Autumn sets in as the clouds slowly start hiding, vehicles actually move on the road rather than being in standby mode and we Indians have so many reasons to celebrate – festivals, new blockbusters releasing every Friday and as I always say, the best way to celebrate is to explore a new place.
The month of October is the best time to visit as you don’t have to worry about the scorching sun, rains that never allow you to step out of your hotel, fog that hide the beauty of the valleys or the spine chilling cold. Stop worrying and find out our list of best places to visit in India in October and let’s set go!
Last month we have covered best places to visit in India in September.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Castle in Udaipur.
They are not lying when they say it’s the Venice of the East. It’s so beautiful that words can’t do any justice to it. The Udaipur in pictures is set against the backdrop of lakes, palaces and heritage villas that will take your breath away. It’s not just for couples but is also a place for all the spiritual and cultural enthusiasts.
What to do in Udaipur:
Explore the palaces and massive forts of sheer grandeur. Walk down the lakeside hand in hand with your love. Get busy shopping on the streets of Udaipur. Get a little offbeat and indulge in an evening of the puppet show. Sip on coffee while water gently brushes your feet in Jheel’s. Surprise your spouse with a romantic candle light dinner at The Tribute.
For an extraordinary scenic view while you munch on your food, go to Ambrai. Visit Natraj at the city center for some authentic Rajasthani Food.
Hampi, Karnataka
Temple Architecture in Hampi.
This place features in almost every backpacker’s bucket list. Famous for its inexpensive lodging, locals who can speak your language, dozens of opportunities to meet people from different cultures, affordable local transport, ruins, and boulders everywhere, architectural marvels, cafes offering yummy food and most of all, the laid back nature. It sure is a Backpacker’s Paradise.
The ruins of Hampi doesn’t leave any soul to go back home unhappy.
What to do in Hampi:
Visit the Anjaneya Temple for a beautiful sunset. Go cliff jumping in Sanapur lake. Explore the ruins on your moped. Sit in a coracle boat for some amazing views. Build your dream house on the Matunga hill. Make friends in Laughing Buddha while munching on some mouth-watering food. Check out Mango Tree to see what all the hype is about.
Goa
Goa Calangute Beach.
A place loved by all. It needs no introduction. But why October of all the times? Summer is the time for a tan, Monsoons won’t allow you to step out of your resort so October seems the best month since the peak season awaits and you would not enjoy the serene Goa much. Goa is not just about beaches, churches, parties, sunsets and cheap booze, but also about the Goan villages, Goan food, Goans and their hospitality, backwaters, lakes, and islands making it one of the top tourist places in India.
What to do in Goa:
Let your hair down in Club Cubana. Go gaga over water sports at Calangute. Sing at a Karaoke night in Baga. All the peace lovers take a trip to the Butterfly beach. Sit on a bus and go merry go round in the city. For all the vegans, you do have Bean me up. Hog over some amazing seafood in Fat Fish. Go Kayaking at Mandovi. Spend some time with the locals and get to know them better.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg Cows. Courtesy Kalidas Pavithran
Coorg, well known as “Scotland of India” is a popular hill station and one of the best place to visit in October in India . The climate, scenic attractions, lush valleys, trekking options,vintage villas and coffee plantations spread over a vast area make it the best place to spend your vacation. It is definitely the place to get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life and soak in the beauty of nature.
What to do in Coorg:
River rafting in Coorg, through the roaring currents. Take a walk through the coffee plantations. Watch an elephant take a bath in Dubare Campsite. Stay at a vintage house. Sober your thoughts in the presence of Buddha at Namdroling Monastery.
Abbey Falls will leave you spellbound for sure. Sit and relax at the Raja’s seat. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to spot a tiger in Nagarhole national park.
Lonar, Maharashtra:
Aerial View of Lonar. Courtesy Satish-ansingkar
Lonar Crater is the hidden gem of India. Over 52,000 years ago, a meteor hit our earth which created the crater, which is now a saltwater lake. It’s very rare that people would have heard about it, forget about visiting that place. An amazing news for all the ones who want to explore the unexplored, it is just a 4-5 hour drive from Aurangabad.
Once you get there, you don’t have to worry much about the stay since MTDC has their guest house for reasonable rates. The trek to the lake is a moderate-difficult one, the reason being the slope and also it’s slippery.
What to do in Lonar:
Bird watching amidst the forest area. Hire a local guide to visit all the temples around the lake and listen to all the stories attached to each one of them. Maybe sit back and wonder whether it’s science or religion after the day’s trip to the lake.
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh:
Base Camp at Kasol.
This little hamlet in Himachal enchants you with its beauty, the green grass (I say “green”), pine trees high and tall, drift river and quaint cafes. It wouldn’t be wrong if I say it’s the second home for Israelis, who travel to India after they are done with their compulsory military service. They come for days, which stretches to months and years and some of them made it their permanent home. If I need to state facts, 2/3rd of the foreigners who backpack through Kasol are Israelis and the reason being the low cost of feeling, peaceful environment, laid back nature and other obvious reasons. So why not sit and chat with one of them?
What to do in Kasol:
Head to Manikarna, a pilgrimage site for Sikhs. Stuff yourself with some falafel, hummus and pita bread. Sit by the river side and enjoy the nature. Go on a trek to Malana village. Experience the ambiance in Shiva Mama café. Meet new people from different cultures. Lose track of time in the woods.
Tarkarli, Maharastra
Tarkarli Beach from MTDC Resort.
It is again one of the most unexplored and pristine beaches of India. A small village tucked in the Konkan region. So when you get bored of Goa Beaches? Head to Tarkarli. Experience a tranquil and a peaceful beach and soothe your inner senses. Not just that, there are a lot of adventure sports for some fun.
What to do in Tarkarli:
You don’t have to go to Malaysia or Australia for Scuba Diving, why to waste your flight tickets and pay a humongous price for it while it is right here in our country and is affordable too. Experience snorkeling and be one amongst the corals and the underwater organisms. Visit the Sindhudurg Fort. Relax at the Hammock with a book by your side. Eat till you drop at an authentic Malvani restaurant. Stay at an affordable homestay. Watch as the Tsunami Island goes under water in front of your eyes. And not to forget, you might get to see a dolphin.
Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Pasture land in Khajjiar.
I’m sure nobody would forget the set of the summer camp in Kuch Kuch Hota hai. It’s Khajjiar for you. Popularly known as Mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar is undoubtedly a paradise on earth and rightly got into our list of best places to visit in India. It bears topographical resemblance with Switzerland and signboard showing the distance between Khajjiar and Switzerland’s capital Bern.
No wonder few places in Khajjiar are closed due to heavy snowfall during winters. So why to wait, go when the gates are open!
What to do in Khajjiar:
Like challenging treks accompanied with scenic beauty? Go for Khajjiar trek which is a 14km trek. Indulge in activities like Horse riding, Paragliding, and Zorbing. Empty your pockets in the Handicrafts Centre. The lake in the center and a floating island will definitely mesmerize you. Pitch your tent near the lake and enjoy the wilderness. Go on an evening stroll. Give your tummy an experience of Indian Chinese food on the streets. Take a trip to Kalatop Sanctuary where you can find a variety of flora and fauna.
Wayanad,Kerala
Hairpin curves at thamarasseri, Wayanad, Kerala.
Wayanad is a lush green beauty, dense forest area which is a picture perfect hilly region in the Goad’s own country, Kerala. It is a real treat to the eyes. The climate here is usually pleasant with occasional rains now and then. Once a tribal region, Wayanad has seen a lot of development changes which makes it the perfect destination for all the tourists who flock to Kerala for vacation.
What to do in Wayanad:
Go on a gypsy drive in Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary. Reach the highest point in Wayanad, Chembra peak. Be a little careful when you walk to the Edakkal caves since it’s a little long and is steep. Take back home some Kerala spices. Eat and shop in Sulthan Bathery. Do try River rafting in one those rivers. Enjoy the evening breeze at Karapuzha Dam. Try out the famous Puttu with Kadala curry and the biryani with date pickle.
When in Kerala, what’s the second thing that should come to your mind after the obvious tourist spots? GOLD. Yes, you read it right, you can do gold shopping at Wayanad.
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