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India Tourism: India is a country of unity in diversity where you will find people of all kinds spreading their different culture, customs etc. Just like a delicious vegetable is made by mixing many vegetables, in the same way, there is a confluence of many religions in India which together makes this country secular. There is no dearth of tourist spots in North India. You will be mesmerized as soon as you see the tourist spots of India . On one side you will see colorful valleys and on the other side, high waves of the sea. Somewhere you will see sky-touching mountains and somewhere blooming gardens. You just need to stop and absorb them.
Get ready for a thrilling ride that will leave you satisfied. Let us now take a look at the list of tourist places in India in detail:
1. Delhi – The City of Kindhearted
The capital of India is known as Delhi of the people with big hearts. This city is famous all over the country for its historical monuments, temples, markets etc. People coming from anywhere definitely visit Delhi and the reason for this is that they find the atmosphere here friendly. If you want to spend some moments of peace then Lotus Temple will be the best choice for you. If you like noise and bustle then go to Chandni Chowk. Make your trip memorable by visiting many places like Red Fort, India Gate, Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid, Sarojini Nagar Bazaar etc.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach:
- By Air: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is very well connected to cities across India and the world.
- By Rail: Delhi has an extensive railway network with major railway stations like New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Sarai Rohilla and Old Sabzi Mandi.
- By Road: One can travel by bus from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Alwar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dehradun and even Kathmandu. Travellers can take buses from interstate bus terminals at Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan, Majnu Ka Tila and Bikaner House among others.
Places to visit: You can visit all these places like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Lotus Temple, Akshardham, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Humayun’s Tomb etc.
Average temperature: 25 to 34 degrees Celsius.
2. Agra Taj Mahal – The Iconic City
Agra is easily named among the tourist attractions of India because one of the seven wonders of the world is located here. The infinite beauty of the Taj Mahal tells the story of love. The Taj Mahal, made of white marble, was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his Begum Mumtaz Mahal. The Yamuna river flows behind it. Another thing that is famous here is the delicious Agra ka Petha, the taste of which will remain on your tongue.
Best time to visit: April to October
How to reach:
- By Air: Kheria Airport, 13 km from Agra, is a seasonal commercial airport and is connected to New Delhi only by Air India flights.
- By Rail: Agra Cantt Station, Agra Fort Railway Station, Raja Ki Mandi, Agra City and Idgah Railway Station are well connected by a network of trains to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kolkata.
- By Road: Agra has two major interstate bus terminals called Idgah Bus Stand and ISBT which connects it to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Lucknow, Kanpur, Mumbai and Chennai.
Places to visit: You can visit places like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula, Mehtab Bagh, Jama Masjid, Guru Ka Talab, Tomb of Akbar the Great, Chini Ka Rauza, Moti Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Delhi Gate, Great Gate (Darwaza-e-Rauza), Amar Singh Gate, Kanch Mahal, and Sikandra.
Average temperature: 24 to 34 degree Celsius
3. Jaipur – The Pink City
Known as the “Pink City”, this city is located in Rajasthan. This city is full of different types of forts and ancient buildings. Jaipur is an integral part of the tourist places of India. The most famous among the people is Hawa Mahal. If you have not seen Hawa Mahal after coming here, then your trip is incomplete. Living among the Rajasthanis, you will never feel like a stranger because there is a sense of belonging in their language. You can visit Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar-Mantar, Rambagh Palace etc. here.
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach:
- By Air: Sanganer Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to Jaipur. It serves both domestic and international carriers. The airport is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai among other cities.
- By Rail: Jaipur Railway Station is connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Patna, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Bhopal, Lucknow, Hyderabad.
- By Road: Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) provides regular Volvo and deluxe buses between Jaipur and neighbouring cities. Buses connect Jaipur to many cities like Kota, Delhi, Udaipur, Ahmedabad and Ajmer. Those driving from Delhi can reach Jaipur in about 5 to 6 hours via NH 8.
Places to visit: You can enjoy visiting places like Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Pink City Bazaar, Albert Hall Museum, Galtaji, Birla Temple, Chokhi Dhani, Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Bhuteshwar Mahadev, Central Park, Bapu Bazaar.
Average temperature: 25.1 °C.
4. Darjeeling – The Queen of the Hills
Darjeeling is one of the major tourist destinations of India which is also called the “Queen of Hills”. On one side there are mesmerizing mountains and on the other side there are beautiful lush green tea gardens. This is the region that produces the best tea in the world. Other attractive places are Tiger Hill, Toy Train, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and Happy Valley Tea Estate.
Best time to visit: February to March and September to December
How to reach:
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Darjeeling which is 38 km away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station from Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri at a distance of just 62 km.
- By Road: One can also ride regular buses that run on a daily basis from Siliguri to Darjeeling. However, there are many buses that frequently go to Darjeeling from Kurseong, Kalimpong, and nearby cities.
Places to visit: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, The Japanese Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, Nightingale Park and Sandakphu Peak.
Average temperature: 17.8-degree Celsius.
5. Kanyakumari – The Land of Unlimited Water
Kanyakumari is surrounded by unlimited water on all three sides. On one side is the Arabian Sea, on the other side is the Indian Ocean and on the third side is the Bay of Bengal. The view of sunset here is a unique experience which cannot be described in words. Here you will get to see South Indian culture. If you are fond of delicious South Indian dishes then definitely come here. There are some other places which remain the center of attraction for tourists like Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Bhagavathi Amman Temple, Kanyakumari Beach and Padmanabhapuram Palace.
Best time to visit: October to February
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International
How to reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is Trivandrum International Airport, which is located 67 km from Kanyakumari. From here you can take a bus or a cab to reach Kanyakumari.
- By Train: Kanyakumari has its own railway station which is well connected to most of the Indian cities.
- By Road: Kanyakumari is well connected to major South Indian cities by road. If you are travelling from any South Indian location then you can opt for self-drive.
Average temperature: 31°C
6. Kashmir – The Paradise of India Tourism
Kashmir is called the paradise of India. The beautiful valleys of this place will captivate you so much that you will simply want to be here. Seeing the snow-covered high mountains and trees and plants, you will be immersed in the colors of nature and you will feel as if you understand the language of the rustling of these leaves. The waves of water falling from the lake will embrace you in its arms. You will definitely feel like you are in heaven. Beautiful places like Gulmarg, Dal Lake, Sonmarg, Pahalgam etc. will immerse you and you will want to come here again and again.
Best time to visit: March to May
How to reach:
- By Air: Srinagar Airport, now popularly known as Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar, operates flights to major cities in India like Goa, Delhi, Leh, Mumbai, Bangalore and Jammu. Some of the flights operated from this airport are Indigo, Air India, GoAir and Jet Airways. Srinagar Airport is located at a distance of about 14 km from the city.
- By Rail: At present there is no railway station in Srinagar. The nearest railway station to Srinagar is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is about 300 km from Srinagar. Jammu Tawi Railway Station runs several daily trains to Delhi like New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, Jammu Mail and Jammu Tawi Express.
- By Road: Jammu and Kashmir has good road connectivity. National Highway (NH) 1 and NH 44 connect Kashmir to major cities of India. Buses operated by Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) also connect Jammu to other nearby cities like Patnitop, Srinagar and Amritsar.
Average temperature: 14°C to 30°C
7. Goa – A favourite holiday destination
This city is popular for its beaches. You can come here in any season and relax from your hectic life. Start the morning with water sports, then capture the sunset in the evening and spend the night dancing in the club. You will get a chance to enjoy different things in a single day. You can give some peace to your mind by visiting the church or temple here.
Best time to visit: September and October
How to reach:
- By Air: Dabolim International Airport is located in Goa. All types of flights operate from here.
- By Rail: Madgaon Railway Station and Thivim Railway Station are one of the main railway stations in Goa.
- By Road: Madgaon Bus Terminal, Kadamba Bus Terminal and Mapusa Bus Terminal are the best connected bus terminals in Goa. However, many people prefer to take a car/bike ride from Mumbai and Pune.
- By Sea: You can also opt for ferry services which is an excellent mode of transport. You can take a ferry from Mumbai to Panaji and reach Goa easily.
Places to visit: Beaches like Vagator, Calangute, Anjuna, Colva and Benaulim, Fort Aguada, Church of Mae de Deus, Bodgeshwar Temple, Dudhsagar Falls, St. Xavier’s Church, Grand Island (for watersports), Deltin Royale Casino and clubs like Cafe Mambos, Titos, LPK (Love Passion Karma), CinQ, and Club Cubana.
8. Leh/Ladakh – A city covered in snow
Leh is the capital of Ladakh located in the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. During summers, it is one of the most crowded places where you will find the roads covered with thick sheets of snow. This place has two aspects – the first will immerse you in spirituality by visiting monasteries like Alchi, Thiksey, Lamayuru etc. and the second will thrill you with mountaineering, rafting, trekking etc. You must visit here once with your friends and be engrossed in joy.
Best time to visit: April to mid-May and mid-September to mid-October
How to reach:
- By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh connects the region to other places by air.
- By Rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km from Ladakh) is the nearest railway station. From here, one can hire a taxi or take a JKSRTC bus to Ladakh.
- Road: The most popular mode of transport to reach Ladakh is by road. Travellers can take a bike/jeep ride to the destination. Bike trips from Delhi, Chandigarh and Manali are the most popular.
Places to visit: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Spituk Gompa and Hemis National Park
Bike rental: You can rent a bike in Ladakh and it costs up to Rs 2000 per day
Average temperature: Minimum 15°C and maximum 28°C.
9. Ajanta and Ellora caves – the beauty of antiquity
Located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, these caves have been carved out of many rocks. Inside the cave, you will find beautiful paintings and sculptures related to Buddhism. This cave, built in ancient times, is the result of hard work. UNESCO has kept it as a world heritage. Tourist places in India are always ready to attract people. Such a unique cave will not leave you spellbound and you will not be able to stop yourself from coming here.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach:
- By Air: The caves are around 100 km from Aurangabad Airport, which is well connected to major cities of India.
- By Train: Jalgaon Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located at a distance of 60 km. If you are wondering how to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves from Mumbai and other cities of the country.
- By Road: Aurangabad is easily accessible by road from various neighbouring places like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Aurangabad and Ahmedabad.
Average temperature: 37°C
10. Varanasi – The Holy Place Of The Ganges
Varanasi is one of the religious places where everyone is immersed in the colours of worship and devotion. The temple bells take the devotee to God. The holy stream of Ganga keeps showering its blessings on everyone. Ganga Aarti is performed here every evening as the sun sets and the big lamps rotated by the priests light up the evening. If you are religious, then come here and fulfill your devotion. Do visit here while touring India.
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach:
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi is well connected to Delhi and Mumbai.
- By Rail: Kashi Railway Station and Varanasi Junction are the two major railway stations in the city.
- By Road: Government and private buses ply regularly between Varanasi and nearby cities.
Places to visit: Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Durga Temple
Average temperature: 30°C.
11. Mcleodganj- The City of Hills
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in India is McLeod Ganj. This place is also very famous because it is the home of the famous Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. From here, Triund offers a spectacular view of the Dhauladhar mountain range. You can enjoy camping with your friends under a billion stars in Triund. It is one of the most beautiful Indian destinations for camping, no matter which season you are visiting.
Best time to visit: September to June
How to reach:
- By air: Gaggal Airport (18 km away) is the nearest airport.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station, which is 89 km from the city.
- By Road: Several state government and private buses ply on a regular basis between Mcleodganj and various cities of North India like Delhi, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, etc. Travellers can take a bus from the Mcleodganj Bus Stand and then hire a taxi.
Places to visit: Travellers can visit Kangra Fort, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple Complex, HPCA Stadium, Tea Gardens of Kangra Valley and Triund Trek.
12. Srinagar – Natural Beauty
The capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar attracts a large number of tourists at all times of the year. However, summer is considered the best time to visit this place. There are beautiful Mughal gardens, religious centers with beautiful architecture, houseboats on the majestic Dal Lake, apple orchards and shopping areas where you can roam. You can learn about the various types of flora and fauna of Dachigam National Reserve. You can also visit the Shankaracharya Temple situated at an altitude of 1000 feet.
Best time to visit: April to October
How to reach:
- By Air: Srinagar has its own airport. This airport is connected to almost all the major cities.
- By Rail: Srinagar Railway Station is under construction. Till then, travellers can take a train to Udhampur Railway Station (229 km from Srinagar).
- By Road: Srinagar is connected to the whole country through road. Direct bus service is available from Srinagar to many major cities like Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. Srinagar is 418 km from Leh, 266 km from Jammu, 566 km from Chandigarh and 814 km from Delhi.
Places to visit: Dal Lake (shining, boating and overnight stay in houseboats), Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Jama Masjid, Hazratbal Mosque, Shankaracharya Hill, Pari Mahal and Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Restaurants in Srinagar: Mughal Darbar, Cafe de Linz
Famous lakes: Nagin Lake, Dal Lake
13. Andaman-Favourite Island Destination
For those who enjoy sun, sand and beaches, Andaman is one of the best places to visit in India. Located in the Bay of Bengal, the islands are home to a wide variety of not only marine life but also forests covering more than three-fourths of the area. The Andaman Islands are home to a wide variety of tourist activities. In fact, the islands are one of the best diving, snorkeling, scuba diving spots in India. If you are planning a trip to the Andaman Islands, this is a must-visit place.
Best time to visit: November to mid-May
How to reach:
- By Air: Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair is the major airport in the archipelago.
- By Sea: Ships ply between the Haddo Wharf port in Port Blair and the cities of Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.
Places to visit: Cellular Jail National Memorial, Radhanagar Beach, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiya Tapu and watersports like scuba diving, snorkelling and parasailing can be enjoyed.
Water Activities: Activities like banana boat ride, snorkeling, parasailing, jet-skiing, undersea walking, speed boating, scuba diving and sport fishing can be done.
Average temperature: 24 degrees Celsius (minimum) and 37 degrees (maximum)
Beaches of Andaman: Famous beaches include Radhanagar beach, Corbyn’s Cove, Wandoor beach and Merk Bay beach.
14. Binsar-The Snow Covered City
image source: Shutterstock
Apart from witnessing the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains and forests, there are many things to do in Binsar that will keep you entertained. Located at an altitude of 2400 m, Binsar has a beautiful terrain, dense forests and many hills. It is an ideal place to spend time early in the morning listening to the chirping of birds. The major attraction of Binsar is the panoramic view of the mountains from Zero Point. Binsar is an ideal place for bird lovers, nature lovers and landscape photographers. It is also known for its wide range of flora and fauna. The charming villages of Binsar are a delight to visit and it is an ideal place to visit and interact with the locals.
Best time to visit: October to November
How to reach:
- By Air: There is a domestic airport at Pantnagar, 152 km from Binsar.
- By Rail: Kathgodam Railway Station, 119 km from Binsar, is the nearest railway station.
- By Road: Buses connect the city to all major neighboring areas. Travelers can travel comfortably.
Places to visit: Zero Point, Pariyadev Pashan, Mary Budden Estate, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, apart from this there are many other places where tourists can visit.
Wildlife: Barking deer, Himalayan bear, leopard, squirrel, spotted deer and porcupine are some of the animal species found here.
Average temperature: 19.8 °C (max) and 6.5 °C (min)
Camping: There are many camping sites available in the area and you need to book in advance as these get full during peak seasons like June and January.
Jeep Safari: There are many companies that provide jeep safari to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary which you can book in advance and enjoy all these things.
15. Coorg- Famous for natural sites
Madikeri or Mercara, the capital of Coorg, is a beautiful hill town located in the Western Ghats. This hill station is 1452 meters above sea level. Lush green forest slopes, colorful views, misty mountains, waterfalls, dense tropical forests, tea, coffee and spice plantations have made this place a paradise for nature lovers. This enchantingly beautiful place is also popularly called ‘Scotland of India and Kashmir of the South’. There are many attractions in and around Madikeri. Where you can enjoy visiting.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach:
- By air: The nearest domestic airport is at Mangalore, 156 km away. The nearest international airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, 285 km away.
- By Rail: Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station at 106 km away.
- By Road: The 238 km long road journey from Bengaluru takes 5 hrs 30 mins.
Places to visit: Abbey Falls, Nalkanad Palace, Barapole River, Brahmagiri Peak, Iruppu Falls, Namdroling Monastery, Nagarhole National Park, Microlight flights at Chelavara, Ziplining and Fishing in Cauvery River.
Average temperature: 29 °C
16. Kerala- The confluence of sea and mountain
One of the most incredibly beautiful states of India is Kerala which is located in the southern part of the country. It has always been a favorite destination for tourists due to its extensive coastline and natural beauty. Kerala is widely known for its beaches, waterfalls, ancient palaces and backwaters. If you are one of those who love beaches amidst mountains then you must visit Kerala. This state has some fascinating places and activities that you must experience once in your life.
Best time to visit: November to January and June to August
How to reach:
- By Air: Kerala has three main airports – Calicut International Airport, Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport. These airports connect Kerala to various cities around the world, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Muscat and Dubai.
- By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, Ernakulam Junction Railway Station and Kollam Junction Railway Station are the three major railway stations in Kerala. These stations connect the state to cities and towns across India.
Places to visit: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Marari Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Punnamada Lake, Pathiramanal and Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha.
Average temperature: 28°C
17. Kanatal – Natural Scenic Views
Kanatal is a very beautiful place nestled between mountains, rivers and greenery all around. Located in Uttarakhand, Kanatal is also one of the emerging centers of adventure sports and outdoor activities. You can visit Surkanda Devi Temple, Kodia Jungle, New Tehri and Chamba here. As far as activities are concerned, you can enjoy activities like Burma Bridge Crossing, Commando Walking, Natural Rock Climbing, Flying Fox and Rappelling. Most people like to camp here.
Best time to visit: April to June
How to reach:
- By Air: Located at a distance of 92 km, Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Kanatal.
- By Rail: Located at a distance of 75 km, Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kanatal.
Places to visit: You can visit many places like Kodia Forest, Tehri Lake, Surkanda Devi Temple, New Tehri Dam etc.
Average temperature: 25°C
18. Kasol- Main tourist attraction
Kasol, also known as the Mini Israel of India, is a very popular tourist destination. It is a village located in the middle of the Parvati Valley. Although the area has become commercialized in the last few years, you can still enjoy the peace in this hill station. It is very accessible by road. If you want to avoid heavy traffic, try to leave early in the morning.
Best time to visit: October to June
How to reach:
- By air: Bhuntar Domestic Airport (31 km away) is the nearest flight connection.
- By Rail: Pathankot (296 km away) is the nearest railway station.
- By Road: HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) runs regular buses from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Pathankot, Shimla, Kangra, Solan and other Himachal cities like Dharamshala.
Places to visit: Kheerganga Peak, Malana Village, Parvati River, Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, Jari, Bhuntar.
Average temperature: 16.8-degree Celsius
19. Kutch – Historical Site
If you are keen to go on a trip where you can experience more than just the pleasure of travel, then the Great Rann of Kutch located in Gujarat is the right place for you. The city of Kutch holds great historical importance and the Great Rann of Kutch is a magnificent scenic view. Vijay Vilas Palace, a summer palace named after the heir apparent of this state, Yuvraj Shri Vijayraj, is considered one of the famous landmarks of Kutch India. Beautifully built of red sandstone, this palace has the most exquisite stone carvings and tile work done beautifully. Spread over 45 acres of land, this palace reflects the royalty while offering spectacular views. The palace has its own beautiful private beach and air-conditioned accommodation.
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach:
- By Air: Bhuj Airport, 69 km away, is the nearest airport to Kutch.
- By Rail: Bhuj Railway Station is 50 km from Kutch.
Places to visit: Prag Mahal, Kalo Dungar, Kutch Museum, Archaeological Museum, Mandvi Beach, White Desert, Aina Mahal are the places to visit.
Average temperature: 26.3 °C
20. Bir Billing – Popular Paragliding Spot
Bir Billing is a small village in Himachal Pradesh that has gained immense popularity among the people due to its old-world charm. The village is located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Waterfalls, pine forests, serene monasteries, pleasant weather, adventure activities like paragliding have transformed Bir Billing from a small town to a tourist destination. Bir Billing is also home to several Tibetan refugee settlements and also has many Buddhist monasteries. It is no wonder that you will find more Buddhist monks here than any other part of Himachal Pradesh. Most of the tourist places in Bir have a deep influence of Tibet and the monasteries of Bir also serve as a holistic center for meditation, yoga and sustainable living.
Best time to visit: April to June
How to reach:
- By Air: Kangra Airport at Gaggal is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of about 67 kilometres from Bir Billing.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to Bir Billing is Pathankot which is located at a distance of approximately 140 kilometres.
- By Road: Located in the heart of Himachal, Bir Billing can be reached by road as several government and private buses ply from Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali, Shimla and nearby cities.
Places to visit: Baijnath Shiva Temple, Billing Valley, Chamunda Devi Temple, Shiva Tirtha, Ahju Fort are some of the places you can visit.
Average temperature: 16.8-degree Celsius
