March in India is the spring month, marking the end of winter and the start of new life. March happens to be a good time to get in some travel, as it is a shoulder month both for places that see tourism peaking in winter as well as summer. This means lower prices, bigger discounts, and comparatively fewer crowds.
And of course, every March brings with it the significant harvest festival of Holi. In 2025, Holi will take place on March 13 and 14. Whether you’re looking to play Holi or to avoid the festivities, our list of places to visit in March 2025 will meet every need you have.
Gangtok, Sikkim
Sikkim may seem small, but its geographical smallness belies the range of experiences it offers. It is epitomized in its capital Gangtok, where culture, cuisine, and scenery come together in an incomparable blend. Gangtok is nestled high up in the Himalayas and enjoys the pleasant climate that comes with the elevation. There are several Buddhist monasteries dotted around this elegant town, each as stunning to behold as the last. Its undeniable charm lies in its unfettered view of Mount Khangchendzonga, the third-largest mountain in the world.
The Mahatma Gandhi Marg or MG Marg is the heart of this town and is the main marketing and shopping area. It is spotlessly clean and is the country’s first litter and spit-free zone. Vehicles are not allowed on the street, so you can walk around without having to dodge swerving bikers or honking cars. MG Marg is where the festivities and fun of Holi will be concentrated, so head there if you want to partake in the fun. Head to the outskirts of Gangtok if you want to avoid the celebrations.
You can also ride on the bi-cable Zig-back ropeway that takes you from Deorali to Tashiling Secretariat. The one-kilometre ride is completed in 7 minutes, post which you can explore Tashiling Secretariat and walk to Ridge Park. Make sure you grab a bite of the delicious local cuisine that includes the more familiar momos and thukpa, alongside specialties like Sel roti (traditional Nepalsese hand bread), Phagshapa (traditional pork dish), and Thenthuk soup.
Getting To Gangtok
The closest airport to Gangtok is the Bagdogra airport in West Bengal, 124 km away. The drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok takes around 4.5 hours but is very scenic and enjoyable. The nearest railway station is located in New Jalpaiguri, 117 km away. New Jalpaiguri is well connected by rail with other major cities across the country. Gangtok is also well-connected to Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. National Highway 31A, the lifeline of Sikkim, runs through these cities. There are bus services that ply passengers between Gangtok and Siliguri.
The Andaman And Nicobar Islands
A cluster of islands in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a slice of paradise. There’s plenty to do in this archipelago, and if this is on your bucket list of places to visit in March 2022, you can also add celebrating Holi here!
Holi festivities will increase the closer you get to the main market areas of the islands – simply follow the crowds and merriment to gravitate towards the epicenter of fun. However, keep in mind that the Covid pandemic is still wreaking havoc. If you would still like to celebrate minus the crowds, certain resorts may hold their own Holi event exclusively for their guests. The easiest way to replace the Holi colors is by diving below the waves to see the colors of coral reefs and their resident fish on a scuba diving trip.
Whether you want to simply laze away on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, go snorkeling or scuba diving, or walk around exploring the islands, you can do it all in Andaman. It is one of our top places to visit in March. Plus, February is when the peak tourist season comes to a close as temperatures start to rise. This means March sees fewer people and cheaper rates by default. If you visit during the second half of March, avoid being out in the sun during midday as this is when it gets hot.
Getting To The Andamans
Andaman has one main airport, the Veer Savarkar International Airport in the capital town of Port Blair. It is well connected to major cities in India by flight, and this makes for the fastest way to reach the islands. You can also opt to reach the Andamans by ship, though this takes longer. Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam are connected to Port Blair by ship; three to four ships sail each month from Kolkata and Chennai, while only one sail from Visakhapatnam.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Located around 152 km north of Kolkata, Shantiniketan is a peaceful abode with a rich history that runs deep. It is the hometown of the renowned Rabindranath Tagore and was founded and christened ‘Shantiniketan’ by his father, Maharshi Devendranath Tagore. Shantiniketan is the perfect place to be if you want a quaint, wholesome alternative to luxurious resorts and fancy hotels. You have a range of options available, from basic yet comfortable homestays and quiet guesthouses to budget hotels.
In 1901, Tagore established his first school here, envisioning education to be free of constraints, going beyond the four classroom walls. Today, it has expanded into the Visva Bharati University, a center for culture with an exploration into the arts, language, humanities, and music. Apart from the university complex, there is much more to see here, and plenty of handicraft shopping to be done at historic shops like Amar Kutir.
Walk around the Uttarayan Complex, home to five houses built by Rabindranath Tagore during different phases of his life, each depicting a different theme or meaning. And of course, have a peek at Shantiniketan and the Aashram built by his father Debendranath. The Khoai Mela is a fair that displays the fantastic handicrafts of local artisans every Saturday. You’ll find batik printed materials and wooden iktaras, terracotta jewelry, and beautiful paintings, all lined up to be bought and admired.
And of course, if you want a Holi celebration unlike any other, Shantiniketan is the place to be. Holi here is called Basant Utsav, and the students of the university celebrate it with much vigor. They put up cultural performances, and you will get to hear traditional Baul music being played by local musicians.
Getting To Shantiniketan
The nearest airport is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata. The drive from there to Shantiniketan will take between 3.5 to 4 hours. Visiting by train means deboarding at the Bolpur Station, a mere 11 minutes away. It is well connected to nearby major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Durgapur. The drive from Kolkata to Shantiniketan takes around 3.5 hours.
Daman
A rich history and some architecture to show for it, stunning landscapes and more are what this tiny city is bursting with. Daman was a Portuguese colony for nearly 400 years until 1961 when it was incorporated into the Republic of India. There are forts and churches to be explored, each as old as the next, and you can head to the Mirasol Lake Garden or the Gandhi Park when nature calls out to you.
Beach bums have the answer to their prayers in the form of the several beaches in Daman, and when you tire of the sand, head to the Daman Lighthouse to catch an unforgettable sunset.
The peak tourist season for Daman is from the months of October to March. Tourist numbers are fewer in March, as most want to avoid the rising mercury. While it does get hot around midday, mornings and evenings are still great to explore this city. The later in the month you go, the higher the temperatures will be.
Getting To Daman
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is the nearest airport to Daman, around 193 km away. You can then head to Daman by road or rail. Vapi is the nearest railway station, 12 km away. The good thing about it is that it is well connected to other major cities by train, so reaching Daman isn’t too problematic. And of course, it is easily accessible by road, having a direct connection to major cities like Mumbai and Surat.
Conclusion
As much as you may want to satiate that hunger for travel, take the time and trouble to properly plan and book everything in advance. Winging it is not an option. You must travel responsibly to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
FAQs
Is March the Best Time To Visit Goa?
March might just be the best time to visit Goa. As mentioned above, it’s a shoulder month between winter and summer, the weather would be quite pleasant. And the state would be relatively less crowded than in the winter months.
Where Should I Go In March In India?
Vagamon, Kerala: Not quite as popular as Munnar, Vagamon is a hill station that enjoys comfortably warm summer months. The three hills of Vagamon offer that perfect blend of spirituality and adventure.
Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep: Among the more picturesque islands of Lakshadweep, the underwater world surrounding it is just as fascinating. You can gaze upon exotic corals and life beneath the surface by going scuba diving!
Coorg, Karnataka: With coffee plantations stretching as far as the eye can see, and verdant hills with bubbling streams, Coorg has something for peace-loving vacationers and adventurers alike.
Which Is The Cheapest Hill Station In India?
Many factors are involved in reducing travel and accommodation costs. But in general, some of the cheapest hill stations in India are:
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh: Andhra may not be the first place that comes to mind when it’s about hill stations. The coffee plantations, lush wilderness, and the indigenous tribes of Araku Valley make it a place worth considering. In fact, it’s quite affordable too!
Chakrata, Uttarakhand: Not too far from the popular Mussoorie is the town of Chakrata. It’s a perfect place for those seeking some quiet among the conifers and not burning a hole in their pocket. But if it’s thrills you seek, you can even rappel on waterfalls here!
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh: If you seek a rather quiet town full of colonial architecture that’s also full of hiking trails to soothe your urge for adventure, then make sure that you visit Kasauli!
Which City Is Known As Queen Of Hills In India?
People know the city of Darjeeling in West Bengal as the Queen of Hills in India. When you gaze upon the mesmerizing view of the world around you, it wouldn’t be surprising. This hill station earned this name!
Which City Is Known As Queen Of The Nilgiris?
The locals call the hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu the Queen of the Nilgiris.
