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 : Cellular Jail Elephant Beach Neil Island
Replete with picturesque shimmering beaches, lagoons of turquoise blue waters and a bit of history, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a little slice of paradise tucked around 1,400 km away from the east coast of India. The union territory comprises a total of 572 islands, only 37 of which are inhabited and a few are open to the tourists.
Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is the gateway to the archipelago and is connected with various islands via multiple daily ferries. Havelock and Neil Island are some of the most famous islands among tourists and is known for pearly white sands, palm-lined shores and offer some of the best snorkelling and diving options in India.
Best Time: October to Jun
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. Kachch looks even more surreal on full-moon nights with light falling on the white salt desert. The beauty of the place and pleasant weather makes it one of the best places to visit in India in October.
Best Time: July to March
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 : 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 : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Kunzum Pass
Long winding roads and valleys that present unforgettable glimpses of cold desert and snow-crowned mountains welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets just around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.
Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct
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 : 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 : 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. Named after Goddess Naina, this is a favourite haunt among the honeymoon crowd. 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. If you are planning a trip here, then there is no better time than October when the wildlife and vegetation are at their plentiful best. 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 : Tata Tea Museum (KDHP Museum) Echo Point, Munnar Eravikulam National Park
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 : 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. Mumbai folks, if you’re bored of the crowded beaches, a trip to Ganpatipule-Ratnagiri is going to be a welcome change.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : The Ridge Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla
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. Visit the old Havelis and Palaces to get a touch of royalty. Moreover, Jodhpur plays host to the mesmerising Rajasthan International Folk Festival in October. This year it is slated to be held between 23rd and 27th October. The festival has UNESCO’s endorsement and support as a “Peoples’ Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development.” It brings together artists and cultural performers from across the globe and is a must visit in October.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Water Sports in Varkala Varkala Beach Edava 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: Throughout the year
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. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in the state of Karnataka, and its rich cultural heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. 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. Famously known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is, in every sense, the artistic, cultural and intellectual capital of the country. Kolkata's streets are vivid, hectic, chaotic, and yet, brimming with life and creativity. 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
Spread in an area of 392 sq. Km, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is one of the largest and famed tiger reserves in the country, famous for the magnificent Bengal Tiger found there. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve derives its name from the Ranthambore Fort located in the region. Situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, it forms a part of Project Tiger reserves, by the Government of India, set up in 1955. Ancient religious ruins found within the forest, surrounded by the rich biodiversity and aesthetically crumbling cenotaphs make Ranthambore Tiger Reserve a favourite spot for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers.
Known For : Shopping in Agra Taj Mahal Fatehpur Sikri
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!
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