Northern India during monsoon / august

Shajara

Hi,
I'm travelling India for 20 days in august and this will be my first time, so please be mercyful if what I'm asking might sound obvious for you frequent travellers!

- I'm landing in Delhi and then moving by train on a medium budget basis. The itinerary is not yet completed : I'm wondering if it would be better, considering the weather conditions during monsoon, to focus my trip more on Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand etc. Then of course I would like to see the tourist "must" Taj Mahal...

- My decision if either going north (himalayan hills) or west (desert cities) or join a bit of both is related to climate, most of all. I know I can't see everything, so I'm wondering what to see this and what to put off to next time, when I will perhaps have the chance to visit India in a better season.

What can I expect in the above areas in August? And what would you choose in my place? I've read reports of infections, insects, floods and dull skies, but I don't want to give up...
Thanks in advance,
Shajara

kullukid

Beginning of Aug will be wet in all those areas. Here's a suggestion;Fly from Delhi to Leh in Ladakh (where it doesn't usually rain at beginning of Aug) then travel overland by sharejeep to Manali & Kullu valley, the rains should start receding southward from Manali by mid Aug. KK