[tallchick]

hi everyone...

new in the indiatree and my first question relates to where to go when visiting India in end of july/august?

heard about pretty humid, hot days in that period of time, but still want to go.

any suggestions?

thanx,
---s-----

[loharnari]

It all depends, really.

A few years ago I spent  April to July in Western Rajasthan. It was pretty hot. 40 plus average. I was out in the desert on a research project so didn't have any choice. It was nearly unbearable- but you get used to it- getting up very very early and then retreating to the shade in the afternoon when the heat is at it's peak, then becoming active again in the evening.

With all that said, travelling during the off peak times has it's definite advantages,  travelling around before and after the duration of my project  I managed to stay in some pretty amazing places that would have been out of my price range in peak times. We also seemed to get pretty good treatment, and also treated as if we were a bit mad to be there at that time of year, ie. less of the ''I tell you my life story for lotsa rupees" and more genuine interaction, but then I was out there working so that probably had a lot to do with it too. One disadvantage is also that many of the tourist places close, but being India, you can get around this pretty easily- one might say this is not a disadvantage, depends on your point of view.

It was pretty spectacular also, when the first rains came, wow, what a sight! I would say there was dancing in the streets but there were no streets!

In that heat though, I would definitely advise to get out of the cities as fast as you can.

Travelling in that kind of heat is a bit like a long distance endurance test. Rewarding if you can hack it, but may be torture if you can't.

We retreated to the hills of Rishikesh (which was quite pleasant compared to the desert) for a few weeks before flying back to the UK.

Whole experience made me appreciate this lush green island, and cool Northern climates more.  

Hope this helps.

[kullukid]

How long do you have? If you are flying into Delhi, then take a flight to Leh in Ladakh where it doesn't usually rain at all, then you could make your way back to India via the Rhotang Pass which would bring you out at Manali in the Kullu Valley, by mid Aug the rains have more or less left Manali, maybe the odd  1hr burst then  glorious sunshine. From Manali you could head for the Parvati valley then either Mcleod Ganj (home of HH Dalai Lama) then Golden Temple in Amritsar or alternatively head for Shimla & take the toy train to Chandigarh with maybe a stop at Kasauli a beautiful quiet village in the hills above Chandigarh. KK

[tallchick]

have about 4 weeks to get around and yes, planned to fly into delhi in order to visit some friends.
good call on getting away from the cities... I am more the natural girl anyway and never liked the cities to much...

thanks for the hints!!!!

[jyotirmoy]

Welcome to Indiatree and India tallchick.
Kullukid has given the best advice.

[atom43]

Hello,
myself new to the forum.
I am trying to plan a surf trip in august. it will be me and my girlfriend travelling for 2 weeks. I would like to get any information regarding the weather in august along the coast lines. Is there any are that will be less affected by the monsoon? is it so terrible all over India?
any information is needed...
thank you
Andreea

[john.sw]

August has lovely weather here in S. India.

The monsoon is all but over, so a little rain and everything is fresh and cool.

I don't know anything about surfing, but I have see some good looking waves at the beach in Kerala at this time of year.