How far in advance should I book a holiday?

For domestic trips, two to four weeks ahead is usually enough. For international holidays needing a visa, allow six to eight weeks. For peak season travel, book two to three months ahead.

Peak periods in India include Diwali, Christmas and New Year, school summer holidays in May and June, and the Char Dham yatra season. During these windows both flights and hotels sell out early and prices climb sharply, so earlier booking saves real money as well as securing availability.