15 Best Places to Visit in October in India: Explore the Magic of Autumn
In India, October is the month of autumn, when, after a long spell of rain the skies are clear, the weather is delightfully cool, and the whole country begins to gear itself up to celebrate the festive season. It is widely considered the best time to visit India, offering a perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure.
Are you ready to complete your dreamy trip? We have selected our top 15 best places to visit in October in India, just so you do not miss them. What to see and what to do is mentioned in this detailed blog. If you are after scenic beauty, spiritual vibes, wildlife or even cultural experiences then the list has everything.
1. Kashmir – Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam
Kashmir is Heaven on Earth, which is, without any hesitation, one of the best places to visit in October in India. This beautiful valley becomes the lush water color of yellow leaves, fresh winds, and amazing backdrops of the Himalayas. Be it floating around the serene Dal Lake of Srinagar, the mountainous beauty of Gulmarg or the green scenic beauty of Pahalgam, Kashmir will leave you with an experience never to be forgotten. A destination of Jammu Kashmir travel package, this place is one of the most visited Kashmir tourist attraction which have to be included in the list of 15 best places to visit in October in India, both by nature admirers as well as honeymooners.
Places to Visit:
- Srinagar: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Hazratbal Shrine
- Gulmarg: Gondola Ride, Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake
- Pahalgam: Aru & Betaab Valleys, Lidder River
Things to Do:
- Have a Shikara ride and spend in house boat in Dal Lake.
- Go trekking or pony riding in Pahalgam.
- Go on the Gulmarg Gondola- the highest in the world.
2. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Bir Billing is one of the best places to go in October in India; especially thrill seekers and those in love with mountains. This cozy Himalayan village is referred to as the paragliding capital of India with excellent valley views, Tibetan monasteries and soothing atmosphere. October is a perfect month to fly and enjoy the view of the Dhauladhar range and thus also ranks among the best places to travel in October in India if you are an adventure lover and a solo backpacker.
Places to Visit:
- Tibetan Monasteries, Bir Tea Factory, Deer Park Institute
Things to Do:
- Paragliding from Billing to Bir (world-class flying site).
- Go on a nature walk or mountain bike tour.
- Go to the cafes and mingle with the locals of Tibet.
3. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Sitting on the banks of holy River Ganges, Rishikesh is not only a spiritual destination but also among the best places to visit in October in India for people who are in search of tranquility and adventure. It is among the important religious places in India and as such, it attracts pilgrims and spiritualists all over the world. It is a colorful town that provides yoga retreats in the riverfront, an exhilarating white-water rafting activity, and a possibility of watching some divine rituals such as the Ganga Aarti. Rishikesh is one of the most attractive best places to go in October in India, and it offers a unique combination of nature, spiritual experience, and fun.
Places to Visit:
- Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Beatles Ashram
Things to Do:
- White water rafting and cliff jumping.
- Try popular adventure activities in Rishikesh like bungee jumping and kayaking.
- Be a part of Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
- Go to a yoga session or a meditation retreat.
4. Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala is another of the best places to travel in October in India which is one of the finest travel destinations with its greenery, wildlife and peace. The region is characterized with coffee and spice farms, luxuriant rainforests and cascading falls. This was one of the 15 best places to visit in October in India to have an invigorating vacation, where nature mutters in hues of mist and monsoon freshness as Wayanad. It is a place that needs to be visited and is usually in the list of a well-planned Kerala holiday package, and nature is at its best as well as adventure here comes in both.
Places to Visit:
- Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Soochipara Waterfalls, Pookode Lake
Things to Do:
- Hike to the Chembra Peak, and visit its heart-shaped lake.
- Go bamboo rafting based in Kuruva Island.
- Catch up at local plantations with spice.
5. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
To find sea, sand and peace, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the best places to visit in October in India. This beautiful tropical island has crystal clear waters, coral reefs and palm fringed beaches, thus ideal for couples, families and diving enthusiasts. The Andamans are one of the best places to go in October in India and provide an experience of a beach vacation like no other.
Places to Visit:
- Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, Ross Island
Things to Do:
- Snorkeling and scuba diving in waters that are full of corals.
- Go on a ride in a glass-bottomed boat.
- Explore colonial ruins and tribal history.
6. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is a far-off, rugged, jaw-dropping scenic paradise, and it is arguably one of the best places to travel in October in India, if you are a road tripper or an offbeat explorer. The valley, which lies between India and Tibet, boasts of ancient monasteries dating hundreds of years, glacial lakes and formations resembling the moon. Even when you are writing your list of the 15 best places to visit in October in India, Spiti should be somewhere in the first position.
Places to Visit:
- Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Dhankar Village
Things to Do:
- Road trip from Manali or Shimla.
- Camping and stargazing at the Chandratal Lake.
- Visit fossil villages and high-altitude passes.
7. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh can be termed as the hidden gem with the only hill station in the state which is Pachmarhi, considered as the best places to visit in October in India for people who are looking to escape the crowd. It is surrounded by the Satpura range with waterfalls, old caves, and a panoramic view. It is one of the most beautiful and best places to go in October in India; its serene atmosphere and the beauty of nature make it highly recommended, especially to nature enthusiasts and history lovers.
Places to Visit:
- Jatashankar Caves, Pandava Caves, Dhoopgarh, Bee Falls
Things to Do:
- Trekking and nature walks in Satpura forests.
- Visit ancient temples and rock shelters.
- Witness the sunset in Dhoopgarh.
8. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is rife with rolling tea plantations, hills covered in mist, and colorful wildlife, making it arguably one of the best places to travel in October in India. It is a nice hill station in Kerala, which is a refreshing to metropolitan life, with beautiful views and the cold atmosphere of the hill. Munnar often tops the list of best sightseeing places in South India and this is because it is a place for nature lovers, photographers, and people looking to seek peace. It is included in most of the 15 best places to visit in October in India and is ideal for families, couples, and also for solo travelers.
Places to Visit:
- Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park
Things to Do:
- Tea plantation walks and factory visits.
- Boating around the Kundala Lake.
- Wildlife spotting and trekking.
9. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park will serve as the best places to visit in October in India for wild life enthusiasts for spotting tigers in their natural habitat. It is one of the most heavily forested regions inhabited by the highest population of Bengal tigers in India, leopards, deer and more than 250 types of birds. Consider taking a jungle vacation, and it should rank in your list when you have the best places to go in October in India.
Places to Visit:
- Tala Zone, Bandhavgarh Fort, Chakradhara Meadows
Things to Do:
- Go on a jeep safari early in the morning.
- Birdwatching and photography.
- Visit the Bandhavgarh Fort of ancient times within the park.
10. Udaipur & Jaipur, Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one of the most cultured, historical, and architecturally beautiful and among the best places to travel in October in India, as the best of its royal cities are Udaipur and Jaipur. Cooler weather has arrived and now is a good time to visit majestic palaces, tranquil lakes and vivacious bazaars. These cities have a royal appeal, which makes it the right to be among the 15 best places to visit in October in India. It does not matter whether you wish to have a quick one-day getaway or you want to have the whole of Rajasthan holiday package, this region offers a place you will never forget, a royal interest to explore.
Places to Visit:
- Udaipur: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Sajjangarh Palace
- Jaipur: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
Things to Do:
- Boating in Lake Pichola and visiting heritage havelis.
- Visit a folk dance show of Rajasthan.
- Explore local markets for handicrafts and textiles.
11. Coorg, Karnataka
Termed as the Scotland of India, Coorg is an enchanted scenery of mists and one of the best places to visit in October in India that promises a relaxing holiday in a comfortable aura. Covered by the beautiful coffee plantations and forest-covered hills, this place is best to unwind and relax with the nature. Coorg is another location that is usually included in the places to visit for couples in India. A romantic escape to Coorg is available with its serene landscapes and beautiful homestays. There is no wonder that Coorg has always been listed as the best places to go in October in India, and more so among couples and nature lovers.
Places to Visit:
- Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Namdroling Monastery
Things to Do:
- Coffee estate visits and plantation stays.
- Trekking in Tadiandamol or Brahmagiri hills.
- River rafting in Barapole.
12. Kolkata
In the month of October the city of Kolkata is a cultural extravaganza and it would be one of the best places to visit in October in India. Durga Puja is marked by the city coming to life through artistic pandals, traditional musical concerts and the colourful world of street food. Kolkata is, by far, one of the best places to go in October in India, especially in case he/she wants to be thoroughly wrapped in local festivals and customs.
Places to Visit:
- Kumartuli, South Kolkata Pandals, Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge
Things to Do:
- Pandal hopping and attending cultural shows.
- Trying local Bengali cuisine and sweets.
- Shopping handloom sarees and handicrafts.
13. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Being a great destination in terms of wildlife, history, and photography, Ranthambore is one of the finest locations and among the best places to travel in October in India. Post the monsoon, when lushness is restored, the park throws open its gates with great possibilities of sighting tigers, sloth bears, and crocodiles. Ranthambore falls in the list of 15 best places to visit in October in India and is a paradise both to animal lovers and adventure admirers.
Places to Visit:
- Ranthambore Fort, Padam Talao, Raj Bagh Ruins
Things to Do:
- Morning and evening safaris.
- Wildlife Photography and Bird Watching.
- Visit the fort overlooking the forest.
14. Hampi & Mysore, Karnataka
Hampi & Mysore, royal celebrations are all heritage tours of India, and together rank as one of the best places to visit in October in India. Festive atmosphere and the cool weather contribute to the right setting to learn about history, architecture, and culture. This is a must-visit when the question is of the best places to visit in India in October.
Places to Visit:
- Hampi: Vittala Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Queen’s Bath
- Mysore: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, St. Philomena’s Church
Things to Do:
- Explore ruins by bicycle in Hampi.
- Witness Mysore Dasara Festival with parades and lighting.
- Shop for Mysore silk and sandalwood.
15. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
One of the best places to travel in October in India because of its wild nature retreats and refuge safari is Jim Corbett, which is the oldest national park in India. The green jungle is full of life with various animals such as elephants, deer, and a rare creature, which is the Bengal tiger. Extraordinary nature and the abundance of biodiversity make it fall of 15 best places to visit in October in India as a family visitor, photographer, or nature seeker. It is common to find Jim Corbett in a complete Uttarakhand holiday package because the park has all the elements of excitement and peace to have in the bosom of nature.
Places to Visit:
- Dhikala Zone, Garjia Temple, Corbett Museum
Things to Do:
- Safari in different zones (Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhikala ).
- River-side camping and nature walks.
- Explore the Corbett waterfall.
Conclusion
October is the month to see India at its best: the fog-curling mountains of Munnar, the tiger tracks of Ranthambore, spiritual Rishikesh, and bustling Kolkata are just samples; charmed by its exotic nature, foreign travelers love to just explore this country. This list of the 15 best places to visit in October in India brings nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation to the combination of pure harmony.
Therefore, in case you are eager to find best places to go in October in India, take a bag and choose your heaven out of this list. Booking your dream vacation is one step closer. Just start planning with European Travel, as your next best vacation is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the best places to visit in October in India for a honeymoon?
October is a good month for honeymoon! Stay options this month includes Kashmir (Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam), Munnar, Coorg, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are also some of the best honeymoon places. The locations provide scenic beauty of nature, cool climate, and romantic activities such as houseboat stay, plantation tours and beach resorts.
2. Which are the best places to go in October in India for adventure activities?
October is a wonderful month for adventure lovers. You can go to Bir Billing to have a paragliding experience, to Rishikesh for river rafting, to Spiti Valley to take a high-altitude drive trip, or to Jim Corbett and Bandhavgarh to have a jungle safari trip.
3. Why is October a preferred month for travel in India?
October is the start of the post-monsoon period and the weather is sunny, with brilliant scenery, and a comfortable climate in the majority of areas in India. It is also the beginning of the festival season and hence a culturally rich period to visit the country.
4. Is it safe to travel to the mountains in October?
Generally, yes. One of the safest and most picturesque visits to a hill station such as Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital, Darjeeling, and Sikkim, can be in the month of October. Nevertheless, be attentive to the local weather news as it might change or early snow may fall.
5. Is October a good time for wildlife safaris in India?
Absolutely. National parks such as Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, and Bandhavgarh open up after the monsoons and provide great wildlife watching experience in October.
