Oman's Coastal Charm
March presents an excellent opportunity to explore Oman, with Mumbai-Muscat flights starting at an attractive Rs4,334. The seas are warmer, making it ideal
for dolphin-watching excursions and kayaking adventures. Heritage walks through Old Muscat and along the harbor are best enjoyed in the cooler early mornings. The bustling Muttrah fish market offers a vibrant glimpse into local life, complementing your souq browsing experience. Venturing into the Hajar Mountains reveals the peak rose season on Jebel Akhdar, a unique chance to witness villages adorned with blooms and sample fresh rosewater from small distilleries. For panoramic views and invigorating hikes, Jebel Shams, often called the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia,' offers clear vistas with fewer crowds. Coastal areas like Ras Al Jinz see the commencement of turtle nesting, while the Daymaniyat Islands provide superb snorkeling conditions before the summer currents intensify. Further south, Salalah is in its tranquil shoulder season, boasting expansive, uncrowded beaches, diverse migrating seabirds, and serene coastal drives along dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.
Nepal's Himalayan Spring
Experience the magic of Nepal in March, with flights from Mumbai to Kathmandu available from Rs5,774 on Air India. Indians can enjoy visa-free entry, making it an even more accessible choice. The Kathmandu Valley is perfect for leisurely exploration of its temples and historical sites; early morning walks along the Bagmati River near Pashupatinath and discovering the quiet courtyards of Bhaktapur, with its intricate pottery and wooden carvings, are particularly atmospheric. This month is also prime for accessible, low-altitude treks, as trails become dry and local villages buzz with post-winter activity. The Annapurna foothills and Helambu region bloom with flowering trees, and clear mornings offer spectacular mountain vistas. Pokhara enhances the experience with improved paragliding conditions and lively lakeside cafes welcoming travelers. In the southern lowlands, Bardia and Chitwan National Parks experience drier conditions, concentrating wildlife near water sources, which increases chances of spotting one-horned rhinos, deer, and a variety of birds. The vibrant Holi festival, celebrated across cities and towns, adds a layer of colorful festivities, music, and playful water fights, immersing visitors in local culture.
Thailand's Tropical Allure
Thailand beckons with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, offering direct flights from Mumbai to Phuket from Rs7,490 on VietJet Air, with visa-free entry for Indians. Bangkok is best explored in the early mornings with canal tours and visits to floating markets before the heat sets in. Afternoons are perfect for air-conditioned cultural immersion in museums or exploring trendy neighborhoods like Talad Noi and Ari, followed by evening culinary adventures in Yaowarat and Bang Rak. The Andaman coast is at its peak for diving and snorkeling in March, offering exceptional underwater visibility around the Similan and Surin Islands, with calm waters perfect for exploring Krabi and Phuket. The Gulf islands, including Koh Tao, remain popular for snorkeling and beginner diving, while Koh Phangan and Koh Samui provide serene beach experiences before the summer crowds arrive. Up north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are still in the pleasant tail end of the cooler season, making it an ideal time for visits to coffee plantations, waterfall excursions, and leisurely cycling through picturesque rural areas.
