India is a land for all seasons: Winter, summer, spring, autumn or monsoon. January, June, July or December, there is a place in India to see and enjoy. Experience snowfall in Srinagar, sunbathe in Goa, let raindrops fall on your head in Kerala, pick your way through Uttarakhand and hum a sonata on an autumn morning in Chhattisgarh. These are among the 12 reasons why you should come to India. Once here you will find many more to come back again and again.



January brings snow to Kashmir and tourists to the ski slopes of Gulmarg

For picture-postcard snowscapes, few places in the world can rival Gulmarg and Srinagar. These are among the several tourist spots in India’s northern-most state of Kashmir.



Gulmarg

An all-weather resort Gulmarg in the Pir Panjal mountains shines in winter. Labeled by CNN as one of Asia’s top 5 ski resorts, it attracts skiers with its off-piste, deep-powder, long-run skiing, snowboarding and heli-sking. Head here for the world’s highest gondola ski lift the Gulmarg Gondola, 3,979 meters (about 13,000 feet) to the top of Apharwat mountain, which boasts a dozen or so ridges. Perhaps its greatest attraction is that there are no man made runs, no trees have been cut or pistes gouged out of rock it is all natural.



Srinagar

Blanketed under a thick layer of snow, Srinagar is the proverbial winter wonderland. The fabled Dal Lake with its iconic shikaras (boats) has the tendency to freeze over but it is possible to rent centrally heated houseboats for your stay, a more picturesque option than hotels. Wood-fired stoves (called bukharis) and open fireplaces add to the magic of the winter retreat. The locals hunker down during the winter months devoting their time to handicrafts: carpets, carved furniture, shawls and the like so there’s plenty to look for. This is also the time to check out the local cuisine.



February is time to sight the tiger in the Sunderbans

Sighting the tiger in the Sunderbans is a thrilling experience. Excitement builds up in Kolkata from where the journey begins. The Sunderbans, situated along the southern tip of West Bengal, is 4,262 sq. km of watery wilderness, of which 2,585 sq. km are part of the tiger reserve. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being a unique example of an estuarine mangrove ecosystem.

The Royal Bengal Tiger is lord of the jungle. The 2011 tiger census puts the number of tigers in the region at 270. It is the only tiger that lives in a mangrove forest. There are several watchtowers inside the forest which offer a panoramic view of the surrounding forest. Waterholes have been dug in the areas to attract wild animals. It is possible to see spotted deer, monkeys, fishing cats, wild boars and crocodiles. There is also a turtle hatchery that takes care of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.

One particularly interesting fish that is found here is the mudskipper, a gobioid that climbs out of the water into mudflats and even climbs trees. The mudflats and creeks harbor a lot of birds, among them are such rarities as the Masked Finfoot, Mangrove Pitta and the Mangrove Whistler.



March is drenched in the hues of Holi, the festival of colors

With the onset of spring Mathura and Vrindavan come alive. Here, Holi festivities begin much before the entire nation gets drenched in a riot of colors. On Holi, people douse each other with colored water and throw colored powder on friends, family and even unwary passersby.



Mathura

The river Yamuna runs through Mathura, picturesque ghats (broad flights of steps leading down to the banks of a river) lace the city. Of the innumerable ghats, Vishram Ghat is the most famous. Sitting almost on the Yamuna is the Dwarikadheesh temple.

April is great for treks in the magical mountains of Himachal Pradesh

Mountains in April are magical. The snow has not melted, yet the air no longer has that bite about it. The place to best experience nature at this time of the year is Himachal Pradesh. You could walk through pine forests, stay in quaint villages or get a taste of mysticism in Lahaul and Spiti, which melt into the barren expanses of Ladakh.

Most routes have trekker’s huts and bungalows run by various government departments. A trek from Manali to Rohtang Pass is an easy walk that can be completed in two days. Manali, in the Beas River Valley, is famous for the hot springs in Vashisth.

There’s snow coming your way if you choose Chandratal. This is a slightly more arduous trek. The route to Rothang remains the same, but instead of thumbing down a vehicle and heading to the warmth of a hotel in Manali, you pack your tent and head out further, to Gramphoo and then to Chhatru, from where the real fun begins. You will encounter ice bridges, frozen waterfalls and glaciers tumbling down all the way to your feet.

Chota Dhara is the next stop, and the way to it is over boulders and rocks. After camping at Baltal, which is around 15,000 ft, Chandratal is only a day away. You hit Chandratal on day six. Rohtang, where you will finally come across vehicles that will agree to take you to Manali, is four days away.



May is when rhododendrons and poppies color the landscape of Sikkim.

Sikkim has something for everyone: Spectacular landscapes, romantic getaways, Buddhist art and medieval architecture. You can drive around, trek, climb mountains and feast on local cuisines along the way.



Yumthang

The alpine meadows of Yumthang come alive in May. This is home to the Singba Rhododendrons Sanctuary, which has an abundance of exotic rhododendrons and poppies. The valley offers a spectacular view of the towering snow-capped Kanchenjunga. A visit to the valley is not complete without a stopover at the natural hot water springs, which are said to have curative powers. Tibetan prayer flags flutter with life all across the valley.



Pelling

Pelling, in western Sikkim, has one of the richest traditions in Sikkim. The legendary Pemayangtse monastery, believed to be the oldest in Sikkim, was built in 1705 by Lhatsun Chempo. Dantem, 20 km away, is famous for the alpine cheese factory and the Singshore Bridge, which is the second longest suspension bridge in Asia. The famous Rabdentse ruins are a must see. The monastic complex has been well-preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. Another place to visit is the Khachoedpalri lake, which is encircled by a thick forest. If you are lucky, during a short trek around the lake, you can spot a red panda basking on a tree.



June sets the tone to explore the beauty of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is vast and the places to see are aplenty. The rainy season is a good time to explore the beauty of the state. The region has it all -- stunning scenery, rare wildlife, a clean environment, low population density, good roads, hills, plateaus, jungle, wildlife, waterfalls, ancient sites and temples, palaces and diverse village and tribal communities. The Bango Dam, about 40 km from Korba, is surrounded by hills, the environs are swathed in innumerable shades of green and blue. Mainpat is at a height of around 1,160 m. The various Tibetan camps are the main attraction here.

Tattapani, the hot springs, in the northernmost part of Sarguja district. The Thinthini Patthar, a large rock, shaped like a cylinder, when struck gives out a metallic sound. The water in the sulfur springs here is hot enough for one to cook a bagful of rice in it, and has curative powers.



July is best for Ayurveda treatments, when the monsoon clouds visit Kerala

In Kerala, the constant feature in all tourist destinations is the ‘Ayurveda experience.’ There is an Ayurvedic center to suit every budget. The monsoon is the best time to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage. Kovalam, which is typical of the state’s Ayurvedic destinations, has rows of Kerala-style red-brick cottages with views of the Arabian Sea. The therapies employ herb-based medicines. Milk and ghee (clarified butter) are other commonly used ingredients in Ayurveda. The open-air treatment rooms are the ideal venue during the rainy season. Kerala is the first place to receive the monsoon rains on the Indian mainland



August carpets the Valley of Flowers with a multitude of blossoms

The Valley of Flowers is a marvel of nature. Once the snow melts in the valley, from May onwards, various plant species start flowering. This flowering continues till September. The Valley covers an area of 87.5 sq. km over an altitude varying from 3,200 to 6,600 m with its main area of about 10 sq. km running in the east-west direction along the River Pushpawati.

The trek to the Valley starts from Govind Ghat. The 13-km trek to Ghangaria moves along the River Bhyndar. The trek till Bhyndar, 10 km away, is rather comfortable. From Bhyndar it is a steep climb to Ghangaria. The landscape near the Bhyndar village is painted with mountains, waterfalls and forests. Pink and white roses greet us on this stretch. The Valley doesn’t have any physical limits, so you can keep going and exit via the distant glaciers. But it is advisable to return around 2 p.m., given the weather at such high altitudes.



September in Gujarat is ideal for the archaeological trail

September Gujarat is a rewarding destination for travelers interested in architecture and archaeology. Positioned on the west coast of India, the state had international trade links dating back to 2,400 BC to 1,600 BC.



Patan and Modhera

The old-walled town of Anhilawada Patan is the capital of the Solanki Rajputs. Driving along the fort walls, you will come across Rani ki Vav, one of Gujarat’s greatest step wells. Built in the 11th century, the well has a seven-story stairway running from the top to the water level with covered platforms. Modhera is famous for the Sun Temple.



Lothal-Palitana

 Lothal is one of the best Harappan sites in India. The museum at Lothal provides a keen insight into the life of the Harappans. Palitana was once the capital of a princely state. It has many impressive late-19th and early-20th century buildings, but is predominantly a modern market town.



Champaner

Champaner has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of a variety of monuments located in the area, from the 11th to 15th century temples on Pavagadh hill to the 16th century mosques at its foot.



October is perfect for exploring the bazaars and lanes of Old Delhi

Shahjahanabad, the capital of Mogul Emperor Shahjahan, is known as Purani or Old Delhi. At its eastern end lies the Lal Qila or Red Fort. Close to the Red Fort is Chandni Chowk with its bazaars and labyrinth of tiny lanes lined with the remnants of 17th century havelis. The city walls have crumbled and only five of the 14 old gates still stand, yet this stretch of road throbs with activity 24x7. Shopping here is a real delight, it is the hub of the bargain hunter. It is also a foodie’s paradise, with eateries, some dating back hundreds of years, at every nook and corner.



Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and stands across the road from Red Fort. On any given day, the maze of narrow lanes around Jama Masjid heave with crowds. During Ramadan, hundreds of stalls and shops pop up overnight. Along with the gastronomic delights on offer, it is quite an experience to snake ones way through the festive crowds and gaily-lit lanes chock-a-block with food, clothes and mementos.



Red Fort

The Lal Qila or Red Fort, Delhi’s most magnificent monument, was built by the Mogul Emperor Shahjahan in 1638 CE. Every year on India’s Independence Day, Aug. 15, the prime minister addresses the nation from the ramparts. A light and sound in the evenings brings into focus Mogul history.



November brings out the grandeur of Rajasthan’s forts and palaces

Visiting Rajasthan is like stepping into history’s treasure trove. The capital, Jaipur, is the best place to begin a journey to one of the most colorful states of the country.



Amber Fort, Jaipur

Entry to the fort is through massive arched gates. The Diwan-e-Aam, or hall of public audience, is magnificent and a must-see. The Sheesh Mahal or hall of mirrors is another attraction.



Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort, atop a 400-ft cliff, has carved balconies, a gilded courtroom, ornate and bejeweled palace rooms, barracks and an armory. The museum houses ornate shields, writing sets crusted with precious stones, dumb bells used by the queens to remain svelte and shoes smothered in diamonds.



City Palace Complex, Udaipur

The City Palace Museum is imposing. Built in1559 on the banks of Lake Pichola, the palace complex has four palaces, each with its own distinctive style. Udaipur also has the 18th-century Lake Palace, now a popular hotel and Jag Mandir, which inspired Shahjahan to build the Taj Mahal.



Other forts

Kumbhalgarh, surrounded by a massive 36-km-long rampart, and Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Dundlod and Fathepur in Shekhawati are worth a visit.



December rings in Christmas and all roads lead to Goa

If there is one place in India where you have to be on Christmas, it has to be Goa. The festivities begin weeks in advance and the entire state is abuzz with activity. This is also the time to explore the rich Portuguese heritage of the area. Old Goa is a medieval city with impressive architecture and a booming trading community.

The dilapidated tower of St Augustine church is still Old Goa’s tallest landmark and can be seen from most places in town. This church was among Goa’s largest and was built in 1602.

The central Goan town of Verna, where most of the old houses belong to the well-to-do ‘Brahmin’ Christian families, many of whom still speak Portuguese and are equally proud of their mixed Portuguese and Brahmin heritage. Just south of Verna is the large market town of Margao that has its own share of heritage buildings. The Fontainhas quarter in Panjim is full of narrow lanes and multi-colored houses. The old houses facing the Ourem Creek now house Panjim’s antique stores. — SG