February is one of those rare months when you can visit just about any part of India.
From the heights of the Himalayan to the north and the plains of North and Central India that host iconic landmarks and sights like the Taj Mahal, Delhi, Rajasthan, Khajuraho, and Varanasi to the shores of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu in the south, and everything in between—February is the ideal time to be.
The weather is perfect during this time of the year with winter slowly ebbing out. In many parts of India, February brings with it the blossoming flowers of spring.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain why you should visit India in February, the top places to visit, the sights to see, and things to do.
Read on to learn more.
Why Should You Visit India In February?
Festivals and Carnivals
February is festivals and carnivals galore in India.
Mumbai hosts the famous Kala Ghoda Arts Festival to channel its artistic spirit. Goa holds a grand spectacle of a Goa Carnival to showcase its rich heritage. The people of Sikkim celebrate the new Tibetan Year with the Losar Festival.
Madhya Pradesh organizes the Khajuraho Dance Festival all classical dance forms of India and Jaisalmer holds the Desert Festival. Maharashtra holds the Sula Fest (Wine-Tasting Festival) in the Nashik region which combines wine-tasting with music and revelry.
Weather
The weather is one of the primary reasons why you should be visiting India in February. Winter is on its way this month and the temperature range from a pleasant 50 °F to 73 °F. Skies are mostly clear and there are no major seasonal rain winds.
Wildlife Safari
February is also a great time for a wildlife safari in the home of the endangered one-horned Rhino, the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, and the abode of the Royal Bengal Tigers in Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan).
and the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala.
In South India, national parks like Kabini (home of the wild elephants and black panthers in Wayanad, Kerala), Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala), Bandipur, and Nagarhole (Karnataka) offer exciting wildlife adventures.
Spice and Coffee Tours in the Hill Stations of South India
Weather in February is also great for spice and coffee plantation tours to the hill stations of South India like Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, Coorg in Karnataka, and Wayanad in Kerala.
15 Best Places To Visit In February In India
Looking to travel to India in February but having trouble figuring out where to go.
We have got you covered with a diverse list of destination that caters to all tastes, age groups, and budgets.
Let’s get started.
1. Goa: Carnival Extravaganza and Endless Revelry
Known for its golden sand beaches with swaying palm trees, clear blue skies, and beach-friendly weather, Goa is India’s premier sea holiday destination.
With a pristine all-season shoreline that stretches almost 100 miles, this smallest and richest state in India is one of the most visited regions in India.
The Portuguese arrived in this Western part of India in the 16th century to trade with the Mughal Empire and get their slice of the lucrative global spice trade. As the Mughal Empire withered, Goa became a Portuguese colony, and what followed in the succeeding centuries was a unique fusion of Portuguese and Indian cultures. This multiculturalism is evident in its culture, language, architecture, and cuisine.
What Goa offers you, therefore, is not just the perfect Instagram-worth sunkissed tropical holiday, but also a unique Old-World-Europe-Meets-Old-World-Hindustan charm. The old city quarter “Velha Goa” teems with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the 500-year-old Chapora Fort.
Nowhere is the vibrant culture of Goa at its festive and joyous best as the Goa Carnival which usually falls in February. Dating back to the Portuguese era, the Carnival is held before the start of Lent (the period of fasting) and Easter Sunday.
Characterized by rapturous parades, exhilarating dances, lively music, and elaborate floats, the four-day-long Carnival is a great time to be in February.
What Else Can You Do in Goa in February
- Explore the region’s rich colonial history with Goa Heritage Walks & Tours
- Cycle through Goa’s Countryside and explore the rural life or take Guided Village Tours.
- Stay in a Private Beachfront Villa and have a hidden slice of beach heave to yourself.
- Enjoy a luxurious Spa or Yoga Retreat at a private beach.
- Sail into the sunset with a private yacht cruise into the Arabian Sea
- Kayak through the Mangroves in the backwaters of Goa famed for their biodiverse comprising rare birds, fish, and other exotic reptile species.
- Roll the dice in Casinos.
- Endless Water Sports adventures like scuba diving, jet skiing, bumper riding, banana riding, parasailing, and speedboating.
- Nightclub hopping at India’s best nightclub circuit.
2. Khajuraho
Living Temples: Allure of the Exotic Khajuraho Dance Festival
Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising 25 stunning temples of Hindu and Jain origin that are famous the world over for their exquisite erotic stone carving and graphic sexual imagery.
Since their discovery by British archeologists in 1838, these temples have fascinated archeologists, historians, and art lovers.
Located in a small off-the-beaten-path town in the state of Madhya Pradesh (Chhatarpur district), this ancient 20 square miles temple town is located between Agra and Varana, 400 miles from Delhi.
Constructed, in what is called the Nagara-style of sculpting, Khajuraho temples are attributed to the Chandela Dynasty (950-1050 AD). Gods, goddesses, humans, and animals are depicted in intense sexual imagery. Some historians believe these graphical sexual depictions are inspired by the ancient Kama Sutra scripture. Others believe it was an attempt to entertain the gods.
Every year in February, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department organizes the week-long Khajuraho Dance Festival which features classic Indian dance forms like Kathak (North India), Odissi (from Odisha in NorthEast), Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kuchipudi (Andra Pradesh), Manipur (North East) and Kathakali (Kerala).
If you are into dancing and performance arts, Khajuraho is the place to be in February.
What Else Should Can You Do in Khajuraho?
- Wildlife Safari at Panna National Park. Located not far from the temple in the Vindhya hills, is the Panna National Park—the realm of the Royal Bengal Tigers. Other exotic animals like jaguars, jackals, Chinkara, and wild boars also find their home at Panna.
- Visit the Raneh Waterfalls in the Ken River Canyon. The Ken River winds its way through the Vindhya Hills leaving behind a range of canyons, gorges, and waterfalls.
- Take pottery lessons from local artisans who are famous all over India for this craft.
- Visit the Gharial (fish-eating crocodile) Sanctuary in Panna National Park.
3. Sikkim: Himalayan Enchantment with the Losar Festival
Located in the lower Eastern Himalayas near Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, the Northeastern state of Sikkim is famous for its rugged mountainous scenery, unique indigenous tribes and cultures, and rich biodiversity.
Sikkim is also the home of the majestic 8,586-meter-above-sea-level Mount Kanchenjunga—the tallest mountain in India. Due to its proximity to Tibet and Bhutan, the state bears a resemblance with the Buddhism-inspired culture of the larger region.
Sikkim’s landscape is dotted with Buddhist Gompas (monasteries), including the famous Rumtek and Pemayangtse Monasteries which attract a large number of devotees.
Himalayan seclusion has, over the centuries, ensured that indigenous cultures have withstood the onslaught of changing times. Sikkim has preserved its pristine culture and indigenous ways. One way it keeps the spirit of culture alive is by celebrating historical festivals like Losar, Bumchu, and Saga Dawa.
No festival is as important as the celebration of the Tibetan New Year called Losar. An integral part of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India, the Losar is celebrated on the first day of the lunisolar Tibetan Calendar, which usually corresponds to February as per the Gregorian Calendar.
The 15-day Losar Festival (of which the first three days are the most important) is marked by ritual spiritual ceremonies performed by monks, cleaning of homes and monasteries, family gathering, preparations of sumptuous feasts, light of butter lamps as the symbolic representation of dispelling darkness and traditional masked dances performances like the Cham.
What Else Can You Do in Sikkim in February
- Explore the capital Gangtok famous for its heritage and monasteries like the Enchey Monastery
- Serenade in the Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake, 3780 meters above sea level)
- Visit the “Valley of Flowers” Yumthang.
- Get exclusive views of Mount Kanchenjunga in the town of Pelling.
4. Jaisalmer: Golden Realm of the Thar Desert
If you are visiting India in February, chances are you will find yourself in the cultural heart of India—the enchanting state of Rajasthan, the realm of Kings, warriors, vibrant cultures, and immersions.
As a tourist, Rajasthan is one of the best places to visit India in the winter (November-February). Along with Delhi and Agra, it is the most visited region in North India.
But the thing about Rajasthan is that it will spoil you for choice. There is the royal grandeur of the capital “Paris of the East” Jaipur, known popularly as the “Pink City.”
With its enchanting interconnected lakes and the allure of the Aravalli Hills, the “Venice of the East” Udaipur is an attractive option. The “Blue City” of Jodhpur is a picture-perfect photogenic beauty. The Tiger Safaris at the Ranthambore National Park is considered one of the best in all of India.
However, if you are in the region in February, the famous Jaisalmer Desert Festival in the “Golden City” which usually takes place in February is one event you can’t miss. This three-day-long festival is celebrated three days before the full moon of the Hindu month of Magh (February/March).
It is a joyous time to be Jaisalmer. The festival boasts traditional Rajasthani music, folk dances, Kathputli (puppet shows), fire dances, parades, air force displays, and folk performances.
Another key attraction is the came races and other games like camel polo, camel parade, and camel dances.
What Else Can You Do in Jaisalmer in February
Jaisalmer gets its moniker “the Golden City” due to the honey-colored stone its iconic UNESCO World Heritage Jaisalmer Fort and surrounding landscape is built, in the middle of the colossal Thar Desert. Here is what you can do in this part of Rajasthan.
- Enjoy a luxurious desert camping expedition.
- Explore the Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila), one of India’s most iconic forts and also one of the few remaining “living forts” left in the world, where almost one-fourth of the population lives. Dating back to 1156AD, it was once a prosperous stop at the ancient Silk Trade Route.
- Rev it up with a Jeep safari in the dunes.
- Attempt to uncover the mystery of the “Ghost Village” of Kuldhara, 10 miles outside of the city—a 13th-century settlement that was continuously inhabited until the 19th century and then inexplicably abandoned.
- Indulge in a luxe spa bliss in the oasis.
5. Shekhawati: Living Canvass: Artistic Wonders of Rajasthan
The attractions of Rajasthan do not stop at just Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, or Jaisalmer. The Shekhawati region of the Shekhawati branch of Rajput warriors has a history dating back to the Shekhwats Dynasty established in 1455 AD.
This part of Rajasthan is particularly famous for its ornate Haveli (mansions), the walls of which are decorated with colorful frescos depicting gods, kings, flowers, arabesques, and everyday life.
If you enjoy art and architecture, February is a great time of the year to visit Shekhawati.
The State Department of Tourism organizes the 3-day-long Shekhwati Festival that highlights the history and culture of the region and features rural games, fireworks, cultural events, dances, and Haveli competitions.
6. Maharashtra
Wine, Music, and Refinement: The Sula Fest at Nashik
The Western Peninsular region of Maharashtra which is flanked on one side by the Arabian Sea and the Deccan Plateau on the other, is famous for its greatest city Mumbai, the hill stations of the Western Ghats, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the IT and educational hub of “Oxford of the East” Pune, and the exotic wildlife of Tadoba, Andhari, Pench and Chandoli National Parks.
But the one thing that you shouldn’t miss if you are in the region in February is the Nashik wine-tasting festival—The Sula Fest.
Located 100 miles north of Mumbai, Nashik is known as the “Wine Capital of India.” The region boasts some 30 world-class wineries that produce not just the best wine in India, but also offer wine-tasting, plantation tours, and sizeable discounts for aficionados of the spirits.
Aside from wine-tasting and tours, wine classes, the Sula Fest features great music performances by musicians and singers from all over the world, at an open-air amphitheater in Nashik. The event is gaining popularity and the lineup of leading performers is expanding every year.
7. Mumbai
Celebration of the Artistic Spirit of India at the Kala Ghoda Festival
There are so many terms used to describe Mumbai. The “City That Never Sleeps,” “India’s Maximum City,” and “The City of Dreams.”
It is hard to wrap your head around Mumbai. Home to 22 million people, this financial heart of modern India, is a dizzyingly diverse melting pot of peoples and cultures from all over India and beyond. It is a city of wonders, opulence, glitz, glamour, and also a lot of unsavory contradictions.
February is a great time to be in Mumbai as the city of Bollywood hosts the 9-day-long Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, in the art district of the same name in the south of the city.
Held every year since 1999, the event features visual arts, dance, music, theatre, cinema, literature, seminars, workshops, and heritage tours. For lovers of arts, Kala Dhoda Festival is the place to be.
What Else Can You Do in Mumbai
- Explore Bollywood with a visit to the Film City in Goregoan.
- Go on a Street Food Tour sampling Mumbai’s legendary Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Dahi Batata Puri, and other delights.
- Visit the Gateway of India.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Ajanta and Ellora Cave Temples 60 miles north of Mumbai.
- Explore India’s Underbelly with an ethical Dharavi Slum Tour.
- Luxury Shopping Tour of Designer Boutiques and Jewelry Stores.
8. Varanasi
Soul and Spirituality: The Eternal Spirit of India
Previously known as Kashi or Banaras, Varanasi is the holiest city in the Hindu faith. A soul-cleansing pilgrimage to Varanasi is an absolute must on a trip to India. Millions of devotees, pilgrims, and tourists visit this town in the state of Utter Pradesh, which is considered one of the oldest cities in Asia.
A trip to Varanasi is a journey back in time into the heart and soul of old India as portrayed in the epics and scriptures.
The hallmark of a Varanasi trip is the evening ritual on the Ghat (embankments) of the holy Ganges river called the “Ganga Aarti.” Priests recite hymns from the holy scripture in a backdrop of loud blaring of shells, ringing of bells, and clanging of brass cymbals.
Utter Pradesh can get quite hot and humid in other parts of the year but February is an ideal to visit.
What Can You Do in Varanasi
Aside from the iconic Ganga Aarti, here is a list of the must-do things in Varanasi.
- Witness a spectacular sunrise on the sacred Ganges.
- Take a Heritage Tour of the Old City that brims with Havelis and buildings dating back centuries.
- Visit Buddhism holy site Sarnath, 10 km outside of the city, where Lord Buddha is believed to have offered his first sermon (Maha Dharm Chakra Parivartan) after attaining Nirvana.
- Find solace at an Ashram (spiritual community of seekers of peace and healing)
- Stay at a Palace-Turned-Heritage-Hotel.
- Enjoy intimate devotional (Sitar) instrument performances at the temples.
- Take boat cruises in the Ganges.
9. Tamil Nadu
Misty Escape to “the Princes of Hill Stations” Kodaikanal
Tamil Nadu is an under-appreciated South Indian gem. Famed for its historic temples, classical Carnatic music, beautiful beaches, Silk Sarees and Classical dance form known as Bharatanatyam, Tamil Nadu is a great place for heritage expeditions.
But the one thing we particularly recommend in February is an escape to the “Princess of Hill Station” Kodaikanal (the “Gift of the Forest”). What awaits you at this serene hill station are lush green hills, dense forest, the picturesque Kodaikanal star-shaped lake, Pillar Rock, Silver Cascade Falls, and many other breathtaking sights of natural beauty.
10. Karnataka: Hill Station Allure of the “The Scotland of India” Coorg
If you are on a tour of South India, there are other hill stations you can spend a relaxing holiday in.
Popularly known as the “Scotland of India” Coorg is an idyllic hill station that is also a major producer of coffee. It is also the origin of the holy Talakaveri River, which is one of the major rivers in the region. February is the best time to visit Coorg.
What Can You Do in Coorg?
- Enjoy a scenic hill station holiday.
- Go on a Coffee Plantation Tour. Learn how coffee plants are grown and how they are processed before the coffee reaches your table.
- Get Panoramic views of the region from the Raja’s Seat—the favorite viewing spot of the Kings of Coorg.
- Visit the Dubare Elephant Camp.
- Witness the Abbey Falls.
- Experience the local Kodava Culture with guided tours to the villages.
11. Himachal Pradesh
Soaring into the Himalayan Sky at India’s Paragliding Capital in Bir Billing
The Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations for a holiday in the Himalayas. With popular hill stations like Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, Spiti Valley, and Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh is thronged by Indian from low-lying plains in the peak summer months.
Bir Billing, a small region in Himachal Pradesh is regarded as the “Paragliding Capital of India.” The Billing meadow is an ideal take-off point for paragliding, while the village of Bir serves as a safe landing ground.
The paraglide ride gives you panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes. For aviation lovers, Bir Billing is the place to be.
What Can You Do in Himachal Pradesh?
- Unwind at hill stations.
- Explore spiritual sites (Jakhoo Temple in Shimla, Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali, Chamunda Devi Temple in Kangra)
- Experience local culture at Spiti.
- Visit Buddhist Temples at Dharamshala.
12. Odisha
Konark Sun Temple, Wildlife Adventures, and Indigenous Encounters
Dating back to the 13th century to the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, the chariot-shaped Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of Odisha.
Dedicated to the sun god Surya, the Konark Temple is one of India’s greatest architectural marvels at par with Khajuraho, Ajanta & Ellora, Taj Mahal, and Hampi.
A spiritual pilgrimage to the Sun Temple in Odisha is an ideal choice.
What Else Can You Do in Odisha?
- Wildlife adventure at the Simlipal National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve
- Tiger-spotting at the Satkosia Tiger Reserve.
- Unwind at Asia’s largest brackish water lake, the Chilika Lake, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the seasonal migration of birds from as far as the Central Asian Steppes in Kazakhstan, Lake Baikal, and the Caspian Sea.
- Ethical tours to the lands of the indigenous tribes of Odisha (Bonda and Dongria Kondh tribes).
13. Ludhiana
Power, Brawn, and Grit: Thrilling Punjabi Rural Olympics at Qila Raipur
Ludhiana is the largest and most populist city in the state of Punjab and is regarded as the economic hub of the state. It is famous for its cultural heritage, music, dance, Gurdwaras, and festival.
In February, Ludhiana place host to the famous Qila Raipur Sports Festival. Featuring Punjabi rural games like tug of war, cart races, Sikh martial arts, music, dancing, and animal parades.
What Else Can You Do in Punjab?
- Visit the Golden Temple (Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib)
- Witness the “Beating Retreat” Wagah Border Flag-lowering Ceremony
- Enjoy Punjabi Cuisine (Butter Chicken, Makki Di Roti, Sarson Da Saag)
- Shop for Traditional Handicrafts.
14. Assam’s Wildlife Wonders: Kaziranga National Park
Home of the One-Horned Rhinoceroses
Situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, the Kaziranga National Park, which hosts two-thirds of the world’s total population of Indian rhinoceroses is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The population of these endangered rhinos has grown steadily and now stands at 2,613 as per the recent count.
Kaziranga is also recognized by UNESCO as an “Important Bird Area” with four rivers flowing through it that produce a conducive environment of marshlands, moist broadleaf forest, and elephant grass for birds, reptiles, and mammals to thrive in.
If you are in the Northeast of India in February, do not miss out on a wildlife adventure at the Kaziranga.
15. Thekkady, Kerala
No trip to India is complete without a trip to Kerala. No trip to Kerala is complete without a trip to Thekkady.
Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Thekkady is famous for its scenic green hills, evergreen meadows, the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Things to Do in Thekkady
- Visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Go on a spice plantation tour.
- Take a boat safari in the Periyar Lake
- Ride Elephants
- Bamboo rafting in the Periyar Lake.
