Howell has been to India for each of the four previous stagings of European Tour events in India, including the last three Avantha Masters.
"I've always enjoyed playing in India, it's a fascinating country. You see some sights and sounds which you're not used to seeing back home in Europe, so it really opens your eyes," said Howell.
Speaking of golf in India, the 37-year-old Englishman said, "I was out here two or three weeks ago for Shiv (Kapur)'s tournament, which was played up near Mumbai. It was a lot of fun to do something a bit different, and hopefully the concept takes off. It was a 14-hole, day/night team event, and it's got real potential."
Howell has not tasted victory since 2006, though he came close a few times.
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"I'm really looking forward to it. I've had one week off since playing in South Africa, spent a bit of time with the family and did a bit of practice. I'm in a good run of form, so I come into the week in confident mood."
Slowly but steadily, Howell has been getting back into the rhythm that once made him a Ryder Cup player back in 2004 and also won titles in Dubai, Shanghai and the BMW International.