8 Best Places to Visit in October in India

Along with October comes autumn, walking on the paths covered in fallen leaves. October is not just a month and autumn is not just another passing season in India. It is the month of festivals for the entire nation. With Navratri, Dussehra, Durga Puja, and many other significant festivals, October is the most awaited month of the year. While nature is in its revival phase, people all around India are in the festive spirit.

While many indulge in festive merriments at this time, for some, travelling and taking trips in October are customary. Neither too hot nor too chilly, Autumn in India is the perfect time to travel.

Here are some places in India where you can experience the best autumn:

1. Kashmir

“Gar firdaus bar-rue zamin ast, hami asto, hamin asto, hamin ast,” meaning “If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here” and with these words, Jehangir immortalizes the beauty of Kashmir.

One of the best places to visit in October, Kashmir is paradise on earth in true sense. From the magnificent valleys to the placid lakes, Kashmir is a poet’s muse. With cinnamon-y hues scattered all around, no other place welcomes Autumn like Kashmir does. If you are looking for places to visit in October that are more than mere tourist attractions, then Kashmir is for you.

2. Kerala

There is a reason why people call it God’s Own Country. With unspoiled lush greenery and tranquil backwaters, Kerala is a fine example of divine craftsmanship. One of the best places to visit in October, the natural beauty of Kerala can calm even the most restless of souls. Autumn in Kerala unfurls a whole new visage for the visitors. To start with, it has some of the most enchanting places to visit in October, such as the Tea States of Munnar, Thenmala, Waterfalls at Gavi, and then the iconic backwaters. When you wish to witness autumn in all its glory, Kerala is a perfect place.

3. Auli

Days become shorter and the air slightly chillier as autumn in Auli paves way for winter. In October, the weather in Auli is the most pleasant. Auli is bestowed with paradisical beauty, and the arrival of autumn turns Auli into the most gorgeous sight ever. From the 360-degree view of the Himalayas to stunning flowery meadows, Auli has some of the best places to visit in October. A haven for soul searchers and peace seekers, Auli is simply splendid!

4. Mysore

Apart from the pleasant shift in weather, Mysuru Dasara is the reason Mysore becomes one of the must-visit places in October. This 10-day festival begins with nine nights called Navaratri, and then the last day is called Vijayadashami which marks the victory of good over evil as Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) slayed the demon Mahishasura on the tenth day. During these 10 days, the Mysore Palace is illuminated with around 100,000 light bulbs and the entire city becomes a grand carnival in itself. With various cultural programs, sporting events, food, and shopping festivals, Mysore is one of the perfect places to visit during October for an enriching experience.

5. Nainital

The transition of the exuberant greenery into specks of yellow, orange, and red make Nainital one of the best places to travel in October. With fallen leaves on the sidewalks of Mall Road with majestic valleys overlooking the Naini Lake, Nainital is another hill station to visit in October that is best known for its pleasant weather in Autumn. Not too frosty, there is something really soothing about the October breeze of Nainital. A bustling tourist destination, Nainital can bring peace with just its view in Autumn. To experience October at its best, you can trek up to the Raj Bhavan. If you are planning vacations in October, Nainital is more than just ‘worth a shot’.

6. Goa

October in Goa proves that there is more to Goa than just booze and beaches. One of India’s most famous holiday destinations, Goa in October is an entirely different story. The seas are quieter and clearer than ever and beaches in October are a wonderful sight with lesser people. Unlike mountains, Goa does not attain the different shades of amber in autumn but it does become a lot pleasant in terms of weather. The sun is not harsh, it does not feel humid, and the breeze is just right. So, if you are looking for places to visit during October, Goa can be an experience you would not want to miss.

7. Darjeeling

The whistle of the classic toy train and vast tea plantations, Darjeeling is more than just your regular holiday destination. With October being the best time to visit, this quaint little hilltown is well-known for its green valleys that start taking the orangish tint in Autumn, marking the onset of winters. There are many places to go in October but nothing compares to Darjeeling’s rustic charm. Stroll through Darjeeling to not just admire its natural beauty but also catch a glimpse into the simple lives of people living there.

8. Kolkata

With the faint strains of ‘Ma Ashchen’ meaning 'Durga Ma is coming’, in the air, October in Kolkata is your opportunity to witness the richness and grandeur of Bengali culture. Along with pleasant weather, your visit to Kolkata in October can be an enriching one. The Bengali version of Mysuru Dasara (mentioned earlier), Durga Pujo in Kolkata makes it one of the best places to go in October. The only difference between Mysuru Dasara and Durga Pujo is that the latter is celebrated with pomp and splendour in the last five days. So, if a trip to Kolkata in October is on the cards, make it a pandal-hopping affair.

October in India is not merely the season of autumn; it is the month of festivities across different cultures and a month meant for travelling. How do you plan to make the most of it?!