From breathtaking mountain peaks in the Himalayas to bustling metropolises, from stunning ancient temples and palaces to beautiful beaches, the diverse landscape of India, the seventh largest country in the world, is full of exciting and unforgettable places for every traveler's bucket list.

Visitors can explore the ragged, arid mountains of the and visit the beautiful monastery of Hemis, while the adventurous travelers can hike the steep stone steps (with no safety rails!) to in Maharashtra.

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, according to Amusing Planet, so nature lovers should take or meet some at Gir National Park, the world’s only natural habitat for these endangered species.

Those seeking a seaside escape can relax with cows or head to the stunning Andaman Islands known for their . Just be aware that tropical cyclones can occur anytime from April through December in the Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea, according to Jonathan Erdman, senior meteorologist for .

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Before you start packing your bags, make sure to plan your trip according to the seasonal weather. “India has one of the most dramatic shifts of season, thanks to the Asian monsoon, a seasonal shift in wind direction,” meteorologist Jonathan Erdman says. “From June through at least part of the fall, southwest winds bring periods of heavy rain and stifling heat and humidity to much of the country, particularly southern India.”

If you don’t do well with extreme heat, then it might be best to avoid April and May, says Erdman, because they are typically the hottest time of year, with highs in the Ganges Plain near New Delhi toping 110 degrees Fahrenheit, strong winds and blowing dust. But, he adds, “the period after the monsoon shifts from its wet to dry phase, from October to early December, is a great time to visit northern India’s Ganges Plain.”

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