1. Kutch, Gujarat
One of the most surreal places in India, with a white salt desert and beautiful moonlight nights, Kutch lies in the western most part 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 destination 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.
2. Hampi, Karnataka
One of the 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar Empire in 13th century with magnificient 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.
3. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
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, holidays in October are a good time to visit Pachmarhi
4. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
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 for river rafting, holidays in October are an ideal time to visit Rishikesh before the weather gets too chilly.
5. Digha, West Bengal
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.
6. Wayanad, Kerala
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 a good holiday experience.
7. Nalanda and Pawapuri, Bihar
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 it’s landscape is dotted with remains of temples, monasteries, learning centres, dormitories etc.
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 a very peaceful and make for relaxing places to visit in India in October.
8. Varkala, Kerala
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. And 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.
9. Darjeeling, West Bengal
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!
10. 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 a lot of 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.
11. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
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 a lot of 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.
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