Best Places To Visit in March In India – Must Visit Tourist Destinations
The month that lies on the brink of summer and spring, March is one of those times in a year when a vacation is practically irresistible to score. With the winter just shedding its coat, misty mornings and a pleasant weather throughout the day are what makes for the ideal getaway. Here are a few places to visit in March in India where you can plan your retreat to prepare for the summers.
Here is the list of 20 Best Places To Visit in March In India – Must Visit Tourist Destinations.
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – Yoga Capital of the World
Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports. Rishikesh is the most beautiful blend of spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.
2. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh – Lord Krishna’s childhood abode
One of the oldest cities on the banks of Yamuna, Vrindavan is considered to be one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the devotees of Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna had spent his childhood in Vrindavan. The name of the city has been derived from Vrinda (meaning basil) and van (meaning grove) which perhaps refer to the two small groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. Since Vrindavan is considered to be a sacred place, a large number of people come here to abandon their worldly life.
The city of Vrindavan hosts hundreds of Lord Krishna and Radha temples scattered throughout, the most famous ones being Banke Bihari temple, ISKCON temple. The vibrant surroundings perfectly depict the playful and benevolent nature of Lord Krishna. Located along the waters of River Yamuna, the numerous temples set amidst the thick woods and lush greenery of Vrindavan are the major attractions here. Also known as Vrindavan, this city derives its name from the groves of Brinda and Vana meaning forest.
3. Leh Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir – India’s Own Moonland
A land like no other with a superabundance of attractions to visit and phantasmagoric and fabulous landscapes, amazing people and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth.
In March, when it celebrates, Matho Monastery, located at a distance of 26 kms from Ladakh observes annual Matho Narang Festival. It is believed that at this time of the year, two oracles inhabit the body of two specially chosen monks, who then predict the future of the village and individuals. There are ceremonial masks, ancient Thangpa paintings and monks performing spell bounding acts.
4. Ranthambore, Rajasthan – One of the best national parks of the country
Although the appropriate travel time as suggested by frequents to Ranthambore is September to February, March is the month for wildlife buffs to visit the place. The most popular destination here is the Ranthambore National Park and the Ranthambore Fort. The Park, that started as a tiger preservation site for Project Tiger in 1973, has now become the biggest and most populated tiger reserve in the country. The onset of summer is when the forest is at its barest and tiger spotting is the easiest. Located within the park is the Ranthambore Fort, which is one of the six forts in Rajasthan to be a part of the World Heritage Sites. Home to the most elusive leopards and the fishing cat, the Ganesh Temple is thronged by thousands of pilgrims during the annual Ganesh Festival. For those who can’t make it to the festival, any Wednesday is perfect to witness the deity dressed in decadence and worshipped in finery by the locals.
5. Havelock Island, Andaman Nicobar-islands
One of the most beautiful and serene islands in the Andaman cluster, Havelock is a paradise for those looking for a serene escape. A popular honeymooners? destination as well, one of the most talked about part of Havelock, is beach number 7, also known as the Radha Nagar Beach. Awarded in 2004 as the ?Best Beach in Asia?, by Time, the swimming elephants are the most popular attraction here. With temperature not hovering over 20 degrees and cool ocean breezes flowing throughout the day, the beautifully made villas and picturesque houses are the cherries on top.
6. Sikkim – Home to the Kanchenjunga
A gem in the north-east, Sikkim is the perfect place to visit in March in India for those looking forward to getting away from their harsh metropolitans. Ravangla, Sikkim’s only tea estate, is flanked by the Kanchendzonga peak, is one of the hidden treasures of the valley, as are the 200 species of orchids and rhododendrons. With easy to moderately difficult hikes, that can be easily traversed by children and older people alike, to the majestic Tsongmo Lake, and the rapid water sports in the Teesta and Rangeet river, Sikkim has something to offer to people from every walk of life. March is one the perfect months to visit the place for its breezy weather and slightly nippy air for those who want to experience Sikkim in its full glory.
7. Kaziranga National Park, Assam – Home to the One Horned Rhino
One of the most picturesque wildlife parks in India, Kaziranga is the natural habitat of the one-horned rhinoceros. It houses more than two-thirds of the world’s total number of rhinos. It is a well sustained ecological park where you can spot swamp deer, sloth bears, Bengal foxes and plenty of bird life. A must-do thing here is the elephant safari to look for rhinoceros hiding in the expansive grasslands. In March, the wildlife is at its most visible, making it a good time to visit Kaziranga.
8. Shillong, Meghalaya – Scotland of the East
Shillong continues to be the cultural and educational hotspot of the north-east and is also quite popular among researchers. With what can be called as raw life pulsating through Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong is the best place to visit in March in India, when the clear blue skies form the perfect backdrop of the Khasi Hills that flank the city on its east. Be it shopping on the Bara Bazar and the Police Bazar, or long walks among the pine trees and waterfalls or an enriching visit to the Don Bosco Museum, a vacation in Shillong in itself is a complete experience.
9. Ooty, Tamil Nadu – Queen of the Nilgiris
If a lost world colonial charm is your idea of a dream vacation, look no farther than Ooty. Complete with a toy train ride to the quaint little hill station. All English everything, from the colonial style bijou, fenced flower gardens, evergreen hills and the thatched roof churches of course. The sleepy hamlet has a memorable stupor, and a sense of timelessness, with lush botanical gardens, lakes, tea plantations and waterfalls. When here, don’t forget to check out popular spots like Tiger Hill, Ooty Lake and the Dodabetta Peak.
10. Coorg, Karnataka – The Scotland of India
Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.
11. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu – The Princess of Hill Stations
Kodaikanal is an exceptionally laid back hill station to visit in March in India in the lush Palani Hills of the Western Ghats. With a slight fog looming in mornings and evenings, it is a popular honeymooners? destination and the sleepy traveller’s paradise. Nature walks in the overly green fields, cycling in the long stretched roads and having brunches at viewpoints are some of the things you can do during your retreat here. Don’t miss the sparkling waterfalls when in Kodai.
12. Halebidu, Karnataka – A glorious sparkling ruin
Formerly known as Dwarasamudra, Halebid (or Halebidu) is located in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. Halebid is a city with a glorious past adorned with a strikingly beautiful collection of temples, shrines and sculptures. It is also known as the Gem of Indian architecture owing to its sterling Hoysala architecture, its magnificent temple complexes and some stunning Jain sites. Once the regal capital of Hoysala empire, the city is in ruins now. But it still attracts tourists in droves, thanks to its rich heritage, striking art and architecture.
In the last week of March, Hoysala Mahotsav, a one-day celebration of classical and folk dances and music takes place with some, of the most celebrated artists.
13. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – The birthplace of Dalai Lama
Tawang is usually thronged by travellers in pre- and post-monsoon and pre-winters, but for those who’d want to visit the place when it is less crowded and more soaked in slightly cold breezes, March-April is the time to be here. To get to Tawang, one has to go through the Sela Top Pass, which is covered in snow mostly throughout the year. One of the most enrapturing places to not miss when in Tawang, is the Tipi Orchid Sanctuary which blooms with hundreds of varieties of orchids all year round. The famous and much sought out Tibetan festival, Losar, is also held in the months of February-March here.
14. Munnar, Kerala – Tea Gardens, Lakes and Pretty little hill-station
At a height of 6000 feet, you can be assured about tranquillity and a safe distance away from the doldrums of city life in Munnar in Kerala. Situated at the confluence of Nallathanni, Kundaly and Madharupuzha rivers, the weather all around the year is just perfect to go for an exhilarating trek or a laid back elephant ride, or even boating. Tea and spice plantations dot the landscape and the tea museum here is an absolute must visit for all travellers to Munnar. The aromas of this tiny town will faintly remain in your mind for the months to come.
15. Hampi, Karnataka – The abode of bygone ruins, rusty colors and fascinating landscape
A World Heritage Site, Hampi is a place where you can lose yourself amongst the bewitching ruins or be mesmerised by the vagaries of nature. The forlorn ruins of Hampi make you spellbound the minute you cast your eyes on it. Millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion have resulted in such a forlorn landscape. It is a major pit stop for the travellers. The Hampi Bazaar is a travellers? ghetto with the village crammed with shops and restaurants. It is possible to see the main sites in a day or two, however, plan on lingering for a while.
16. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – The Spiritual Capital of India
Varanasi, the world’s oldest continually habited city, can turn out to be one of your favourite stops. Also known as ?Kashi? or ?Benaras?, it is regarded as one of Hinduism’s seven holy cities. People come here from all around the globe to the ghats lining the River Ganga to wash away a lifetime of sins or cremate their loved ones. Varanasi is a magical place, but definitely not for the faint-hearted. A walk along the ghats or a boat ride in the river will create some wonderful memories. Brace yourself for one of the most blindingly colourful and unrelentingly chaotic city, which is the beating heart of the Hindu universe.
17. Jaipur, Rajasthan – The Pink City
The Pink City, Jaipur is one of the most colourful, royal and majestic cities in India. It is a gateway to India’s most flamboyant state. At the city’s heart is located the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory, and the honeycomb Hawa Mahal. The food of Jaipur attracts tourists from all over the world, with its bazaars adding to the appeal. This place boasts of modernity while maintaining the traditional values. A major reason for visiting Jaipur in March is the famous ?Elephant Festival?, which is held on the day of Holi, and features Elephant polo and Elephant dance. It has a unique feel to it which can only be experienced once you are there.
18. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh – The Architectural Masterpiece
Khajuraho, known around the world for its majestic temples adorned with sensual and exotic carvings, boasts of the finest temple art in the world. These temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture and attract a large number of tourists. Out of the original 85 temples, 20 have survived the ravages of time. The Western Group of temples boasts of some stunning artwork. Khajuraho has also been accorded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be aware that missing out on Khajuraho means missing out on some of the most beautiful temples in India.
19. Gokarna, Karnataka – Land of palm trees, blue seas and golden sands
With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies. Situated on the coast of Karwar, Gokarna is a small town in Karnataka, primarily known for two reasons ? its beaches and temples. The temples in the town are most lively around festivals of Shivratri and Ganesh Chaturthi. November to February is especially crowded with a lot of foreigners. So in March, you can expect lesser crowd but the vibe won’t be dead like during the offseason, i.e monsoon.
20. Wayanad, Kerala – Nature’s Abode
Replete with enchanting waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and homestays, this popular town is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Among the prettiest areas of Kerala, Wayanad has a multitude of options for its visitors. Walking through the sprawling spice plantations, taking that trek into the pre-historic caves and experiencing a resort holiday is one of the many things you can do to get a taste of Wayanad. A great place to spot wild elephants, cool breeze, beautiful scenery, Wayanad is guaranteed to please your travel senses. Overall, a perfect weekend idea from cities of South India. Although the temperature in Wayanad remains nearly constant throughout the year but the best time to visit Wayanad is October- May. The weather is extremely good during this period of time.
Source – holidify.com.
