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-   -   India in July starting from Bangalore (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/india-in-july-starting-from-bangalore-388771/)

Matt Jan 18th, 2004 09:04 AM

India in July starting from Bangalore
 
I'm going to Bangalore (Southern India) for work in July and I would like to spend two weeks visiting the country with my girlfriend
who will reach me there.

What places do you suggest to visit? Is the weather too hot in July? We have never been to India. We will fly in Bombay so we can make a stopover there at no cost. Is it reasonable to also go to Northern India?

jacketwatch Jan 18th, 2004 09:47 AM

We spent August in Delhi one yr. and it was in the mid 90's with high humidity. early July may be even warmer. When the rains come it cools off to the aforementioned temps but it is very humid. Early July may bo too much. Where are you coming from and what sort of weather are you used to?

Matt Jan 18th, 2004 09:52 AM

I'm in France and I seem to suffer heat more than a lot of people I know. Last summer I was in Paris during the heat wave and it was hell for me. I wouldn't want to do it again.
I was thinking that maybe some options would be either some beach towns in Kerala or Goa, or hill regions in the north.
How bad is the monsoon in Goa in early July? and is it safe to travel north due to the tensions with Pakistan?

agtoau Jan 18th, 2004 01:46 PM

Matt asks: "How bad is the monsoon in Goa in early July?"

I don't quite know what you mean by "bad." The monsoon in Goa begins in early June and tapers off by the end of August. There are brief, scattered showers in early September. The total rainfall for the season averages 100 inches. July is when the monsoon peaks, i.e. Goa gets most of its rainfall in that month and it could be as high as 40-45 inches in July alone. But for some of us who grew up there, it is also an incredibly romantic season with its own charm and rituals. If you like wind-swept, deserted beaches covered by overcast skies, this is the time to experience them. The usual sun-seeking tourist is best advised to stay away during the monsoon.


Sameera_Anand Jan 18th, 2004 04:54 PM

There is no problem traveling north w.r.to Pakistan. However, the monsoon is another story altogether! Goa and Kerala are both good ideas. As mentioned by Agtoau Goa in the rain is beautiful - lush, green vegetation, overcast skies, getting wet in passing showers. Do not go if u want sunny skies! There are a lot of earlier posts re kerala - take a look.

Matt Jan 19th, 2004 01:50 AM

Thanks for your useful messages, Sameera and Agtoau.
I had no idea what to expect with
respect to the monsoon, in particular whether it rains all the time, how hard it rains, whether one can go around in safety, drive etc. That's what I meant by "bad". Sorry or my ignorance.

I seem to understand from your messages that it is possible to do some touring of the region even during the monsoon season. Any precautions to take with respect to the weather?

jacketwatch Jan 19th, 2004 06:01 AM

Hi Matt: The monsoons in Delhi weren't really that bad. I don not think it rained daily and when it did it was not torrential. My strong advice is to look into a travel clinic before you go, esp. if you will be in a tropical area. You will need malaria prophylaxis at the least. I hope you enjoy your trip. India is a fascinating counrty and it will test you as well. All in all it should be memorable. I too look forward to going again and would very much love to see Goa and Kerala. Cheers, Larry

Sameera_Anand Jan 19th, 2004 05:10 PM

Goa the monsoon is intermittent - u would have to be very unlucky to get incessant rain. Ditto Delhi. Avoid Mumbai - u can get stuck in nonstop 24 hours of rain. Goa easiest and cheapest way to travel around is to rent a two wheeler scooter .

travel04 Jan 21st, 2004 09:58 AM

HI,

You'll probably want to stay inside if you go in July - at least Bangalore is supposedly cooler weather but July is peak.

You've got some good advice here from the other two - goa and kerala will be great. Kerala in december was very warm um..so July...it will be warm but shouldn't be too hot. Kerala definitely get a houseboat for one night at least - must experience this. AT least $200 for the night but oh god so worth it!
The scenery, tranquility is worth it.

Goa is a beach town - get the Marquiss beach resort - charming little place a little away from the city center of Panjim but very cute on the beach. Or alternatively you can try the Mariott - amazing as well and more $$ per night - but the swimming pools opens out into the ocean. Enjoy! If you're going to be in India I'd again suggest the Taj Mahal if you've never seen it - it is stunning. Get a guided tour. But perhaps for this trip you'd do better to just stick to a south india itenary. Kerala and Goa sound good.

christine Jan 22nd, 2004 03:55 AM

We went to Kerala last year november and stayed at really great places - Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom( the back waters) and Surya Samudra in Kovalam( both of these places are on the internet.You might want to check the weather though as you might have the southwest monsoons or just miss them. Goa is our all time favourite- not sure if it the greatest time of the year to visit though but, we went one year on a monsoon package( July) to the Taj and had wonderful weather most of the time.


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