There are three distinct seasons; each with a charm of it’s own. We are open all the year round, except in the middle of the monsoons during the months of July and August. *

Summer: March, April and May
Temperatures during summer are usually a maximum of 36° centigrade and a minimum of 20° centigrade. We do not have to endure the harsh summers of the plains. March winds and April Showers are a common occurrence, and these months also throw up a magnificent spectrum of colour. You have the onset of new growth, and the flowering of jungle trees, such as The Flame of the Forest, (Butea frondosa), and The Silk Cotton Tree, (Bombax malabaricum). This season belongs to the cicadas and their endless call, and the morning is broken with the cry of the Jungle fowl.

May is the season for summer storms, and they can be an amazing sight, thick black rain clouds, lightening, hail stones, and the truly unforgettable smell of the moist earth. This is an ideal time to spot the Great Hornbill, and the Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula) is now in full bloom.

Monsoons: June to October
The South West Monsoons are here, and it’s wonderful. June is brilliant with a colour palette of green, blue, and white. With the outbreak of the rains usually on the 7th of June, the chorus of the frogs begin. Joining in, are the Common Cricket Frog, Rana limnocharis, the Bush frog Philautus.spp, and the Common Tree frog, Polypedates maculatus among others The first wild mushrooms appear, and The Common Indian Langur, (Presbytis entellus) begins to feast on tender bamboo shoot. Orchids begin to flower.

There is an incredible diversity among insects, with ants, beetles, and caterpillars leading the way. There are moths of every size, shape, and colour. Butterflies are everywhere.

Winter: November to February
Winter brings clear, brilliant skies just right for stargazing. It starts to get nippy by the end of November, and temperatures .can fall to as low as 10° centigrade at night. Lakes and village tanks are full and it’s time to look for waterfowl. This is the time to get serious about Birding. The Indian Bison is a regular visitor to the Hermitage, and the Chittal begin to call. Though Butterflies are seen all the year round, delight in them now. In winter, the Lemon emigrant (Catopsilia pomona), mottled emigrant (Catopsilia pyranthe), peacock pansy (Precis almana almana) and plain tiger (Danaus chrysippus) are a common sight.
The unmistakable fragrance of maturing paddy fields follows you everywhere, and the chikkoo’s need plucking. Listen to the jackal howl on a clear winter night.

*If you would like to experience the height of the Southwest Monsoon during the months of July and August, accommodation is available in just one unit, the Gota, please inquire.

Things to bring with you: