November is one of the finest months of the year to travel in India. The monsoon spell is well and truly over, winter sets in but temperatures are yet to fall down drastically, the sun shines brightly and the weather is splendid for outdoor activities.
This month is also a time of the year when festivals and cultural extravaganzas —that herald the end of summer and rainy season and the start of the winter—are held throughout the country.
The most notable among these festivals is the “Festival of Light” DIWALI which is held in the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika (which usually corresponds to late October and mid-November) as per the Gregorian Calendar. Celebrating the triumph of good over evil, and Light over Darkness, Diwali is the biggest festival in India.
The annual Pushkar Camel Festival also draws a large number of tourists from all over the world to Rajasthan.
While November is considered the peak tourist season in India, it is still not as crowded as compared to December and January, when tourists from the Western Hemisphere head to India during their Christmas and New Year breaks. So, you will find top tourist destinations less crowded.
If you intend to travel in north India, November can be a particularly good time because of the clear blue skies during this month. The plains of North India tend to be engulfed in fog in late December and early January, which undermines visibility during the early and late hours of the day.
15 Of The Best Places To Visit In November In India
Here is a list of what we think are the 15 best places to visit in India in November. This list covers tourist destinations all across India and caters to a wide range of tastes, styles and preferences, So, whether you are traveling solo, with your loved one on a honeymoon tour, or on a family trip with your kids, there is something for everyone in November.
1. Delhi
Delhi is India’s proud capital and a custodian of the country’s rich historical, cultural, spiritual and civilizational legacy. India is a land of magnificent history and culture and the capital should be able to do justice to this stature.
Delhi does just that!
Delhi is the perfect blend of OLD-WORLD HINDUSTAN charm and a new rising 21st century India—an India of excellence in IT, software engineering, commerce, trade and textile innovation.
Nowhere in India does history meet the present better than in Delhi. Nowhere in India does heritage, lore and legends meet modern reason and technological innovation than in Delhi.
It is also a good time of the year to go shopping in the lovely traditional Bazars of Delhi like Janpath, Sarojini Nagar Market, Connaught Place and South Ex.
What Can You Do in Delhi
A historical crossroads smack in the middle of the ancient silk roads that connected the Eurasian Continent from Central Asia to Russia, DELHI teems with historical significance and romance.
We recommend that you do not miss out on the following: the RED FORT, HUMAYUN’s TOMB, INDIA GATE, JAMA MASJID, the NATIONAL MUSEUM, QUTAB MINAR, CHANDNI CHOWK, and the AKSHARDHAM and LOTUS temples.
Delhi’s cuisine is a veritable fusion of Central Asian, Persian and Hindustani influences, we definitely recommend a food tour of Delhi —arguably one of the best food scenes in India.
For more details, check out our LUXURY DELHI TOURS here.
2. Pushkar (Rajasthan):
For The Camel Festival And Other Cultural Attractions
Located 83 miles from the capital of Rajasthan Jaipur, PUSHKAR is a quaint little lakeside town in the district of AJMER. A sacred site for both Hindus and Sikhs, PUSHKAR is considered an important pilgrimage site in both these great Indian spiritual traditions.
Regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements in India, PUSHKAR really comes alive in the month of NOVEMBER as it gears up to hold the iconic PUSHKAR CAMEL FESTIVAL (a livestock-cum-cultural-extravaganza and festival). The festival and the festivity surrounding it makes Pushkar one of the best places to visit in November in India.
Colloquially known as the PUSHKAR MELA (Pushkar Fair), the camel festival is ostensibly an annual trade and selling of livestock including not just camels, but also cows, horses, and other domesticated animals.
However, it is also a high-octane cultural experience featuring folk dance, puppet show (KATHPUTLI), snake charming, camel and horse racing, textiles and much more. This all-around revelry and merry-making goes on for over a week.
What Else Can You Do in PUSHKAR
PUSHKAR is surrounded by the vast THAR DESERT that stretches on to infinity. The weather is perfect for CAMEL SAFARI, JEEP DUNING and CAMPING in the sand dunes. There are many tour operators that offer these experiences.
For more details, check out our LUXURY PUSHKAR TOURS here.
As one of the oldest towns in India, PUSHKAR warrants some heritage immersion. We recommend that you witness the JAGATPITA BRAHMA MANDIR on the side of the SAROVAR PUSHKAR lake. The lake itself is believed to have been created by LORD BRAHMA himself, so you find BRAHMA’s stamp all over the place in Pushkar with dedications and homages to the deity.
LORD BRAHMA is known as the CREATOR of the UNIVERSE and the epitome of Vedas and Knowledge. He is one of the primary deities in a religion of 33 million deities, yet doesn’t have many temples in India. Pushkar is one of the few places in India where Brahma is worshipped and has a temple dedicated to him.
Like the evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi and Rishikesh, every evening an AARTI CEREMONY (ritual to honor the divine lake) takes place that is one of the top things to witness in PUSHKAR.
For further historical and heritage tours, visit the BRAHMA, SAVITRI, VARAHA and RANGJI temples and the sacred Sikh temple, GURUDWARA SAHID PUSHKAR.
3. Agra, Taj Mahal
For The Taj Mahal And Historical Heritage
Agra in Uttar Pradesh is the home of the Taj Mahal. It is a historical land of heritage, culture, myth and legend. As the former capital of the Mughal Empire (before the seat of power was moved to Delhi), Agra brims with ancient mausoleums, palaces, grand old bazaars, forts and sites of historical significance.
This grand old city is an integral part of the tourism circuit in North India and features in almost every itinerary to the region, alongside Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and other attractions of North India.
Things to Do in Agra/Places to See
Witnessing the Taj Mahal is one of life’s greatest pleasures. This Wonder of the World took 22,000 skilled artisans and masons 22 years to build. Every inch of this magnificent site is built to perfection. We highly recommend that you sign up for the night-viewing experience at the Taj Mahal, which is available for five days of the month (on the night of the full moon, and two nights before and two nights after the full moon).
Agra is the hub of the legendary Mughal cuisine. When you are in town, we recommend you feast like a Mughal emperor and try all the Mughlai delicacies.
Another top Agra attraction is the magnificent Agra Fort built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar (1565-73 AD). It served as the fort residence and the Grand Durbar of the Emperor until Agra was the capital of the empire.
The ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri (the capital of the empire before Agra) lies a few miles outside of what is now Agra city. We highly recommend a heritage excursion to this part of Agra teeming with old mausoleums and heritage site.
4. Varanasi, Utter Pradesh
The riverside city of Kashi (Banaras) in the state of Utter Pradesh, which is now known as VARANASI, is one of the most sacred destinations in the Hindu tradition.
No trip to India to India can be considered complete without a trip to Varanasi and witness the GANGA AARTI ceremony that takes place every evening. All year round, the city is thronged by millions of Hindu pilgrims, devotees and international tourists.
November is a great month to visit Varanasi as the temperatures cool down after the summer and monsoon but it is still not as chilly as it is in December and January.
What Can You Do in VARANASI
A trip to Varanasi feels like a journey back in time through a time machine, a journey to the old world Hindustan as described in the ancient epic and scripture.
One of the first things we recommend is that you watch the sunset GANGA AARTI ceremony conducted on the Ghat (embankments) of the divine river. Priests read aloud passages from the scriptures in a backdrop of ringing of bells, loud blaring of sea shells and clanging of brass cymbals.
Varanasi is considered one of the oldest major cities in India. Boat rides in the Ganga river are one of the best ways in which you can witness life as it unfolds in its frenetic pace along the Ghat embankments and surrounding settlements. We also recommend that you watch sunrises and sunsets aboard a boat—they are a memorable experience.
Varanasi is brimmed with historical landmarks that date back as far as 3000 years. We, therefore, propose a HERITAGE TOUR of the city with an informed historian-guide.
Finally, in a place like VARANASI with its spiritual aura and mystique, it would be an oversight to not indulge in some meditation or seek enlightenment from a Sadhu or Guru.
SARNATH (the place where Lord Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon) is located a few miles from Varanasi. It is regarded as one of the holiest sites in Buddhism.
For more details check out LUXURY VARANASI TOURS here.
5. Haridwar, Uttarakhand
The sacred town of Haridwar in the northern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is the site of one of India’s greatest spectacles – THE KUMBH MELA (the Kumbh Festival) which is celebrated every 12 years. During this festival, tens of millions of Hindu devotees congregate on the banks of the sacred Ganga river in HARIDWAR to perform the ritualistic bathing meant to attain Moksha (salvation).
You will have to wait for the next Kumbh Mela for quite some time as the next iteration of it will be held in 2028. But every year in November, the town also holds the famous KARTIK POORNIMA FESTIVAL which is considered a very holy festival in the Hindu tradition.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this festival is celebrated on a full moon day. Deepawali lamps (clay clamps) are lit up and floated in the holy Ganga river. It is a sight to behold. Devotees take a holy dip in the river to cleanse their souls.
What Should You Do In HARIDWAR
Witnessing the evening GANGA AARTI ceremony on the Ghat embankments in HARIDWAR is an absolute must.
We recommend that you visit the BHARAT MATA, CHAND DEVI, DAKHSHA, MAHADEV and MANSA DEVI Temples.
For more details on what to do in UTTARAKHAND in the month of May, check out our exclusive UTTARAKHAND LUXURY TOURS here.
6. Mandawa, Rajasthan
The little town of Mandawa lies 17 miles from the city center of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan (100 miles from the capital city of Jaipur).
Once an important part of the medieval Kingdom of Shekhawati, Mandawa is known for its artistic and archeological heritage. It is often described in tourism literature as “an open-air gallery.”
That is because the town’s landscape is dotted by exquisite Havelis (India’s answer to medieval European castles) adorn with elaborate architectural designs, motifs, and calligraphies. These Havelis were built by rich merchants, noblemen, generals, and aristocrats in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these Havelis have now been transformed into heritage hotels, where you can sojourn like Shekhawatis royalty.
November is a particularly great time to visit this arid dry part of Rajasthan. The weather is pleasant and the skies shine bright blue making the “open-air galleries” of Mandawa a joy to behold.
What Can You Do in MANDAWA
Stay in a heritage Haveli and enjoy the Shekhawati hospitality experience.
Go on a Havelis-hopping heritage tour to the Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, and the Chowkhaani Double Haveli.
Other top attractions are the Harlaka Well, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, and Chokhani Haveli.
7. Marari, Kerala
The village of Mararikulam in the Alappuzha District (6 miles from the town center in Alappuzha/Alleppey) is home to one of India’s finest beaches in Marari.
In a National Geographic Survey of the “World’s Best Hammock Beaches,” Marari featured in the top 5 beaches in the world.
If you are looking for an off-beat quieter alternative to beaches like Goa or Kavolam in Kerala, then Marari is the place to be: your ultimate tropical beach paradise.
What Else Can You Do in MARARI
Aside from the beach life, there is more to Marari.
The St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal is a remarkable exhibit of architecture of the Victorian era.
You can also go on a temple tour to the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple and the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temples.
A houseboat experience is one of the top tourist attractions in this part of Kerala. Make sure you do not miss out on it.
And, of course, there are the backwaters of Allapuzha, an otherworld of lush green waterways lined with coconut palms and exotic little villages.
8. Kutch “White Desert”, Gujarat
The moniker “White Desert of India” is given to the RANN OF KUTCH region in Gujarat in West India due to a large swath of salt marshes desert that stretches across into Pakistan.
Formerly a Princely State, but not a part of India, Kutch is hard to travel in the summer but the WHITE DESERT comes to life in the month of November and December. The famous Rann Festival, a cultural gala showcasing the splendor of the region, is held during this time of the year.
We, therefore, recommend a trip to this part of India in the month of November. A desert safari, a luxury camping experience and a nighttime stargazing experience in KUTCH are experiences you are unlikely to forget for a long time.
What Else Can You Do in GUJARAT in November
If you are a wildlife lover, the famous GIR FOREST (GIR NATIONAL PARK) is one of the last remaining bastions of the Asiatic Lions. The park is also home to other exotic animals like jungle cats, striped hyenas, honey badgers and leopards.
The capital city of AHMADABAD offers a vast range of culinary delights that are worth indulging in. These include foods like Khakra, Fafda, Dhokla and Farsan. If you are a foodie, then we strongly suggest that you go on a food tour here.
9. Coorg, Kerala
KERALA is the feather in the South Indian crown. The state attracts arguably more international tourists than any other state in the region. Country-wide Rajasthan is probably the only state that rivals its popularity during the peak tourist season (Nov-March).
Affectionately known as God’s Own Country, Kerala is blessed with pristine beaches, tranquil backwaters, amazing nature and wildlife reserves, a sumptuous cuisine, tea and coffee plantations and a world-renowned Ayurveda medicinal tradition that dates back 500 years.
In November, we strongly recommend a relaxing holiday in the hill station of KODAGU (popularly known as COORG).
What Can You Do in Coorg
Coorg has everything you need from a hill station: mist-covered mountains, rolling green tea gardens, waterfalls and majestic sceneries. The officers of the British Raj named it the “SCOTLAND OF INDIA” due to its resemblance with the Scottish Highlands.
RAJA’s SEAT – a great vantage point where the Kings of COORG enjoyed views of the region, is amongst the top tourist places in India.
The DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP located nearby offers a chance to get close to giant giants and the NISARGADHAMAM FOREST PARK is ideal for nature walks and trails.
Finally, do not forget to go on a spice and tea plantation tour.
10. Alleppey, Kerala
Another KERALA experience that we strongly recommended —and one without which your tour of Kerala will be incomplete— is a trip to the backwaters of ALLEPPEY.
There is nothing on the planet like the picturesque backwaters of Kerala where you waltz your way through the water in a lush green surrounding dotted with palm trees and other tropical foliage.
We recommend a HOUSEBOAT tour in the backwaters of Alleppey. These Alleppey Houseboats are a delight. Equipped with all the amenities that you expect from a small cozy Kerala House, they take you through the backwaters in ultimate style and comfort.
Witnessing a sunrise or stargazing at night in the backwaters from the terrace of your houseboat is an experience you are unlikely to forget.
What Else Can You Do in KERALA
KERALA is famous for its ancient AYURVEDIC healing tradition. Dating back 5000 years, it takes a holistic mind as well as body approach to healing with a mix of massage therapies, dietary intervention, herbal medicine, acupuncture and yoga. We think you should do yourself a favor and check into an AYURVEDA-inspired spa resort in KERALA.
To learn more, check out our LUXURY KERALA TOURS here.
TEA PLANTATION Tours in MUNNAR (another famous Keralan hill station) are also among the most popular tourist experience in Kerala.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK in the IDUKKI region that is home to Asian elephants, white tigers, Indian Bisons, sloth bears and 266 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles and 40 species of fish is a great SAFARI option.
11. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
The southern Indian state of Karnataka draws tourists to its splendid heritage and archeological sites, glorious temples, palaces, hill stations, coffee plantations, vibrant culture, amazing wildlife parks and delectable cuisine.
NOVEMBER is a great time to tour the state and partake in its cultural immersions.
For more details on what you can do in KARNATAKA, browse our LUXURY KARNATAKA TOURS here.
In November, we recommend the hill station of CHIKMAGALUR which is nestled in the MULLAYANAGIRI MOUNTAINS of the Western Ghats. The region features a pleasant climate, beautiful waterfalls, and cascading tea gardens.
What Can You Do in CHIKMAGALUR
CHIKMAGALUR is one of the finest places in India for HIKING and NATURE TRAILS. We particularly recommend the hike to the MULLAYANAGARI PEAK – the highest in the region.
The BHADRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY is another place for nature walks. It is home to leopards, elephants and tigers.
Another popular hiking trail is the BABADUDANGIRI HILLS.
12. Shillong, Meghalaya
Known as the “Scotland of the East,” SHILLONG is the scenic capital of the northeastern state of MEGHALAYA.
This region boasts beautiful hill stations, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, tribal cultural immersion and exotic wildlife.
For more details about whether the Indian Northeast is worth visiting and the things to do, check out our exclusive NORTH EAST INDIA TOURS here.
Shillong has excellent all-year-round weather, however, it does get quite cold in December and January as snow covers the surrounding mountains. November is, therefore, a good time to be in SHILLONG.
What Can You Do in SHILLONG
The famous UMIAM LAKE (Barapani Lake) is one of the most notable lakes in India, famous for its biodiversity and beauty.
You can also plan a day trip to the CHERRANPUNJI and MAYLYNNONG (officially the wettest places on the planet) which are famous for their “Living Root Bridges” formed out of live rubber tree routes over streams and rivers. This part of Shillong is also chock-a-bloc with cascading waterfalls.
From the city, you can hike up to the top of the SHILLONG PEAK to get breathtaking views of the capital.
13. Mysore, Karnataka
Known as the “City of Royalty” Mysore is a place of regal elegance, stylish architecture and an aura of romance.
NOVEMBER is a good time to be in KARNATAKA, go on a tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site HAMPI, and combine that with a day trip to MYSORE.
For more details about a holiday in the state, check out our exclusive KARNATAKA TOURS.
What Can You Do in MYSORE
The MYSORE PALACE (also known as the AMBA PALACE) is a splendid exhibition of what is known in the world of architecture as the Indo-Saracenic style (a blend of Persian and Central Asian influences with those of India, and the Gothic style of the British Raj).
We also recommend tours to other heritage sites like the PHILOMENA CATHEDRAL built during the British era, and the old CHAMUNDESHARI MANDIR.
Another tourist attraction is the SILK WEAVING factories that the city of Mysore is famous for.
KARANAJI LAKE in the outskirts of the city is also great for a relaxing picnic.
14. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur in Rajasthan is known as the “City of Lakes” due to a landscape characterized by seven lakes that are connected to one another by a web of bridges, arched pathways and canals. This Venice-like layout has also earned the moniker “Venice in the East.”
Udaipur was the historical seat of the once glorious Rajput Kingdom of Mewar. Today, it is the second most important tourist destination in what is arguably the most popular state in North India—Rajasthan.
Udaipur draws visitors from all over the world in peak tourist season (November-March) to its lake-side serenity, its palace-turned-heritage hotels (offering unparalleled luxury), heritage Havelis, temples, festival and cultural attractions.
There is an unmistakable charm and romance to Udaipur that makes the place such a hit with tourists.
What Can You Do in Udaipur
Staying in an opulent Palace hotel is one of the first things you should do in Udaipur. Rajasthan is a place of royalty and luxury, and there are very few places better than Udaipur to get a glimpse of the royal life—by living like one in an authentic royal palace.
15. Sundarbans, West Bengal
The SUNDARBANS NATIONAL PARK in the state of West Bengal in the northeast of India is a vast archipelago of dense mangrove forests that brims with exotic wildlife and avian wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Ganges Delta and spreads across the Sundarbans of Bangladesh.
Comprising 102 small islands, the SUNDARBANS has also been declared a “wetland site of international importance” by the United Nations under the Ramsar Convention.
We highly recommend a wildlife safari in the Sundarbans. Some notable animals in this national park are the Royal Bengal Tigers, saltwater crocodiles, hawksbill turtles, and the Ganges River Dolphins.
