March is the bridge between winter and summer. The plains warm up, the hills bloom with rhododendrons, Holi fills the streets with colour and the winter crowds go home. Prices often fall in March, which makes India in March a great choice for budget travellers who want pleasant weather and lively festivals.
This guide covers the best affordable places to visit in India in March. You will find weather notes, budgets, festivals, sample plans and tips to save money.
What to Expect in India in March
- North India: warm days and cool nights; ideal for sightseeing early in the month.
- Hills: spring arrives, with blooming rhododendrons and clear views.
- Rajasthan and Gujarat: warming up, but mornings and evenings are pleasant.
- South India: getting hot on the plains and coast; hill stations are comfortable.
- Northeast: spring blooms and pleasant weather.
- Prices: shoulder season in most places, except during Holi.
Quick Table: Affordable Places in India in March
| Place | State | Weather | Daily budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | Uttarakhand | Pleasant | ₹1,000–1,600 |
| McLeod Ganj | Himachal Pradesh | Spring, cool | ₹1,100–1,700 |
| Mathura and Vrindavan | Uttar Pradesh | Warm, Holi festivities | ₹900–1,800 |
| Pushkar | Rajasthan | Warm days | ₹900–1,500 |
| Hampi | Karnataka | Getting hot | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Darjeeling | West Bengal | Spring, clear | ₹1,300–2,000 |
| Shillong | Meghalaya | Pleasant | ₹1,300–2,000 |
| Chopta | Uttarakhand | Rhododendron season | ₹1,200–1,800 |
The Best Affordable Places to Visit in India in March
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
March is one of the best months in Rishikesh. The weather is warm but not hot, rafting is in full swing and the International Yoga Festival is usually held in early March. Hostels and ashrams are affordable. It is a top pick for India in March. Read Rishikesh on a Budget: Cheap Stays, Food and a 3-Day Itinerary.
2. Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana (Holi)
These towns host the most famous Holi celebrations in India, often stretching over a week, including Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon. It is wild, colourful and crowded, the most famous celebration in India in March. Stay in ashrams or travel as a day trip from Delhi or Agra to save money. Women travellers should go with a group and be cautious in crowds.
3. McLeod Ganj and Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Spring brings clear skies and blooming rhododendrons. The Triund trek is lovely in March, though there may still be some snow near the top. Bir’s paragliding season is active. Prices are lower than in May and June, so the hills are great value in India in March. Read McLeod Ganj on a Budget: A Low-Cost Dharamshala Holiday.
4. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Chopta’s forests turn red and pink with rhododendrons in March and April. The Tungnath and Chandrashila trek offers spectacular views. Simple camps and lodges are cheap, making Chopta a top trek in India in March.
5. Pushkar and Udaipur, Rajasthan
March is the last comfortable month for Rajasthan before the heat. Mornings and evenings are lovely. Holi in Udaipur and Pushkar is colourful and fun. Read Pushkar on a Budget: Affordable Places to Stay and Things to Do and Udaipur on a Budget: Cheap Stays and Lakeside Attractions.
6. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi gets hot in March, but early mornings and late afternoons are perfect for exploring. The Hampi Utsav has sometimes been held in this period. Prices drop as the season winds down in India in March. Read Hampi on a Budget: Cheap Accommodation and Heritage Sightseeing.
7. Darjeeling and Sikkim
Spring brings rhododendrons and magnolias to the hills. Views of Kanchenjunga are often clear in early March. Homestays are fairly priced in India in March. Read Darjeeling on a Budget: Cheap Stays and Tea Garden Visits and Gangtok on a Budget: Affordable Sikkim Travel Guide.
8. Shillong and Meghalaya
Meghalaya is fresh and pleasant in March, before the heavy rains. The living root bridges and Sohra viewpoints are easy to visit. Cherry blossoms sometimes appear in Shillong in autumn, but spring brings other blooms.
9. Kaziranga, Assam
March is still a good month for rhino sightings, as the grass is short and the weather is pleasant. Share safari jeeps to save money on wildlife trips in India in March.
10. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
March is warm but comfortable in Varanasi. Holi on the ghats is a unique experience, and Maha Shivaratri may fall in late February or March. Read Varanasi on a Budget: Affordable Hotels, Food and Sightseeing.
11. Coorg and Chikmagalur
Coffee blossoms fill the estates with white flowers and a jasmine-like scent around March. Homestays are calm and good value in India in March.
12. Munnar and Ooty
South India’s hill stations are a cool escape as the plains heat up. Prices are reasonable before the April–May rush, which makes India in March ideal for the southern hills. Read Munnar on a Budget: Cheap Stays and Tea Plantation Visits.
13. Goa (end of season)
Goa is quieter and cheaper in March as the season ends. The weather is hot but fine for beach days. Read Goa on a Budget: Cheap Beaches, Accommodation and Food.
14. Amritsar, Punjab
Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib, held around Holi, showcases Sikh martial arts. Amritsar is pleasant in March, and the Golden Temple is less crowded than in winter. Read Amritsar on a Budget: A Low-Cost Golden Temple Trip.
Festivals in India in March
- Holi: the festival of colours, celebrated across North and Central India.
- Lathmar Holi: in Barsana and Nandgaon near Mathura.
- Hola Mohalla: in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.
- International Yoga Festival: in Rishikesh, usually early March.
- Maha Shivaratri: in late February or March.
- Ugadi and Gudi Padwa: New Year festivals in the south and Maharashtra, in March or April.
Sample 7-Day Plan in India in March (Himalayan Spring)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Overnight bus from Delhi to Rishikesh |
| 2–3 | Rishikesh yoga, rafting and ghats |
| 4 | Bus to Ukhimath and shared jeep to Chopta |
| 5 | Tungnath and Chandrashila trek |
| 6 | Return to Rishikesh |
| 7 | Bus to Delhi |
Estimated cost: ₹8,500 to ₹12,000 per person.
Budget for Travelling in India in March
| Expense | Cost per day |
|---|---|
| Hostel or budget room | ₹400–1,000 |
| Food | ₹350–600 |
| Local transport | ₹150–300 |
| Activities | ₹100–400 |
| Total | ₹1,000–2,300 |
India in March by Region
- North India: best for Rishikesh, Amritsar, Agra and Holi towns.
- Himalaya: best for spring treks and blooming forests.
- West India: last comfortable weeks in Rajasthan and Goa.
- South India: hills are better than the hot plains.
- Northeast: pleasant spring weather.
Who Should Travel in India in March?
India in March is perfect for festival lovers, spring trekkers, yoga seekers and budget travellers who want shoulder-season deals. Those who dislike heat should avoid the southern plains and Rajasthan by late March. Families can plan trips around school exams, which are often in March.
Money-Saving Tips for India in March
- Travel outside Holi week if you want low prices.
- Head to the hills before the April–May rush.
- Use overnight trains and state buses.
- Choose hostels, ashrams and homestays.
- Share safari jeeps in Kaziranga.
For more ideas, read Budget Travel in India: Daily Costs for Food, Transport and Accommodation and India Budget Travel Calendar: The Cheapest Destinations to Visit Every Month.
Holi Safety Tips
- Use natural colours and protect your eyes and hair.
- Wear old clothes you do not mind ruining.
- Keep phones and cash in waterproof pouches.
- Women should celebrate in groups or at organised events.
- Avoid bhang if you are unsure of its effects.
What to Pack for India in March
- Light cotton clothes for the plains
- A warm layer for hill evenings
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Old clothes for Holi
- Comfortable walking shoes
Mistakes to Avoid in India in March
- Booking Holi towns late. Rooms in Mathura and Vrindavan fill up.
- Ignoring heat in the south. Plan early mornings.
- Going too high on spring treks without checking snow.
- Missing the Yoga Festival dates if you are interested.
More Itineraries for India in March
Holi Weekend in Braj (3 days)
- Day 1: Train from Delhi to Mathura. Visit the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple and Vishram Ghat. Evening in Vrindavan.
- Day 2: Lathmar Holi in Barsana or Nandgaon (check dates, as they change each year).
- Day 3: Holi at the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, then return.
Cost: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per person. It is the most famous festival trip in India in March.
South India Hill Escape (5 days)
- Days 1–2: Coorg coffee estates in blossom.
- Days 3–5: Mysuru and a quick trip to Ooty or Coonoor.
Cost: ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per person.
Northeast Spring (6 days)
- Days 1–3: Shillong and Sohra.
- Days 4–6: Kaziranga for rhino safaris.
Cost: ₹10,000 to ₹14,000 per person, excluding flights.
Quick Tips for India in March
Check Holi dates early. Book Rishikesh around the Yoga Festival. Head to the hills in the second half of the month as the plains heat up. Carry sunscreen. Pack old clothes for Holi. Use overnight trains. Choose hostels and homestays. These habits keep India in March cheap and fun.
How Much to Budget for India in March
A budget traveller can explore India in March on ₹1,000 to ₹2,300 a day. A one-week trip usually costs ₹8,500 to ₹14,000 including trains. Holi towns cost more during festival days, while hill stations are still cheaper than in May.
Final Checklist for India in March
- Check Holi dates and book Braj stays early.
- Head to the hills in the second half of the month.
- Pack sunscreen and old clothes for Holi.
- Visit Rajasthan and Goa early in the month, before the heat.
India in March for Families
Many children have exams in March, so families often travel at the end of the month. Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Darjeeling, Coorg and Munnar are good choices once school closes. They are cooler than the plains and cheaper than in May. Book trains early, pick family rooms and plan gentle days with one main outing. Holi can be fun for children too, if you choose a calm, organised celebration rather than the crowded festival towns.
Frequently Asked Questions About India in March
Is March a good time to visit India?
Yes. It is pleasant in most places and cheaper than winter.
Where is the best place to celebrate Holi in India?
Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon are the most famous.
Which hill stations are best in India in March?
McLeod Ganj, Chopta, Darjeeling, Munnar and Ooty are lovely in March.
Is Goa good in March?
Yes. It is quieter and cheaper as the season ends.
Is it too hot in India in March?
Not in most places. The southern plains and Rajasthan get warm by late March.
Final Thoughts
Travelling in India in March gives you colour, spring blooms and fair prices. Celebrate Holi, trek through rhododendron forests or relax by the river in Rishikesh. For the next month, read Cheapest Summer Holiday Destinations in India in April, and for the full year, see India Budget Travel Calendar: The Cheapest Destinations to Visit Every Month.