Best places to travel in April

As India’s central plains warm through February and March, the water sources dry out. By April, animals are drawn from the jungle to larger lakes, making this the best month to spot a range of Indian wildlife.

Spend a few weeks on safari in some of the country’s national parks and sanctuaries and you might spot a leopard relaxing in the bough of a tree, a sloth bear lurking in the shadows, or the star of the show — the Bengal tiger. Herds of elephants and deer roam freely, while jewel-toned birds flit between the trees. This is also the season for seeing clouds of butterflies and the red blossom of the aptly-named flame-of-the-forest tree.

With plenty of sunshine and far less rainfall than the summer months, April is one of the best times to visit South Australia. The dry, clear roads make this a good time for a road trip across the region, or for combining a stay in the Outback with wildlife spotting on Kangaroo Island. You could also go wine tasting in the Clare and Barossa Valleys, where the grape harvest will be in full swing.

Another option is to add on time in Western Australia, where you can take a boat trip to see (or swim near) whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.

April is the month of romance in Italy, when men offer a single rosebud to the women they love as part of the Festa di San Marco. As San Marco is the patron saint of Venice, the city celebrates with aplomb. If Easter week falls in April, this can also make it an exciting time to visit, with many towns and cities holding week-long celebrations. In Rome, a number of events are led by the pope.

April is also the start of truffle-hunting season, which you could experience by joining a guided truffle hunt or by simply enjoying the range of seasonal truffle-infused dishes.

Temperatures in Mexico are picking up in April, making this the ideal time to explore the beaches, cenotes (natural sinkholes) and towns of the Yucatán Peninsula. Inland, it’s still comfortable enough to explore the Mayan archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. You could combine this with visits to lesser-known Mayan sites such as nearby Uxmal, dedicated to the rain god Chac, or Tutum, a temple site positioned to gaze out over the Caribbean Sea.

The beaches of the Mayan Riviera are lapped by warm, calm seas at this time of year. You can also visit many of the riviera’s nature parks, which offer zip-lining, guided activities, and snorkeling.

April is the final month of the Maldives’ dry season, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall. It tends to be quieter than the peak months of February and March, making the islands even more peaceful, and many resorts offer multi-night discounts or dining offers.

The water visibility is also particularly clear at this time of year, making it an excellent time for snorkeling or diving. Most resorts will offer complimentary snorkeling gear and have an on-site dive school. We recommend picking an island with its own house reef you can swim to from the beach.