Asia March Travel Guide Map

Tokyo

Japan's capital of temples, towers and food

9.7

Cherry trees bloom in Ueno Park and along the Meguro River, usually opening in late March. Picnickers spread tarps under the trees for hanami. At night paper lanterns glow and the petals drift onto the water. Chidorigafuchi moat is a favorite spot for boat rides under the blossoms.

Highlights:

🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
🍣 Savor sushi at a local eatery

Kyoto

Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining

9.2

Mountains ring this basin city on three sides. Plum blossoms open at Kitano Tenmangu in early March. Cherry blossoms follow in late March along the Philosopher's Path. Thousands of red torii gates climb the hillside at Fushimi Inari. Temples and gardens fill every district of the old capital.

Highlights:

⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning

Hiroshima

Peace Park, okonomiyaki and Miyajima ferry

8.4

The Atomic Bomb Dome stands beside Peace Memorial Park as a reminder of 1945. It joined UNESCO's list in 1996. Nearby Miyajima has a shrine gate that appears to float at high tide. Cherry blossoms start to open in late March along the rivers of the city.

Highlights:

🌸 Stroll Shukkeien Garden’s tranquil bridges and ponds
🏛️ View the haunting ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome
🕊️ Reflect at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Sri Lanka

Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches

7.3

King Kasyapa built a palace on top of Sigiriya, a 200 meter rock, in the fifth century. Frescoes of women line the climb. UNESCO listed the site in 1982. The south coast is dry and sunny in March. Blue whales feed off Mirissa until about April.

Highlights:

🚂 Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations to Ella
🐘 Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park
🪨 Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire its ancient frescoes

Maldives

Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas

9.2

March falls in the dry season that runs from December to April. Calm seas and clear water suit diving and snorkeling. The country has about 1,190 coral islands in 26 atolls. Water stays near 84 degrees Fahrenheit all month. Whale sharks gather around South Ari Atoll.

Highlights:

🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon

India

Palaces, temples, backwaters and Himalayan peaks

7.5

Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal between 1632 and 1653 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It earned World Heritage status in 1983. March brings sunny days before the summer heat, with Agra highs near 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan also have warm dry days.

Highlights:

🛶 Sail on the serene backwaters of Kerala
🛺 Take a colorful rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s lanes
🌅 Watch sunrise over the majestic Taj Mahal

Best destinations to visit in March in Asia