Shillong
Meghalaya may not often feature on a lot of tourists’ itineraries, but this yet-to-be-commercialised part of India has some fantastic experiences in store. Shillong, in Meghalaya, is ideal for a visit during the monsoons where you can see the water from thunderous black clouds merge with roaring waterfalls against the backdrop of verdant greenery.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
See the earth carpeted with more than 400 species of flowers in full bloom as rain droplets caress its every curve. As part of a national park, it’s also great for trekkers and climbers, besides drawing in nature enthusiasts in high numbers.
WINTERS
Kerala
Winters in India are rarely biting unless you’re travelling to the remote areas or up to the mountains. Kerala especially becomes resplendent during the winters as the receding monsoon season brings out its beauty in full force. Feel the pleasant cool breeze envelop you as you stroll along the beaches of Varkala or Kovalam or take a lazy boat ride along the Alleppey backwaters.
Jaipur
Rajasthan is one of the hottest states in India and a trip during the summers may be unbearable for those not acclimatised to Indian heat. However, winters are perfect for experiencing the vibrancy and tradition of Jaipur, exploring the various heritage forts, and diving into piping hot traditional dishes.
What NRIs must keep in mind when travelling to India?
While planning your India tour itinerary, it’s prudent to be mindful of some key pointers, such as:
- Make sure your travel documents are in order. If you plan to visit certain restricted areas (which may even include parts of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, etc.), find out if you will need to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP), and make sure all your necessary documents are in order before you book the tickets.
- Travel insurance again is strongly recommended since you never know what unfortunate incident may mar your India travel plans. It’s prudent to safeguard yourself and your belongings against such unforeseen situations.
- Make all your intra-country flight and hotel bookings in advance to avoid last-minute flight issues or unavailable accommodation.
- If you have an HDFC Bank NRI Savings Account, you need not worry about money hassles in India. We offer seamless banking so you can swipe or withdraw from anywhere. However, if you don’t have an HDFC Bank NRI Savings Account, then make sure you open one before proceeding to India for a smooth and comfortable vacation here. Also, it’s better to avoid carrying a lot of cash while travelling.
A trip to India is an experience best lived. And NRIs would appreciate the chance to explore their home country through the combined lens of their family’s heritage stories and westerners’ perception of Incredible India.
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