Known For : Cellular Jail Scuba Diving In Andaman Radhanagar Beach
The Andaman Islands begin to bid farewell to the monsoons in October, ushering in clearer skies and calmer seas. This transition month sees fewer tourists, making it an ideal time for travelers seeking a more tranquil experience and untouched beaches. With the onset of pleasant weather, water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving become increasingly popular, offering vibrant marine life views.
Best Time: October to Jun
Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace
One of the 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 13th century with magnificent temples and architectural wonders. The city is in ruins now, but it serves as one of the most interesting places in India to hangout with good weather and ambience to spend some time away from the cities. If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Bengaluru for a weekend in October, Hampi is only an overnight train ride away.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Kunzum Pass
Spiti Valley, nestled in the Himalayas, starts experiencing the early signs of winter with temperatures dropping significantly during the month of october. The landscape transforms, displaying a blend of autumn hues and early snow, making it a visual treat for photographers and nature enthusiasts. However, travelers should be cautious as some routes may begin to close due to snow, and amenities become limited in this remote region.
Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct
Known For : Echo Point, Munnar Atukkad Waterfalls Munnar Tea Plantations
The idyllic hill station Munnar - famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world’s largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji. It is one of the best places to visit in October in South India due to its comfortable climate.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Tiger Hill Batasia Loop
Referred to as the “queen of the hills”, Darjeeling is a delight. With so much to see and do here, one must take a long holiday in October to enjoy its beauty as the monsoon recedes in September, Darjeeling blossoms in the fall making it one of the best places to visit in India in October. With monasteries, national parks, valleys, soaring mountains, rock garden, toy train, Observatory, colonial architecture, this places has it all, and it looks especially lovely in the fall. Head out this October!
Best Time: February to March, September to December
Known For : Banasura Sagar Dam Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembra Peak
A quick escape from the city life of Bengaluru at around 250 kms distance, Wayanad is great for a peaceful weekend getaway, especially in October. Wayanad is located in Northern Kerala, and it borders Karnataka to its west. A trip to Wayanad is incomplete without a trek to the Chembra peak and Wayanad National park. The weather becomes just fine in October in Wayanad for an enjoyable holiday experience.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Calangute Beach Fort Aguada Cruise in Goa
Lying on the west coast, Goa is one of the smallest states in India known for its brilliant beaches, scrumptious food and Portuguese heritage. Panjim, the capital city located in the centre is well-connected with an international airport and roads and trains run from North to South part of Goa. It is one of the best places to visit in India in October due to great weather conditions and to witness the start of the peak season in the state.
Best Time: October to March
Now a Tiger Reserve of repute, this National Park used to be the hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rewa. The park has the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world which significantly increases the chances of spotting one while on a safari. It also boasts of rich flora and fauna apart from the spectacular tigers. It even has an old fort which is now in ruins but is a great trekking destination. This is one of the best places to visit in October if nature and adventure are your callings.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital
Nainital is one of the most charming hill stations in India which comes alive and is one of the best places to visit in October. The weather is not too cold in October, and the sunsets on the lakes are to die for. It is a photographer’s delight with beautiful lakes surrounded by verdant mountains and temples. There are many activities on offer like boating, trekking, horse-riding etc. It also has an amazing market which is renowned for its woodwork, local handicraft and scented candles.
Best Time: Throughout the year
One of UNESCO World heritage sites, Manas National Park, is of great ecological importance so much so that it has also been declared a Project Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve. While the park itself may take up a majority of your holidays in October, you can also visit the tea plantations, the summer palace of the King of Bhutan or simply just laze around on the banks of the Manas river. If you are a nature buff, this is one of the best places to visit in India in October.
Best Time: October to Apr
Known For : Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula Triveni Ghat
One of the most amazing adventure hubs in India, Rishikesh along with its twin city Haridwar is also of prime religious importance. If you are planning to go for bungee jumping or river rafting, holidays in October are an ideal time to visit Rishikesh before the weather gets too chilly.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Tarin Fish Farm - Paddy cultivation Kile Pakho Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Perfect for an offbeat holiday, Ziro is a small town in eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded by hills on the sides with lush green paddy fields in the town, Ziro is mostly inhabited by the Apa Tani Tribes. If you missed the Ziro music festival in September, and want to see what is this beautiful hidden gem that everyone is talking about, October holidays are the right time to visit Ziro with monsoon season over and winters just starting to set in.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Rann of Kutch Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Dholavira
One of the most surreal places in India, with a white salt desert and beautiful moonlight nights, Kutch lies in the westernmost of India, and it shares a boundary with Pakistan. With deserts, oasis, beaches, heritage palaces, delicious food, religious temples, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. all in the same district, Bhuj including Kutch is one of the few destinations in India that offers almost everything.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Bee falls Jata Shankar caves Pandava Caves
The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is often known as the queen of the Satpura ranges. With the weather becoming just about right for the enchanting views, Pachmarhi is one of the best places to visit in India in October.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Marine Station/Aquarium of Zoological Survey of India New Digha Beach Udaipur Beach
Considered to be the most beautiful beach in West Bengal, Digha is a popular weekend getaway from Kolkata. With summers and monsoons ending and weather getting better in October, Digha has lazy afternoons and pleasant evenings in October. Post-Durgo-Pujo festivities in September-October, spending the weekend in Digha could be a great option to relax.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Jaigad Fort Water Sports in Ganapatipule Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
One of the few beach towns in Maharashtra with gorgeous beaches, white sand shores, forts, temples and a lighthouse, Ganpatipule is one of the quietest towns which sees very little tourists compared to other famous beaches like Goa, Kashid, Alibaug, etc. After the rainfall reduces by September, Ganpatipule becomes one of the best places to visit in India in October as it is the first month when people start coming back to the town.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Mall Road, Shimla The Ridge Jakhu Temple
Situated at a height of 2200m, Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh in India. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla has been a very popular place to visit in India in October among Indian families and honeymooners since the last 50 years.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Mehrangarh Fort Umaid Bhawan Palace Camel Safari
Jodhpur is famous for the majestic Mehrangarh Fort which was used as a shooting location for the Hollywood movie, The Dark Knight Rises. Aptly named the “Gateway to Thar” this city has many houses painted blue and is hence also known as the Blue city. Go here in October when the weather is balmy and soak yourself in the cultural and architectural beauty of Rajasthan. Moreover, Jodhpur plays host to the mesmerising Rajasthan International Folk Festival in October.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Varkala Cliff Water Sports in Varkala Varkala Beach
Imagine a beautiful and serene coastline, beaches lined with palm trees, lighthouses, hills and frequented by hippies. Now add forts, lakes, a saint’s samadhi and ancient temples to make a heady mix of a place. Moreover, to top it all, Varkala is an offbeat place with the best time to visit in October. Let us not give you more spoilers. Put your trust in us and head out to this place to make your October Holidays memorable.
Best Time: October to February
Pawapuri, located at a mere 20km from Nalanda, is of great religious importance to the Jain community. It is the burial site of Lord Mahavira and has a beautiful temple in the middle of the pond dedicated to him. Both these places are very peaceful and make for relaxing places to visit in India in October. The sacred places Nalanda and Pawapuri are also well-known for the ancient seat of learning and great architecture
Known For : Nalanda University Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall The Great Stupa
A stoic reminder of our glorious past, great academic lineage and cultural heritage, Nalanda continues to amaze with its sheer historical richness. A favourite among history buffs, it is the site of the world’s oldest residential university, and its landscape is dotted with remains of temples, monasteries, learning centres, dormitories etc.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Paragliding in Bir Billing Chokling Monastery Gunehar Waterfall
Bir is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir Billing is a popular destination located in Joginder Nagar valley known for adventures sports such as paragliding, treks and also as the town for meditation. It is one of the best places to visit in October in India for adventure activities.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo
Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore is one of the most flamboyant places in the country. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Mysore is especially beautiful place to visit in India in October due to the famed Dusshera celebrations that take place during this time.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Victoria Memorial Fort William Kolkata Belur Math
Kolkata, India's second-biggest city, is a perpetually ongoing festival of human existence, concurrently luxurious and squalid, refined and frantic, pointedly futuristic, while beautifully in decay. A vibrant 350-year-old metropolis located on India's Eastern Coast, the capital of West Bengal thrives on contradictions and imposing spectacles; nothing is commonplace in this city. It is one of the best places to visit in India in October due to the world-famous Durga Pujo celebrations which take place during this time.
Best Time: October to March
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan reopens after the monsoon season during the month of October, offering a rejuvenated and lush landscape teeming with wildlife. As the vegetation is still dense from the rains, it presents a picturesque backdrop for wildlife sightings, including the park's famed Bengal tigers. The pleasant weather during this month attracts wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, making it an ideal time to explore the park's rich biodiversity.
Known For : Taj Mahal Agra Fort Taj Mahotsav
Home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a sneak peek into the architectural history with other UNESCO World Heritage Sites as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. History, architecture, romance all together create the magic of Agra and hence makes for a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting India.
Best Time: October to March
Which of these places to visit in India in October are on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!