Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace
Located amidst the ruins of the ancient Vijaynagar empire, Hampi is one of the most historically significant places in India. It used to be the capital of the prosperous Vijaynagar empire. Home to several temples, royal pavilions and platforms, and monuments, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. The Virupaksha temple located there is an important religious and pilgrim site for Hindus. The overall rocky and rugged environment of Hampi makes it a backpacker’s delight. The weather in November is quite cool and pleasant, which makes it a perfect getaway in November.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Abbey Falls Raja's Seat Coffee Plantations in Coorg
Popularly known as the Scotland of India and the Kashmir of the South, Coorg is a small hill station located in the South Indian State of Karnataka. The greenery and the natural beauty of the place, coupled with the perfect cool and pleasant climate has made it a hit among vacation-goers, especially the adventure and trekking buffs. Several local tribes and communities are settled here, which makes it a diverse place in terms of culture and society.
Best Time: October to March
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.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Water Sports in Varkala Varkala Beach Edava Beach
Varkala is a coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for the unique 15m high 'Northern Cliff' adjacent to the Arabian Sea. It is popular for its hippie culture, shacks on the cliff serving great seafood and playing global music and the samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is also known for Jardana Swami Temple, also known as Dakshin Kashi.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Gadisar Lake
What is avoided and unkempt in summers is festive, colorful and welcoming by the winters. With its sands a bit cooler, November in Jaisalmer looks forward to its desert safari, walking through its forts, palaces, and havelis and enjoying evenings by its lakes. It easily makes it to the best places to visit in November in India. Situated close to the Pakistan border, Jaisalmer’s Sonar Quilla is a living fort replete with hotels, shops and old and majestic havelis
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Pushkar Lake Brahma Temple Savitri Temple
Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. It is considered to be of great religious and cultural importance and comes alive in November. It has a lot of temples with a rare one dedicated to Lord Brahma and a holy lake. But this places is most famous for the Annual Pushkar Camel Fair that takes place in November. The dates of Pushkar Fair this year are 26th Oct – 6th Nov 2014. One can take in the colorful atmosphere of the fair or have a laid-back evening on the banks of the Pushkar Lake surrounded by hundreds of temples.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Water sports Tarkarli Beach Karli backwaters
One of the most beautiful beaches of the state, Tarkarli offers long stretches of white sands, a scuba diving destination and an occasional spotting of dolphins. This one gets as close to a perfect beach holiday for November as one can. And we are not even done yet. Find a fort by the sea, a lazy and calm lake and a enjoy a boat ride through its backwaters. If you have raked up a few leaves and have offbeat travel on your mind, this is one of the great places to visit in November in India. To know more about things to do here, read this Tarkarli Travelogue.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Bharatpur National Park Lohagarh Fort Banke Bihari Temple
Bharatpur is one of the ideal places to visit in November in India. It is that time of the year when Bharatpur is home not only to a rich variety of local species but to countless birds migrating here for the winters. Find here birds from all the way to Siberia and Central Asia such as Cranes, Pelicans. Wagtails, Geese, Flycatchers, Pipits and countless more, making birdwatchers from all over, visit the park around November. Also spot some land birds, waterbirds.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. When you think of Kodaikanal, you think of a wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is true. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Mahabodhi Temple Great Buddha Statue Tibetan Refugee Market
Believed to be the most sacred of Buddhist pilgrimage centers all over the world, the town is landmarked by descendants of the very Mahabodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment and the neighboring Mahabodhi temple. Visit Bodhgaya during November for the pleasant weather and celebrated hustle bustle, as the town plays host to some monks from Dharamshala.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Paragliding Wilderness Adventure Camps(WAC) Naag Mandir
One of the lesser known hill stations in Jammu-Kashmir region, Sanasar is an adventure enthusiasts' haven offering various activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, abseiling and trekking.If this November, you want to stretch your arms, paragliding over Kashmir’s valleys, trek, rock climb and play golf, mark Sanasar on your maps already. Head over to this little-known town during November, to have just the right mix of a calm and peaceful holiday with a dash of adventure.
Best Time: April to June
Known For : Marichjhanpi Ghoramara Island New Moore Island
As monsoons give way to winters, they leave behind the gates to these thick forests open. While the rains made traveling to the mangroves difficult, the much awaited November month bring the most pleasant of temperatures to visit one of the richest and most balanced ecosystems of the country. Sunderbans in November is a sight o behold. Sundarbans Unravelled.
Best Time: September to March
Known For : Tagore's ashrama Poush Mela Amar Kutir
A calm town near Kolkata is known for its Tagore Ashram, the Nobel Laureate’s vision and life events, a museum, and art gallery. Like most of what’s in and around, this university town is best enjoyed during November with its pleasant weather.
Best Time: Mid August to March
Known For : Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Kal Bhairava Temple Ram Mandir Ghat
Landmarked by the Mahakaleshwar temple by a lake, and all the spirituality and festivity that it gathers around itself, visit Ujjain during November when the weather is pleasant. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, marked by a self-born lingam and the sprawling structure built around it — a great option for places to visit during November in India.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Golden Temple Wagah Border Jallianwala Bagh
Any word used to describe the celebrations, devotion, and festivity at the Golden temple of Guru Nanak Jayanti in November tends to be an understatement. Guru Nanak Guru-Purab falls in November, but the exact date varies from year to year. While this landmark of the state is always a unique experience, visit Amritsar is one of the places to visit in November in India to find the structure sparkling with lights and witness religion and spirituality as never before.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ganga Aarti, Varanasi Dashashwamedh Ghat
Sometime during the last week of November, the banks of Ganges host one of the most significant festivals of Indian Classical Music and Dance. Other than pilgrims, one finds some of the most celebrated artists like Pandit Birju Maharaj, Kailash Kher performing in Varanasi. Also taking place about during the same time is Dev Deepawali, which is marked by grand aartis and leaves the stairs to the river lit with countless diyas, and the river itself glittering under the reflection of the city. All these aspects make it one of the places to visit in November in India. You can know more about it from our special blog on Dev Deepawali.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Old Manali Solang Valley Jogini Waterfall
This beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in North India. Surrounded by the towering, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and thick pine forests, one can just not get over the sheer raw beauty of this place. The winter months begin from November onwards, and that is when the true scenic beauty of Manali is revealed to the world. It’s also the perfect time to go skiing for all the winter sports enthusiasts. Add Manali to your places to visit in November in India, and you’re bound to have an enchanting experience.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Tarin Fish Farm - Paddy cultivation Kile Pakho Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
A UNESCO World Heritage Site for all the right reasons, Ziro Valley, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India. One is bound to fall in love with the scenery of this place, which mainly comprises of rice and paddy fields, high mountains and clean, flowing rivers. It is mainly inhabited by the Apa Tani tribe who are very helpful and hospitable people. Though by November winter sets in here, but the sheer enchanting nature of this place makes it one of the best places to visit in November in India.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Morgan House Durpin Dara hill Cactus Nursery
A hill station which gathered fame post the Colonial Era, Kalimpong is a small, yet serene place situated amidst a backdrop of the mighty snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas. It’s slowly developing into a popular vacation getaway owing to its lovely temperate climate. It is also an important destination for Buddhism in India. Go for a trek and enjoy the natural surroundings of the place, opt to meditate, go for Buddhist tours, or just relax, this place is perfect for all of it.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
Known For : Jehangir Mahal, Orchha Fort Ram Raja Temple Raja Mahal, Orchha Fort
Literally meaning “the hidden place," Orchha is one of the marvels located in the central part of India. It used to be the foothold of the Bundela rulers during the medieval period. Though it is also known for it’s rich historical and cultural significance, it’s the spectacular medieval architecture of this place, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The numerous palaces, forts, frescoes, and murals are absolutely exquisite and bound to blow one’s mind. It’s one of the best options for November Holidays in India as the weather is perfect for sightseeing.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi
Offering a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Himalayas, Almora is a small station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It’s a popular tourist destination owing to its vibrant culture and heritage, the mouth-watering food and its incredible scenery. Several temples are present here, the most important ones being the Chital and Nanda Devi temples which are flocked by devotees most of the times. Head over to this alluring place for a fun holiday in November.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Kohima Museum Touphema Village
The land of the Nagas, the fierce warrior tribes, Kohima is the capital of the Indian state of Nagaland, a part of the seven sisters, in the North-eastern part of India. It offers a visual treat to the visitors, owing to the rolling green hills and the mountainous background. The Hornbill Festival, which showcases the rich culture and traditions of the 16 different types of Naga tribes, is held in December every year and is a major tourist attraction.
Best Time: October to June
The sole home of the endangered Asiatic Lion, the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1975, as a need to safeguard the lion population which had fallen steeply due to illegal hunting and poaching. Since the sanctuary has been set up, though government conservation attempts, there has been an increase in the lion population. Though the place is shut during the monsoon season, the winter months are the best time to visit it, as there is an increased possibility of sighting wildlife.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Om Beach Mahabaleshwara Temple Paradise Beach, Gokarna
With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Banasura Sagar Dam Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembra Peak
Replete with waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and homestays, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Walking through the sprawling spice plantations, trekking to the pre-historic caves and experiencing a resort holiday are one of the many things you can do to get a taste of Wayanad.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary Vagamon Meadows Pine Hill
1100 meters above sea, far way from the loud city culture, lush greenery and serenity to gift every visitor, Vagamon could be your quiet offbeat hill station in Kerala away from maddening tourist crowds.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Rann of Kutch Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Dholavira
Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Jaigad Fort Water Sports in Ganapatipule Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
Beach town on the Konkan coastline, Ganpatipule has temples of Lord Ganesha as major attractions apart from the beautiful virgin beaches.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Taragarh Fort Moti Mahal, Bundi Badal Mahal, Bundi
A princely state for a princely stay, in the northwest of India, lies the district of Bundi, in the Hadoti region of the royal state of Rajasthan. In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : City Palace, Udaipur Lake Pichola Sajjangarh Palace
Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. This 'Venice of the East' has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India. A boat ride through the serene waters of Lake Pichola will be enough to prove to you why Udaipur is the pride of Rajasthan.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Bhangarh Fort Bala Quila Fort Sariska National Park
Alwar is the first major city that comes while travelling from Delhi to Rajasthan and is uniquely located at 150 km south of Delhi and 150 km north of Jaipur. Alwar is a hub of tourism with a wide range of forts like Bhangarh fort, lakes, nature reserves like Sariska Tiger Reserve and heritage havelis. Apart from being a popular tourist centre, Alwar also draws pride from its reputation of being featured in a number of Bollywood movies. It is also famous for the Mega Alwar Trade fair held at Dussehra Ground every year and handmade Papier-mâché (literally 'chewed paper'). Alwar has a unique recognition because of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bala-Quila, Bhangarh Fort, Pandu Pol and other temples and its importance of the food map because of the heavenly Kalakand.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : India Gate Qutub Minar Akshardham Temple Delhi
The capital of India, Delhi is a cosmopolitan city with a historic old Delhi and the modern New Delhi. From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from an extensive network of the modern metro system to Delhi University campus, Dilli has multiple personalities and is considered to be the city with a heart.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Sanchi Stupa The Great Bowl Ashok Pillar
Located in Madhya Pradesh, the Buddhist monuments of Sanchi are one of the oldest stone structures in India. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the Great Stupa was installed in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. The sculptures and monuments present at the site are a fine example of the development of Buddhist art and architecture. The stupa sits atop a hill in Sanchi, 46 km from the city of Bhopal.
Best Time: July to March
November, know to be the best season to travel. Do not let this best season go waste. Visit these fantastic places with your loved ones and explore as much as you can.