The month on the verge of summer and spring is practically irresistible, with endless places to visit in India in March. As winter sheds its coat, mist-covered mornings and soothing daytime weather create the perfect escape. In this blog, we share some of the most popular places you can explore in March in a fabulous country like India. These are places where you can plan your retreat and prepare for summer.
Whatever you’re looking for, the appeal of historic cities, the peace of nature or the thrill of new discoveries, India will spoil you for choice. Beach holidays, sightseeing, outdoor activities and wildlife are all great in India in March. The weather is a good mix of warm days, cool nights and little rain.
Thinking of travelling to India? We bring you the best places to visit in India in March for a trip that you will remember forever.
Why March is the Golden Month for Hill Station Travel in India
Before we dive into specific locations, it’s worth understanding why searching for places to visit in India in March is so rewarding.
- The Weather is Spot On: Make the most of sunshine-laden days and delightfully cool evenings across most regions. Daytime temperatures usually stay around a comfortable 20°C to 28°C in the northern and central regions, making it perfect for exploring magnificent forts.
- Shoulder-Season Savvy: The peak tourist season from December to February has subsided. Major heritage sites have fewer crowds, flight prices are lower, and you can book boutique heritage stays without booking six months in advance.
- Festivals Aplenty: The month of Holi, the renowned festival of celebrations. Holi in India is a must-see experience. A harbinger of spring, an explosion of joy and colour. Goa’s spectacular folk festival of Shigmo with lavish street processions.
- Wildlife Action: March is a great time to see tigers because summer heat dries up waterholes, forcing animals to gather together around the few that remain.
March is the ideal shoulder season to visit hill stations, with perfect conditions between the cold of winter and the rush of summer. If adventure is your calling, or culture, or relaxation or romance, March is the month that sets your feet itching and inspires you to get out there and discover incredible places all over India.
Wondering where to travel? Don’t worry! We have curated a list of ten of the best places to visit in India in March. They offer perfect weather and fewer crowds. A truly unforgettable travel experience is what you yearn for!
Best Places to Visit in March in India
Gangtok, Sikkim: Early Rhododendron Blooms and Mountain Clarity
March in a marvellous town like Gangtok marks the start of the mind-boggling rhododendron blooming season, with translucent Kanchenjunga views, outstanding visibility, and comfy temperatures that are ideal for visiting monasteries and exploring the mountains.
Why Visit Gangtok in March?
Across Sikkim’s hillsides, the first month of spring brings early rhododendron blooms, with the visual feast building through March. Excellent clarity leaves you in awe of jaw-dropping views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, from different viewpoints. Enjoy cable car rides, walk the streets and visit monasteries with pleasant temperatures. Quiet window pricing is a better deal, however.
Top March Activities in Gangtok:
- Cable car rides with clear Kanchenjunga views and scenic beauty
- Watch early rhododendron blooms begin to colour rugged highlands
- Tsomgo Lake with Possible Snow and Panoramic Background at High Altitude
- Enjoy a walk down MG Marg shopping street with cool temperatures
- Enjoy mild weather for a visit to Rumtek Monastery and other remarkable Buddhist heritage sites
March Weather in Gangtok
- Temperature: 8 – 18°C (nice mild mountain climate)
- Conditions: Clean post-winter skies with great peak visibility
Best for: Mountain photographers, fans of early bloom, Buddhist culture enthusiasts, clear view aficionados
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Yoga, Adventure, and Mountain Breezes
Tucked at the foot of the Himalayas along the banks of the emerald-green Ganges River, Rishikesh is one of the best places to visit India in March for those seeking spirituality and adventure-filled moments.
Why Visit Rishikesh in March?
In March, the frost of winter is gone. The sweltering summer heat, however, has not yet arrived. The water of the holy Ganges River is cool, and the wooded slopes around us are lush green.
Top March Activities in Rishikesh:
- Spend an evening sitting on the stone steps of Triveni Ghat for the Ganga Aarti
- Embrace the vibrant organic café scene, serving brilliant kombucha and Ayurvedic thalis
- Navigate the Grade III and IV rapids while river rafting from Shivpuri to Laxman Jhula
- Explore iconic, graffiti-adorned ruins where the band stayed at the Beatles Ashram
- Take a plunge into ice-cold Ganga waters under expert river supervision
March Weather in Rishikesh
- Temperature: 14 – 26°C (Pleasantly balmy pre-summer climate)
- Conditions: Crisp post-winter air with clear skies and invigorating river breezes
Best for: Adventure seekers, wellness enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, nature lovers, and peace seekers.
Munnar, Kerala: Tea Gardens and Pleasant Temperatures
If you are looking for peaceful places to visit in India in March, Kerala or God’s Own Country deserves a prime spot on your itinerary. March is a good time to visit pristine lakes, explore sprawling tea gardens and enjoy the cool mountain climate. Make the most of Kerala’s most charming hill station before the pre-monsoon warmth arrives.
Why Visit Munnar in March?
March is the best time to visit Munnar for its famous tea plantations. Take long walks in lush tea gardens. The pleasant climate makes it all the more pleasurable to spot the Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam National Park. Panoramic lookouts, by contrast, provide unobstructed views of the valley. The cool mountain climate is a welcome change from the rising heat of the Kerala coast.
Top March Activities in Munnar:
- Take a stroll through vast tea estates with comfortable temperatures
- Learn about tea processing and tasting varieties at tea museums
- Spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr by visiting the Eravikulam National Park
- Enjoy a leisurely cruise on Mattupetty Dam surrounded by hills and forests
- Visit sweeping view spots, including Top Station, with outstanding visibility
March Weather in Munnar
- Temperature: 14–24°C (cool and pleasant mountain weather)
- Conditions: The weather will be mild and sunny, with foggy mornings and clear afternoons
Best for: Tea plantation lovers, wildlife lovers, cool climate lovers, nature photography
Jaipur, Rajasthan: Festival Magic & Heritage
Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is the most enchanting city that shows the splendor at its best. Also known as the “Pink City”, this town has retained its timeless elegance, with magnificent forts, imperial palaces and history-soaked museums. The Jaipur Elephant Festival, which is a traditional cultural event celebrated each year on Holi, gives tourists the chance to enjoy elephant dancing, elephant polo, and more.
Why Visit Jaipur in March?
Jaipur, the colourful capital of Rajasthan! Your Jaipur trip includes the royal fort, Amber Fort. Admire the detailed architecture of Hawa Mahal and shop around the colorful bazaars of the Pink City. Good for sight-seeing and you can relish the traditional Rajasthani delicacies and cultural performances. The delicious local food and royal history make the city one of the best places to visit in March in India.
Top March Activities in Jaipur:
- Wander through the monumental hill fortress before the summer heat intensifies
- Enjoy masala chai while gazing at Hawa Mahal’s iconic, complex honeycomb front
- Navigate atmospheric street markets for authentic handmade textiles
- Watch the golden hour light up the Pink City skyline from scenic hillside overviews
- Savour fine royal Rajasthani cuisine in sunlit inner courtyard settings across time-honoured havelis
March Weather in Jaipur
- Temperature: 15 – 33°C (distinctly warm during the peak afternoon hours)
- Conditions: Sun-bathed days with clear skies, low humidity, and relaxing spring breezes.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, solo travellers, couples, and families.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Perfect Nilgiri Weather and Garden Delights
If you are planning to visit a wonderful hill station like Ooty in March, then the temperatures are just perfect for lake boating, tea garden tours and botanical garden exploration. Discover the “Queen of Hill Stations” with early spring flowers starting to flourish.
Why Visit Ooty in March?
March is a wonderful time to visit Ooty and see all that the hill station has to offer. The weather is pleasant and good for spending long hours exploring. The famous Government Botanical Garden is showing early spring flowers. Meanwhile, the pleasant weather allows you to enjoy lake rides and toy train rides. The moderate season in one of the best places to visit in India in March offers better value on accommodations and fewer tourist crowds than peak summer months. A car rental in Ooty makes it easy to cover Doddabetta, the tea factories and the lake in a single day.
Top March Activities in Ooty:
- Explore the blooms of early spring at Government Botanical Garden
- Laze about on a boat ride on Ooty Lake, surrounded by eucalyptus trees
- Enjoy a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railroad with nice views and temperatures
- Weather favorable for visiting tea factories and chocolate museums
- Trek to Doddabetta Peak for spectacular views of the Nilgiri Hills
Weather in Ooty in March
- Temperature: 13-23°C (pleasant hill station climate)
- Conditions: Beautiful days, clear views, spring awakening
Nainital, Uttarakhand: A Lake of Beauty in Pleasant Spring Weather
March is a popular time to visit the hill station of Nainital, with pleasant weather to explore panoramic viewpoints, go boating on Naini Lake, and enjoy the arrival of spring with blossoming flowers. Experience the well known lake district with picturesque mountain views of Uttarakhand.
Why Visit Nainital in March?
Nainital is one of the best places to visit in India in March. Best time to visit Nainital in March enjoy lovely temperatures for boating and lakeside strolling. The nice weather will help you to reach the points of view like Naina Peak and Snow View. Early spring flowers start to bloom around the lake and clear skies offer better views of the Himalayas. The best time to travel is before summer when the crowds are smaller and accommodation is more available.
Top March Activities in Nainital:
- Soothing temperatures and tranquil boating on the picturesque Naini Lake
- The cable car to Snow View Point provides a clear view of the Himalayas.
- Hike to Naina Peak for panoramic lake and mountain vistas
- Go for a walk on Mall Road with great shopping and dining
- Enjoy nature’s seasonal rejuvenation amidst the lakes of nearby Bhimtal and Sattal
March Weather in Nainital
- Temperature: 10-22°C (mild climate – lake district)
- Conditions: Comfortable days with lake and mountain views
Best for: Lake lovers, boating enthusiasts, peaceful retreat seekers, and family travellers.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Old Colonial Spring Charm and Unspoiled View
If you are looking for places to visit in India in March then Shimla is one of the best. The weather in this lovely hill station is warm and spring like in March. It’s the perfect time to take a leisurely walk down Mall Road, enjoying the fabulous mountain views and colonial buildings. Enjoy the temperate climate and watch the seasons of the capital unfold slowly.
Why Visit Shimla in March?
The best time to visit Shimla is March. This month is the best time to enjoy the colonial architecture as the temperatures are pleasant for long walks through hilly terrain. The climate is mild and agreeable, making visits to Ridge, exploration of heritage buildings and visits to Mall Road rewarding. Crystal clear skies mean unbeatable mountain views. The shoulder season, however, brings better rates for accommodation and fewer crowds.
Top March Activities in Shimla:
- Walk in the pleasant weather. Eat and drink at the famous Mall Road
- See colonial buildings like Christ Church and Viceregal Lodge.
- Jakhoo temple with mountain and town view
- Ride a toy train from Kalka to Shimla and see the views all around you.
- Walk the Ridge for great views and moderate temperatures
March Weather in Shimla
- Temperature: 8 – 18°C (Spring weather, cool but comfortable temperatures)
- Conditions: Relaxing days, good visibility, mountain fresh air
Best for: Colonial heritage enthusiasts, Mall Road walkers, family travellers, and budget-savvy travellers.
Darjeeling, West Bengal: Pre-Flush Tea Gardens & Sunrise Glory
Darjeeling is one of the best places to visit in India in March to enjoy wonderful sunrise views under great weather conditions. Enjoy a toy train ride and explore the area’s colonial heritage in comfortable temperatures.
Why Visit Darjeeling in March?
It is March when Darjeeling prepares itself for the famous first flush season. The gardens come to life in spring. Tiger Hill has jaw-dropping sunrise views of Kanchenjunga from translucent morning skies. The famous toy train ride is pleasant with comfortable temperatures. Walks in the tea gardens are generally reviving experiences. In the shoulder season, you’ll have a better chance of finding a place to stay.
Things to Do in Darjeeling in March:
- Tiger Hill viewpoint to see a mesmerizing sunrise over Kanchenjunga
- Explore lush tea gardens preparing for the delicate spring flush
- Enjoy a ride on the toy train through the mountain landscapes, a UNESCO heritage
- Explore the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Enjoy good walking weather and colonial architecture and monasteries.
March Weather in Darjeeling
- Temperature: 10-18°C (cool but comfortable hill station climate)
- Conditions: Clear mornings with outstanding mountain visibility
Best for: Tea lovers, sunrise enthusiasts, heritage train travellers, and mountain view admirers.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: Queen of Hills
The temperatures in March are pleasant in Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of the Hills’ as it is lovingly called and are perfect for a good exploration experience. The weather is ideal for walks on Mall Road, enjoying the scenic views, taking a ride on the cable car, and viewing the early spring blossoms.
Why Visit Mussoorie in March?
Mussoorie is a hilly hill station with many sightseeing places to visit in pleasant weather to walk along the hilly lanes in March. Make the most of the good weather with Gun Hill, Kempty Falls and the town’s viewpoints. Clear skies offer stunning views of the Doon Valley and Himalayan peaks. This cross-season window offers better value and fewer crowds in one of the best places to visit in India in March – Mussoorie.
Things to Do in Mussoorie in March:
- Shop and dine on Mall Road while strolling around the lively atmosphere.
- Car rides to Gun Hill for sweeping views of the valley and the mountains
- Kempty Falls: early spring beauty in a scenic location.
- Head to Lal Tibba viewpoint for panoramic views of Himalayas
- Hike Camel’s Back Road, beautiful valley views, enjoyable temps
March Weather in Mussoorie
- Temperature: 10-20°C (good spring hill station weather)
- Conditions: Good visibility and spring revival on relaxing days
Best for: Mall Road lovers, families, viewpoint lovers, and budget travellers who want to avoid the peak season.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan: Desert State’s Cool Retreat
Mount Abu, one of the best places to visit in India in March, welcomes you with its warm-hearted charm. March is the wonderful weather and perfect for boating on Nakki Lake, visiting sunset points and exploring the Dilwara Temples in this marvelous hill station. A cool mountain climate for an unforgettable holiday.
Why Visit Mount Abu in March?
March provides a welcome respite from the rising heat of the state and is ideal for exploring this great tourist destination. The weather is relaxing, and it makes temple going and boating pleasant. The distinct experience of mountains in a desert state like Rajasthan adds to its never ending beauty. However, shoulder season has better accommodation value and less footfall.
Things to do in Mount Abu in March:
- Boating on beautiful lake Nakki with surrounding hills
- Visit the magnificent Dilwara Jain Temples with intricate marble work
- Nice weather for the glorious sight of sunsets at Sunset Point.
- Visit the wildlife sanctuary and watch different species of flora and fauna
- Trekkers Guide to Guru Shikhar, Rajasthan’s Highest Point for Stunning Views
March Weather in Mount Abu
- Temperature: 15-28°C (good weather for a hill station)
- Condition: Clear days, pleasant evenings
Best for: Rajasthan tourists looking for a cool break, temple architecture fans and those looking for a unique experience.
Things To Know Before Visiting India in March
Here’s some advice for a pleasant and easy journey in March:
Packing Essentials
- Pack for the weather: Your outfit choices will depend on the weather in March. For Northern hill stations (Himachal), bring a warm fleece and thermal layers. For plains (Rajasthan, Kerala), pack lightweight cottons, linen shirts, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Holi Clothes: If you plan to play Holi, pack cheap white cotton clothes you don’t mind throwing away after the festivities, along with a good skin moisturiser or coconut oil (apply before playing so the colour washes off easily!).
Getting Around
- Book Trains Early: Trains are the romantic, quintessential way to see India, but domestic travel spikes during Holi week. Secure your IRCTC train bookings well in advance.
- Domestic Flights: For longer spans (e.g., Delhi to Kerala), domestic carriers like IndiGo and Air India offer frequent, affordable connections.
Health & Wellness
- Stay Hydrated: Northern India isn’t oppressively hot in March, but the dry air can dehydrate you quickly. Bottled or UV-filtered water is best, but you can also try fresh, tender coconut water sold from street stalls.
- Sun Protection: The March sun can be surprisingly deceptive, especially in high-altitude hill stations or coastal areas. Always carry a high-factor sunscreen.
Wrapping Up
March is one of the most rewarding months to explore India. It is a unique combination of natural beauty, pleasant weather and cultural dynamism. March weather, as summer creeps in, is just right for heritage explorations, outdoor activities, sightseeing and wildlife safaris in the country. This month offers some of the best travel experiences in India, from snow-capped Himalayan valleys and blooming hill stations to golden deserts, dense forests and sunlit shorelines.
If you’ve been searching for the best places to travel in March in India, this list serves as a reliable guide to help you plan an unforgettable holiday. With blooming landscapes, favourable travel conditions, and fewer crowds, March stands out as one of the best months to discover an extraordinary range of experiences in India.
FAQs
1. Why should I visit hill stations in India in March?
March offers perfect hill station experiences with comfortable shoulder-season temperatures, minimal rainfall, crystal-clear post-winter visibility, stable weather conditions, significantly fewer crowds than the April-June peak season, and better accommodation rates.
2. Which is the best hill station that I can explore in March in India?
Gangtok, Sikkim, is unique for its early rhododendron blooms that have started, good visibility of Kanchenjunga and pleasant weather. Best lake activities with a soothing temperature at Nainital. Depending on what you want to see, you can pick your hill station: if it’s mountains you want to see, Gangtok is your best bet. If it’s lakes, then Nainital should be your destination.
3. What essentials should I pack for travelling to a hill station in March?
You must pack light woollens or jackets for cool mornings and evenings and comfortable cotton clothes for daytime. Make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes for hilly terrain, sunscreen and sunglasses for mountain sun. Don’t forget to keep a camera for clear mountain views.
4. Can I expect to see snow in hill stations during March?
Absolutely, higher-altitude destinations like Shimla (occasional) and Gangtok (Tsomgo Lake area) may have snow in March. This is particularly the case in the early month and at higher elevations. The hill stations at lower heights like Ooty, Munnar and Mount Abu will not get snow. But they do provide nice cool weather.
5. Which hill station should I explore with my family and children in March?
Nainital has more family infrastructure like lake boating, viewpoints and pleasant weather. Ooty, in contrast, has botanical gardens, comfortable temperatures, toy train rides and chocolate museums for the little ones. Heritage attractions, strolls on Mall Road in Shimla.