India: Discover its Diverse Climate and Geography

Explore the Expansive Landscapes of India

India, the seventh-largest country in the world, presents a rich variety of landscapes. Flanked by the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean on its eastern, western, and southern coasts, India also shares borders with Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan in the north. Just off its southern coast, Sri Lanka and a host of other islands lie. The country’s geography is largely divided into the mighty mountains in the north, the Thar Desert in the northwest, the Indo-Gangetic plain, the peninsular plateau, and the coastal plains. India is also home to two main island groups: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.

Experience expansive Indian landscapes and contribute to the protection and care of rescued Indian animals by joining our Elephant & Bear Volunteer Project.

Experience the Complex Climate of India

India’s climate mirrors its geographical diversity, with the majority of the country experiencing a tropical climate. The interior regions display a blend of wet and dry tropical weather, while the northern parts show a humid tropical climate. Wet tropical areas are located along the western coast, and a semi-arid climate extends in a strip up the country’s centre and across the northwest. Contrary to the stereotypical heat associated with India, the northern mountainous regions, including the cold, arid, and windswept Himalayas, can see extreme cold.

Discover India’s Four Distinct Seasons

India’s four seasons exhibit strong variations, with summer months (March to June) seeing temperatures rise up to 40°C or higher in certain areas. Pre-monsoon thunderstorms are common in northeastern and eastern parts, while hot and dry winds prevail in the plains of northwest India. The monsoon season (July to September) brings three-quarters of the country’s yearly rainfall. Autumn (October to December) marks the transition to winter, with temperatures and humidity slowly decreasing. Winter (January and February) sees average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C in the northwest and 20°C to 25°C in the southeast. Heavy snowfall in the mountainous regions occurs during these months, with temperatures dropping well below zero.

Volunteering to Protect Wildlife in India: A Journey Impacted by Climate

Our Elephant & Bear Volunteer Project is based in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, a region with consistently mild weather year-round.

From March to November, temperatures rise to mid-40°Cs between April and June and remain in mid-to-high 30°Cs till November. The rainy and most humid months are July, August, and September, while the rest of the year remains relatively dry. The state of Uttar Pradesh experiences extremely hot summers, while October to March offers more pleasant, cool weather.

Climate change has increasingly affected wildlife populations in India. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have led to shifts in the distribution of plant species, affecting the natural habitats and food sources of animals. Elephants, being migratory creatures, are particularly affected by climate-induced habitat changes, leading to more frequent human-elephant conflicts as elephants encroach on human-inhabited areas. Similarly, bears, particularly the Sloth Bear, are suffering from diminishing forest habitats, leading to increased human-bear encounters. By participating in our Elephant & Bear Volunteer Project, you will contribute to safeguarding these magnificent creatures and their habitats in the face of these environmental challenges.

Immerse Yourself in India