Hi, Jaya! My one and only trip to India (poor me, right?) was in July of last year, and really, it wasn't so dreadful. From what I understand April/May are the really bad times? I did take things a bit slowly to an extent...and definitely it felt good to go up to Ladakh, if you're looking for a good place to visit outside of the Delhi/Lucknow area.

(My only travel options ever are June/July/early August, so you have my empathy!)

Hi Amy, I read your travel report from July and you seemed to do very well. Also, the pictures you posted are great. It makes me want to go to the deep south. I liked Kanyakumari - it looks so nice there.

I know each summer is different - some super hot, others rainier, etc. I probably just need to get over the mental aspect of going in summer, but words of encouragement are welcome!

Since I can stay longer in the summer, I would have time to go further north to cool off for a week or so.

I've been there only once in the summertime (June -Aug) and I don't remember it being particularly monsoon-y, but I was in Mysore.

Kanyakumari is a very special place.

Hi Jaya, why not look on the positive side...

There'll be fewer tourists in the areas where the rains are!

It'll be greeeeeen.

It's much better to be there after the rains start than during the lead up the monsoon.

It's the perfect time to go North!

My third visit to India was from mid March to mid July. I was in Varanasi mid April, then went to Lucknow, Khajuraho, Jansi, Agra, Delhi. By that time it was getting seriously HOT and STICKY. Time to head for the hills.

My choice for late May onwards was Nainital, Corbett NP, back to Delhi (still not raining); on to Simla and then several weeks in Himachal Pradesh (one of my favourite regions of the country). But there are many other possibilities.

My time in the south was on an earlier trip in January/February but suspect by August the rains will be over in Kerala. You'd have to look it up somewhere like www.weatherbase.com.

Happy travels.

The answer is staring you in the face, Jaya.

www.audleytravel.com/Destinations/Indian-Subcontinent/Features/Solar-Eclipse-in-2009/Introduction.aspx

everything else is secondary.

You guys are the best. You picked me up from what's been a downer kind of day and Dogster, thanks so much for the link. It's all starting to feel much better now. Hugs to you all!

Look at the bright side, Jaya.

The best mangoes will be in season, and Delhi/ Lucknow is the best region.

If you don't like sticky weather, avoid late July/ August in the middle part of India. Head for the hills during that time, I'd say.

I think June in the North would not be soo wet. It usually receives lesser rain compared to other regions.

Alternatively I think Kerela would be very nice in the monsoon.

It will be August - for good or bad - that's the only time available for me. But, I will be able to stay for 3 and 1/2 weeks instead of the usual 10-12 days.

Jaya-So, you are planning to go in Aug. Well, in Delhi and Lucknow, I think the temperatures will hover around the high 90s and there will be high humidity too. But, it will also be the rainy season.
If that is the only month you can go, you should really get excited. On rainy days, you can stay indoors and enjoy chit-chatting etc.
Mango season, I think will be over by then. But since the children will be all in school, the hill stations should be having lots of vacant hotel rooms. So, plan a trip to Nainital, Simla, Mussorie or even Darjeeling or hillstations in the south too.
You will have fun even though the weather is hot. Now a days many homes are air-conditioned, the cars and cabs are air-conditioned, so you will be okay.
Do keep us updated as you finalize your plans. Good luck.