Bidding farewell to the gushing rainfall and monsoon season, October welcomes the autumn season and the eventually approaching winter months. The pleasant shift in the temperature explains why people look for places to visit in October in India. From the beautiful Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh to witnessing the snow-capped peaks in Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, there’s so much waiting to be unveiled. As you gear up to plan your next vacation, consider exploring some of the best spots across the country that come to life in October.
Top 10 Places To Visit In October In India
From the serene backwaters to the breathtaking cold deserts, the places to visit in October in India offer surreal experiences for everyone.
1. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons
Often known for its combination of hills, meadows and quaint villages, Ziro Valley is a place that’s set to charm you with its beauty. The natural blend of the surrounding landscapes paired with the warmth of the indigenous culture, the unique Apatani tribal culture, is what sets Ziro Valley apart. For some adventure, try river rafting in the Kamle and Xiang rivers, or you can camp in the lap of nature on the banks of the Pange River. Also, visiting the local shops and supporting the artisans and craftsmen is one of the best ways of giving back to the locals.
Avg Temperature: 10°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Kile Pakho, Meghna Cave Temple, Ziro Puto
Top Experiences: Trekking, exploring the native Apatani villages, participating in local cultures & festivals, and bird watching in the paddy fields
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In November In India
2. Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Among the best places to visit in the month of October in India, Lahaul-Spiti offers an experience unlike anything else. This remote district in Himachal stands out for its stark natural beauty. However, what stands out are the ancient monasteries, high-altitude deserts, and pristine lakes. October is a peak tourist season where you get to witness the Key Monastery and the Chandratal Lake. One of the main attractions of Spiti Valley lies in the Pin Valley National Park and Suraj Tal, which are close to each other. The region is also rich in culture that is must to be explored while you are there.
Avg Temperature: -5°C to 15°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Pin Valley National Park, Tabo Monastery
Top Experiences: Trekking to high-altitude lakes, visiting ancient monasteries, camping, stargazing
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Photo: Marcin Bialek / Wikimedia Commons
For some spiritual awakening and inner peace, make your way to Varanasi, one of the best places to go in October in India. Perfect for solo trips or with friends and family, Varanasi gives you an escape from the daily chaos of life. With how historically and religiously enriching the city is, there’s a story in every narrow lane and every building that you come across. The best way to explore the city is to start with the ghats and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Witnessing the evening aarti at the Dasaswamedh Ghat is non-negotiable.
Avg Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Shivala Ghat
Top Experiences: Witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti, take a boat ride on the Ganga, explore the shops and lanes in the city, try the local street food
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In August In India
4. Wayanad, Kerala
Photo: Arnold Antoo / Unsplash
Located along the Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the most beautiful places to visit in October & November in India. The blend of lush green hills and cascading waterfalls is bound to leave you mesmerised and out of breath. However, while you are there, don’t miss out on exploring the sprawling spice plantations or trekking to the Chembra Peak for some stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For a quick day trip plan, go to Kuruva Island, try boating at the Pookode Lake, or witness wildlife at the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. The place is renowned for its enriching tribal history and biodiversity.
Avg Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Neelika Salim Ali Centre, Banasura Sagar Dam
Top Experiences: Trek through the dense forests, witness diverse flora and fauna, visit spice plantations
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
5. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
A lot less explored than its popular counterparts like Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur, Pushkar is one of the great places to visit in October in India. Known for being home to a rich history and a deep religious background, this small town hosts a variety of sacred temples, lakes and forts too. Visiting Pushkar offers a unique blend of spirituality and vibrant cultural festivities. Some of the must-visit places in Pushkar are Brahma Temple Rangji Temple and the very famous Pushkar Lake.
Avg Temperature: 15°C to 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Rangji Temple, and Savitri Temple
Top Experiences: Visiting sacred Pushkar Lake, trekking to the Savitri Temple, and shopping from the local bustling markets
vIdeal Duration: 2-3 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India
6. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Beyond exploring the beauty of Ziro Valley, another one of the underrated spots to add to your list of places to see in October in India is Tawang. Given how beautiful the place is, you would want to sit and soak in the serenity all around. It is also home to the largest monastery in the country, Tawang Monastery. Here, you can meditate at the Taktsang Gompa, or go hiking to Gorichen Peak. You can also travel to the Sela Pass to get a glimpse into its historical significance, or shop at the Tibetan Settlement Market.
Avg Temperature: 5°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Sangetsar Lake, Tawang War Memorial
Top Experiences: Exploring monasteries, enjoying nature walks, indulging in white water rafting, etc.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
7. Kovalam, Kerala
Photo: Dream Holidays / Unsplash
Located along the Malabar Coast, Kovalam is a must-visit spot in October in India. While the hype lies predominantly surrounding Kovalam beaches with the view of the Vizhinjam Lighthouse, there’s so much more to do and explore in the town. You can start your trip by indulging in a boating ride across the Vellayani Lake, or visit the highly revered Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple to seek blessings. It’s worthwhile to explore the tranquil setting of Hawa Beach and the traditional village of Vizhinjam.
Avg Temperature: -20°C to 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, Vellayani Lake, Vizhinjam Lighthouse
Top Experiences: Laze along the pristine beaches, indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, explore the vibrant local markets, witness the spectacular Kathakali dance performances, etc.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In North East India
8. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Photo: YashiWong / Wikimedia Commons
If you are a history buff planning your vacation around India, Khajuraho is one of those hit places that you can’t replace. Known for its wide range of historic temples, depicting varying cultures and religions, the first thing you do there is witness those temples in real time. You can also embark on a jungle safari at the Panna National Park, or explore the state tribal museum to learn more about the local tribes. Witnessing the Raneh Falls Canyon needs to be on your list too to uncover the natural beauty the place is blessed with.
Avg Temperature: 15°C to 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Raneh Falls Canyon, Old Town of Khajuraho, Ajaigarh Fort, Mastani Maha
Top Experiences: Explore the temples and ruins, day trip to Orchha, jungle safari at Ken Gharial Sanctuary
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
9. Kolkata, West Bengal
Photo: Sayan Purakait / Pexels
One of the historically important and culturally rich cities, Kolkata is a must-see place to visit in October. You can start your trip with the famous Victoria Memorial and then make your way to the National Museum to explore different exhibits and galleries. To immerse yourself religiously, visit Dakshineswar Kali Mandir, Kali Ghat, and Belur Math. There are popular ecotourism parks with different attractions, gardens, evening light and music shows, etc. for you to explore. A shopping spree at Esplanade followed by an evening stroll at Prinsep Ghat will sum up the real vibe of Kolkata.
Avg Temperature: 15°C to 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Victoria Memorial, National Museum, Dakshineshwar Kali Mandir, Kali Ghat.
Top Experiences: Explore historical spots, seek blessings at temples, visit eco-tourism and science parks, enjoy water adventures
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In India With Family For A Memorable Vacation
10. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Photo: BSSkrishnaS / Wikimedia Commons
Among the few hill stations in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a place that often speaks out to nature lovers. With caves, waterfalls and a vast variety of unique sightseeing spots, the experiences you get to explore here are unique. You can start your trip with a visit down to Bee Falls and then hike to visit the JataShankar Caves and Pandava Caves for an immersive experience. You must add Mahadeo Hill to your travel plans, and seek blessings from Lord Shiva during your visit. Don’t miss out on witnessing the charm of the Duchess Falls, which is nature’s supreme manifestation.
Avg Temperature: 15°C to 30°C
Top tourist attractions: Bee Falls, Jata Shankar Caves, Pandava Caves, Dhoopgarh, Mahadeo Hills
Top things to do: Trekking and hiking, exploring the caves, nature walks
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
There are innumerable places to visit in October in India. So, as you gear up for some autumn vacation, the key is to have your plans in order a few months ahead of time. Secure the best deals with TripXL for a more streamlined and well-organised trip. Without any delays, get to planning and start backpacking for your next trip.
Cover Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons