October is the month when the prolonged and intense summer that begins in the month of April finally draws down to a much-anticipated end. The temperatures begin to drop down, the weather becomes cooler, the winds become refreshing, the monsoon rains cease, and the tourist season kicks off.
October heralds the arrival of autumn and the beginning of what is considered the peak tourist season (high season time) in the Indian tourism calendar (which lasts until March).
It is generally considered a good time to visit almost all parts of India. While in months preceding October, you might have to restrict yourself to certain locations in the north and northeast to escape the heat, humidity and rains, in OCTOBER you can just about head anywhere in the North or South and everything in between!
The tourism season peaks in November and December, as tourists from the Western Hemisphere take advantage of their end of Year and Christmas holidays to discover India. October, is, therefore, a relatively affordable time to visit India within the high season before the prices of accommodation and activities begin to peak.
If you are looking to travel to India in the month of October and need help putting together a well-rounded itinerary, look no further!
Here is our guide to the best places to visit in October in India, along with important tips, guidelines and things to keep in mind.
15 Of The Best Places To Visit In October In India
1. Lahaul Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)
The Spiti Valley is perched at a height of 3,000 meters (9,700 ft) above sea level in the KUNZUM range of the Himalayas. This sparsely populated stunningly beautiful valley is known as the Gateway to Tibet.
Previously two separate regions, but now merged into one district, the LAHAUL SPITI district boasts ancient monasteries, rugged barren mountains, tribal hamlets, glaciers, lakes, high mountain passes and the gorgeous Spiti River.
The word “Spiti” means “the middle land” in the local Bhoti language of the region (the middle being the land between India and Tibet). The valley is located 110 miles from MANALI (a famous tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh) and 134 miles from the nearest airport in KULLU.
What Can You Do in LAHAUL SPITI
Due to its proximity with Tibet, the culture of the valley is heavily influenced by Tibetan traditions and religion. To explore this aspect of life in Lahaul Spiti, we recommend that you visit the KIBBER VILLAGE to learn how the community sustains itself in this rugged remote terrain and find an ecological balance with its surroundings.
To learn more about the region, visits to DHANKKAR, TABO and KEY Monasteries will also be worth your time.
If you love nature, we highly recommend star-gazing in the cold desert in Spiti. At night Spiti transforms into a realm from another universe with stars glistening in the sky. A visit to the MOON LAKE (CHANDRATAL BARALACHA) is also a must-do tourist activity.
LAHAUL SPITI is a land of high passes that historically served as connecting routes between Hindustan and Tibet. We recommend that you visit the KUNZUM pass (that connects Spiti and Lahaul) and other passes like PIN PARVATI, CHANDRATAL and HAMPTA.
2. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
JAISALMER gets its nickname the “GOLDEN CITY” from the gold-colored sandstone that is used to build its legendary JAISALMER FORT.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fort is not only one of the biggest in India but also one of the few remaining “LIVING FORTS” in the world (one that is continuously inhabited for hundreds of years). Built by the legendary RAJPUT leader JAISAL (after whom the town is named), this fort dates back to 1156 and was a prosperous stopover in the ancient SILK ROADS trades.
The fort is home to houses, temples, restaurants, hotels, markets and museums. Almost one-third of the city’s population still lives in the Jaisalmer fort. Jaisalmer is one of the finest destinations in November in all of India.
What Can You Do In JAISALMER
Aside from the fort, Jaisalmer is also home to some stunning Havelis (medieval Indian mansions) that are worth checking out, namely, PATWON KI HAVELI, SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI and NATHMAL HAVELI.
One of the biggest tourist attractions in Jaisalmer in the winter months (Oct-March) is the vast SAND DUNES outside the city that are ideal for camping, camel safari, “sand duning” (via jeeps) and picnics with BBQ.
For some spooky adventures, we recommend that you check out the “Haunted Village” of KULDHARA 10 miles outside of the city. This was once a very prosperous settlement dating back to the 13th century, however, in the early 19th century, it was mysteriously abandoned by its inhabitants. As to why that happened, the mystery still remains unresolved.
3. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
If you are in Uttarakhand in the month of October, one unforgettable experience that you cannot miss out on is a Tiger Safari at the JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK located in the Kumaon District.
You can pair up this safari with a vacation at any of these locations: ALMORA, RANI KHET, BHIMTAL, KAUSANI and NAINITAL. Two birds with one shot!
Established in 1936 during the British Raj era, this national park is the oldest in India and is named after the famous Conservationist and hunter Jim Corbett.
Perched at a height of 14,000 ft above sea level, JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK is home to some 586 species that include Indian elephants, leopards, jungle cats, pangolins, langurs and the Himalayan Black bears.
But the marque animal, of course, is the majestic ROYAL BENGAL TIGER. The Tiger Safari in Jim Corbett is considered one of the best in India (and ranks alongside Bandhavgarh [Madhya Pradesh] and Ranthambore [Rajasthan] as one of the top 3 in India.
4. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
October is the time of the year when the summer (April-September) and monsoon season (late June- September) finally make their way out. The month of September acts as the interregnum period between a prolonged summer and winter (which kicks in around early November).
Along with Kerala, Rajasthan is probably one of the most visited regions in India. However, summer is considered off season in Rajasthan as the temperatures in the desert rise up to almost 100 °F, making most parts of Rajasthan very hard to travel in.
But October is the right time to begin your escapades in Rajasthan. We suggest that you start with the “BLUE CITY” JODHPUR.
What Can You Do in JODHPUR in October
The second largest city in Rajasthan (after the capital of Jaipur), JODHPUR is known for its historical and cultural attractions, forts and palaces and folk culture.
We recommend that you begin by visiting the 16th century MEHRANGARH FORT (which is one of India’s most notable historical landmarks). The white-marbled 19th-century UMAID BHAWAN PALACE built by the Maharaja of Jodhpur (which is now a heritage hotel) is one of the largest and grandest residences in the world. Want to live like a Maharaja for a day? Check into the Umaid Bhawan.
For heritage immersion, we suggest that you go on a HERITAGE WALKING TOUR of the old city that will take to you the old BRAHMIN QUARTER (painted blue to honor Lord Shiva — which gives Jodhpur its moniker “Blue City”); the GHANTA GHAR (Clock Tower) and the famous JASWANT THADA CENOTAPH and other landmarks of historical significance like TOORJI KA JHALRA (stepwell) and RAI KA BAGH PALACE.
For a more thorough list of things to do in Jodhpur, check out our exclusive JODHPUR TOURS here.
5. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan (Sawai Madhopur)
What is now the Ranthambore National Park in the SAWAI MADHOPUR district of RAJASTHAN used to be the private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Located 80 miles from the capital city of Jaipur, the RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK is one of India’s most famous wildlife tour destinations.
India has some 106 National Parks and over 500 Wildlife Sanctuaries. So why does Ranthambore stand out?
The reason is simple. It is arguably one of the best tiger-spotting grounds in the country. Tigers are notoriously elusive creatures. They are very hard to spot due to their camouflage and stealth qualities. In other national parks, you could spend days and weeks on a safari and still not sport a tiger.
Not in Ranthambore.
If you have ever wanted to see a Royal Bengal Tiger out in the wild or look him in the eyes (through a camera lens, if you are into wildlife photography), Ranthambore National Park is the place to do it.
Some of India’s finest safari-inspired resorts are located on the fringes of this park, so you do not have to worry about comfort and luxury.
6. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Coming to India and missing out on an opportunity to witness the ultimate symbol of love, the TAJ MAHAL, is one oversight that is hard to forgive yourself for.
AGRA in Utter Pradesh is where this Wonder of the World is located. The region is hot and humid during the summer months, which makes it less than ideal to travel here between April and September.
But October is when the temperature begins to finally drop down and outdoor travel becomes easier.
That is why we recommend that you plan a trip to Agra.
What Can You Do in AGRA
Agra isn’t just about the Taj Mahal. There is so much more to it and so many places to visit in Agra. It is a city of Palaces, Havelis (medieval castle-mansions), grand old bazaars, historical mausoleums, temples, mosques, cathedrals and delectable Mughal Cuisine.
We recommend a tour of the famous AGRA FORT and the ancient city of FATEHPUR SIKRI (a once-upon-a-time capital of the Mughal Empire, before it was substituted by Agra).
For more details on whether Agra is worth it and the things to do, check out our EXCLUSIVE LUXURY TOURS OF AGRA here.
PS: Do not miss out on sampling the sumptuous options of royal Mughal Cuisine. You can find these delicacies served in restaurants all over North India but there is no better place for the authentic Mughal experience than Agra.
7. Hampi, Karnataka
HAMPI is an old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) dating back to the VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE (the mightiest of all South Indian Empires) that thrived in the 13th and 14th century AD.
Now abandoned, the archeological site of HAMPI consists of some 2000 surviving remnants that include temples, monuments, sculptures and old palaces.
A trip to Hampi transports you back into a time of a glorious past. Stone carvings, art-works and architectural brilliance of HAMPI have captured the imaginations of artists, historians and architects for decades. They remain one of the biggest archeological attractions in India alongside the TAJ MAHAL, and AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVE TEMPLES.
What Else Can You Do in KARNATAKA
Karnataka is blessed with pristine beaches, glorious temples, palaces, hill stations, coffee plantations and exotic wildlife. There is so much you can do in Karnataka other than a trip to HAMPI.
If you are looking for a beach holiday, we recommend the serene and off-beat GOKARNA beach (the best Goa alternate in India). If you want to enjoy a quiet time at a hill station (and a coffee plantation tour) to go with it, “Scotland of India” COORG is the perfect getaway.
For cultural immersion and palace tours, there are so many places to visit in Mysore, the “CITY OF PALACES.” Do check out the Mysore Palace.
If you are looking for wildlife adventures, then the KABINI NATIONAL PARK in the KODADGU (Coorg) region is something you should look at.
For more details, check out exclusive LUXURY KARNATAKA TOURs here. `
8. Munnar, Kerala
Located at a height of 5,200 feet above sea level in the KENNA DEVAN HILLS (sub-branch of the WESTERN GHAT MOUTAIN RANGE), Munnar is one of Kerala’s favorite holiday destinations.
Affectionately known as “KASHMIR OF SOUTH INDIA” due to its Srinagar-like beauty, MUNNAR boasts lush green hills, pleasant climate, rolling tea gardens and cascading waterfalls.
Generally a summer retreat in the hot and humid months for people of the Indian South, Munnar has in recent years also emerged as an important center for TEA PLANTATION TOURISM (a new sub-genre where tourists enjoy a hospitality experience in the midst of a lush green tea plantation).
What Else Can You Do in MUNNAR
Enjoy a tea-tasting experience at a tea plantation. Watch sunsets and sunrises in the lush green hills.
Another way of enjoy the region is by taking jeep safaris and trekking to high-altitude viewpoints like POTHAMEDU VIEW POINT, TOP STATION and ANAMUDI.
The MATTUPETTY DAM is also an important tourist sport, ideal for picnics, birdwatching and recreation.
You can also take a cultural tour of the PUNARJANI village located near Munnar.
9. Puri, Odisha
PURI in the Northeastern state of ODISHA is known primarily for the JAGANNATH TEMPLE, which is one of the most famous Hindu shrines in the world and a pilgrimage to this temple is considered an important article of faith in the Hindu tradition. Millions of people make this pilgrimage every year.
However, there is so much more you can do in Puri. The idyllic beaches of PURI are famous for their stunning beauty, calmness and off-beat vibes. The GOLDEN BEACH in Puri is considered one of the finest in all of India.
What Else Can You Do in ODISHA
The CHILIKA LAKE, a giant brackish water lagoon (Asia’s largest and the second largest in the world) is famous for its beauty and biodiversity. During the summer months, it hosts migratory birds from as far as the Central Asian Steppes and Russia. For bird watchers, CHILIKA LAKE is the ultimate Garden of Eden and one of the best places to visit in India.
ODISHA is also home to some of India’s most ancient indigenous tribes. We recommend that you take ethical trips to the DONGRIA KONDH TRIBE and BONDA TRIBE regions to learn about their customs and way of life.
10. Bikaner, Junagarh (Rajasthan)
Situated 200 miles from Jaipur (and now known as the BIKANER DIVISION of RAJASTHAN), the city of Bikaner was the capital and seat of the Princely State of JUNAGARH. Founded in 1465 by RAO BIKA (a Rajput warrior) the state survived until 1947 and was merged into the Indian Union after the Independence of India.
Bikaner is known for its Rajput warrior ethos, palaces, Havelis and the world’s best riding camels.
The biggest attraction in Bikaner is the fort residence of the royal family of the princely state. Known as the Bikaner Fort, it was built by the Raj of Bikaner Rai Singh in the 16th century.
It consists of royal Durbars (audience halls) temples, mini palaces, ladies’ quarters and royal offices.
What Else Can You Do in BIKANER
There is so much more to Bikaner than just the Junagarh Fort. The city is home to so many ancient temples, Haveli (mansions) and palaces that are great for cultural and heritage excursions.
We recommend the SETH BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLE, RAMPURIA HAVELI, SHREE KARNI MATA TEMPLE and SHIV BARI TEMPLE.
If you are a history buff, we recommend that you visit the JUNAGARH MUSEUM located in the Bikaner fort.
11. Kolkata, West Bengal
Previously known as Calcutta, the capital of West Bengal in the northeast of the country is also a good place to visit in India in October. This sprawling metropolitan is where modern Indian nationalism emerged in reaction to the Raj of East India Company (later British Indian state).
Suffice it to say, modern India as we know it, would not have been possible without the collective consciousness that germinated.
One of the most fascinating places in India, Kolkata is famous for its vibrant culture (many consider it to be the cultural capital of India), Bengali Cinema and theatre, classical Indian music, educational excellence (has produced the most number of Nobel Laureates in India) and colonial heritage.
What Can You Do in KOLKATA
There is so much to do in Kolkata that a week probably won’t cover it. THE DURGA POOJA FESTIVAL is one of Kolkata’s premier cultural and religious attractions. It typically falls in the month of October. We recommend that you partake in the festivities.
Other top places to visit in Kolkata include landmarks like the ST. PAUL’s CATHEDRAL, INDIAN MUSEUM, FORT WILLIAMS, VICTORIA MEMORIAL and the HOWRAH BRIDGE.
12. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. Located in India’s most populous state UTTAR PRADESH, this ancient city is amongst the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India.
Around for thousands of years, this ancient city has been described in the old Hindu scripture (Mahabharat and Ramayana). Previously known as Kashi or Benaras, Varanasi is home to some of Hinduism’s most sacred temples and historical destinations.
A pilgrimage to Varanasi is considered an important part of the soul’s journey toward eternal salvation.
Millions of tourists worldwide visit this spiritual city to partake in its cultural immersions and to seek spiritual enlightenment.
What Can You Do in VARANASI
Witnessing the evening GANGA AARTHI ceremony is the highlight of the VARANASI experience. Every evening in a flamboyant ceremony comprising elaborate rituals, singing of hymns and incantations, priests pay homage to the sacred GANGA RIVER.
The ceremony takes place at sunset every day and draws in thousands of visitors to the ancient GHAT (embankments) of the city.
We recommend that you get up early to watch a magical sunrise at Varanasi as the rays of the sun light up the ancient quarters of the city and life slowly takes its hectic shape that it does later in the morning.
You can also visit SARNATH (located a few miles from VARANASI) which is considered a holy site by Buddhists. LORD BUDDHA is believed to have offered his first sermon here after he attained Nirvana.
Varanasi is about deep thinking, spirituality and inner thought. We recommend that you do the same with some yoga and meditation.
13. Wayanad, Kerala
The hill station of WAYANAD in Kerala is one of the best places to visit in Southern India in the month of October as the weather becomes cooler in these parts of the country. WAYANAD consists of misty mountains, lush green sceneries, pleasant weather, waterfalls and lakes—the ideal combo for an ideal holiday.
Perched at a height of 2,000 meters above sea level in the Western Ghat mountain range, WAYANAD is also famous for its coffee and tea plantations. Among the best attractions here include tea plantation tours.
What Should You Do in WAYANAD
SOOCHIPURA, MEENMUTTY AND KANTHANPARA waterfalls are the most popular places to visit in Wayanad. You also have the option of trekking to the highest peak in the region, the CHEMBRA PEAK.
if ancient caves are your thing, do check out the EDAKKAL CAVES famous for their prehistoric rock paintings.
Other things you can do are boat rides in the POOKODE LAKE and visit to the MUTHANGA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY where Indian elephants, deer, leopards and other rare animals find their homes.
14. Varkala, Kerala
The southern Indian state of Kerala draws international tourists to its stunning beaches and serene backwaters. There are no beach towns more popular than Varkala in Kerala.
Located in the capital city of “God’s Own Country” TRIVANDARAM, the suburb of VARKALA is famous for its stunning beaches—considered some of the best beaches in India. It is also the region’s primary destination for water sports.
Varkala is home to golden sun beaches, serene lagoons and silvery sands.
What Should You Do in VARKALA
Enjoy the stunningly beautiful beach. You can swim, you can sunbath or you can enjoy the sumptuous Keralan cuisine at restaurants located on the beach.
The beach also has many Ayurvedic massage centers where you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage.
Other attractions in Varkala include the KAPPIL LAKE which is nestled in a coconut grove. The ANJEGO FORT which goes back to the Portuguese, Dutch and East India Company Era is an important historical landmark of Varkala.
Another important attraction is the VARKALA TUNNEL which was built in 1867.
15. Darjeeling, West Bengal
October is a good time to visit Darjeeling— one of West Bengal’s favorite hill stations. It has the mighty KACHENJUNGA (the highest mountain in India, and the third highest in the world) towering above it.
DARJEELING draws visitors to its all-year-round pleasant weather, picturesque lush green mountains, rolling tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, fine luxury hotels, national parks and the famous UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train.
Darjeeling tea estates were established during the British Raj and are the driving force behind the economy and life in the region. We suggest that you go on a tea-tasting tour in Darjeeling and spend a day with tea pickers, farmers and workers to learn about their lives.
Many of these tea estates also provide a tea-plantation resort experience. Waking up to a majestic sunrise in a tea garden as the sunlight lights up the green landscape is one sight you won’t forget for a long time.
