Best Months to Travel on the Maharajas’ Express: Festivals & Weather

Planning to travel to India but unsure of the best timing, here is all the information you need before your journey. India is often called a land of festivals and diversity, including diversity of people, language, food, culture, costume, and traditions. India is unique on its own. Unlike other countries, India is a multiethnic society, which means people have different faiths, religious practices, and unique festivals and customs. Being the seventh largest country in the world, India has different terrains and weather. 

Travelers should pack their bags depending on which states they are traveling to and in which month of the year. The same day feels cooler in northern states near the Himalayas, chillier in the southern states of the Indian peninsula, and rainy in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. Unique terrains and topography make India rich in biodiversity. It has a lot to offer to its guests, from mountains, plains, plateaus, and hot and cold desserts. With too much on their plates, guests often get confused when deciding how to plan their trip to get the best of everything from history and diversity to wildlife and spirituality.  

The Maharajas’ Express is your one place answer to your entire question. This train service was launched by IRCTC in 2010 to meet and cater to every need of its guests and provide a piece of history to its foreign guests. As for the obvious question of the best months to travel on the Maharajas’ Express. This train and its management have everything covered for you. Maharajas Express India operates from October to April, taking their guests on a joyous ride through different towns that have stories to tell, exceptional monuments to showcase, and cultures and traditions that have passed the test of time.

Why is October to April the Only Travel Window? 

India is a tropical country. Being near the equator, it receives bright sunlight 300 days a year, which makes the summer harder, especially for foreign tourists. In summer, temperatures hit near 50 °C in some northern parts of the country, which makes it quite difficult for people who come from Europe and the US to survive the heat waves or dry hot wind called ‘Loo’. After the scorching heat of summer, India experiences the monsoon season from July to September, which causes logistical challenges and a jungle safari is not possible in this season. The winter and spring are the best months to travel on the Maharajas’ Express. The months from October to April are perfectly suited for exploration and sightseeing. These months are dry, pleasant, with a variety of festivals, and after visually appearing, which further contributes to a luxury experience. 

October: The Beginning of a New Season

October is the beginning of the new season for the Maharajas’ Express. Right after the monsoon, October has sunny days with cooler temperatures of 20 -30C making it favorable for exploration. This is also the beginning of the festive season in India. October marks the beginning of a nine-day Hindu festival of Navratri. In these nine days, people worship the feminine energy and celebrate the victory of good over evil. People celebrate this festival by fasting, singing, and dancing. Hindus worship the avatar of Goddess Durga in various pandals. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the real highlight of this festival is the gathering and folk dances like Garba and Dandiya. 

November: Festival-filled Luxury

November is fully packed with festivals that allow tourists to immerse themselves in Indian culture and practices. The weather is cool and dry with temperatures ranging between 15 to 25 °C. Diwali is the major Hindu festival that is celebrated in this month. This festival of light is celebrated in every part of the country. The homes and cities are bathed in bright lights, markets buzz with sweets and the sky lights up with fireworks. Other festivals of November are the Pushkar camel fair – a celebration of cattle trading with folk music and dance, and Guru Nanak Jayanti – celebrated among the Sikh community of India.

December: Crisp Weather & Christmas Cheer

December marks the beginning of the winter season with temperatures ranging as low as 8 °C in the northern states of India. Northern states were covered with a blanket of mist and fog, which added a layer of mystery to the Taj Mahal. When the sun pierces the layer of fog to cast its light on the Taj, it adds to its beauty and makes the scene majestic and eye-pleasing. Different local festivals and rituals are celebrated in this month. December marks the end of the year with the excitement of Christmas. People celebrate Christmas wholeheartedly with decorations and feasts.

January: Winter and Patriotism

January is the peak winter month in India, with temperatures dropping to 5 °C. This month, witness the celebration of winter harvest in Punjab and other northern states. Bonfires, food, and bhangra dancing are the common sights of this festival. Other festivals in this month are Makar Sankranti – celebrated by flying kites and sweet dishes like sesame chikki and the Republic Day is celebrated by showcasing India’s military strength and cultural diversity on Vijaypath in New Delhi.

February: Romantic and Spiritual Vibes

For people who do not like the chill winter, February is another beginning of the best months to travel on the  Maharajas’ Express. This month is called the month of love. Valentine brings a new wave of joy in the markets and for the festival’s sake, Maha Shivratri is celebrated. According to many, Maha Shivratri is celebrated in honor of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the marriage is often considered the first love marriage in Hindu history and tradition.

March: Color, Chaos & Celebration

If you search for the best month to travel on the Maharajas’ Express, the most likely outcome is March. March is suitable for everyone, including local and foreign tourists. The weather is quite good, temperatures may rise up to 30 °C. The most vibrant festival of color is celebrated this month. Holi is filled with fun games, parties, and colored powders. The Maharajas’ Express may host private Holi experiences in palatial settings.

April: End-of-Season Elegance

April is a bit warmer for many travelers, with temperatures rising up to 35 °C. This month witnessed the celebration of Ram Navami – the birthday celebration of Lord Rama observed in various temples across India; Mahavir Jayanti is a major festival of Jains.

Conclusion:

The Maharajas’ Express operates between October and April. These months provide numerous opportunities to immerse oneself in rich Indian culture and tradition while enjoying the local festivals. Therefore, these are the best months to travel on the Maharajas’ Express because of the favorable weather. Each month has a distinct charm and an opportunity to learn about Indian culture through its festivals. Due to limited seasonal departures, guests are advised to book their tickets six to eight months before the journey to avoid any unpleasant experience.