October is a magical time to travel to India. It marks the end of the monsoon season and the arrival of the bright shades of fall in India. The rains have pretty much dried up in the north, while you’ll still get sporadic showers further south, and everywhere feels fresh. The weather becomes nice and conducive to travel, with migrating birds from other nations flocking to India to escape the harsh winter, and nature presents colour during autumn. The best part? Travelling within India in October is not as crowded as it is in November. So bookmark the most incredible places to visit in India in October.
Places to visit in North India in October
1. Leh
Leh’s beauty is unparalleled. The place is a paradise, with snow-capped mountains and a harsh landscape. While this location can be visited any time of year, the Thiksey Gustor Festival here makes it one of the most incredible places to visit in India in October. The Tibetan word ‘Gustor’ means ‘sacrifice,’ and the festival is held in the famous Thiksey monastery. The Thiksey monastery, presided over by the Gelukpa order of Buddhism, lies about 18 kilometres from Leh and is the festival’s principal venue. The two-day event includes religious ceremonies, folk music, traditional dance, and other activities spread across three key locations: Thiksey, Spituk, and Karsha. Check out this useful travel guide to discover all of Leh’s wonders.
Places to Visit
- Zanskar Valley
- Shanti Stupa
- Leh Palace
- Sankar Gompa
- Zorawar Fort
How to Reach Leh
There are no direct routes by which Leh can be reached by train. However, there are several direct flights to Leh. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport serves the region in Leh. In addition, there are flights to Ladakh from Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. Rent a car or an airport taxi to go anywhere in the region.
2. Jaisalmer
Due to the harsh climatic conditions, finding the best time to visit Jaisalmer is tough. The most incredible time to visit Jaisalmer is in the autumn month of October. It is the best time to visit as the temperature lies between 10°C and 27°C and it is the peak tourist season in Jaisalmer. In the adjacent villages, you may still find people living in grass huts, providing an authentic experience away from the commercialised metropolis. When visiting Patwon-ki-Haveli, be enchanted by the beautiful carvings of the Jaisalmer fort and immerse yourself in a bygone period. Check out this guide to Jaisalmer, with comprehensive details on activities and things to do here, to make the most out of your trip.
Places to Visit:
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Desert Safari
- Gadisar Lake
- Patwon ki haveli
- Jain Temples
How to Reach:
Jaisalmer serves the rest of India through a well-maintained network of roadways. Jaisalmer is not directly connected by air with any part of India. Jodhpur Airport, located some 300 km from Jaisalmer, is the nearest airport to the desert land. The airport connects Rajasthan with all major Indian cities. From Jodhpur Airport, you can hire an airport taxi to reach Jaisalmer.
3. Kolkata
October is undoubtedly the most anticipated month for Kolkata residents, as ‘Durga Pujo’ takes centre stage. Everyone has a smile and glitter in their eyes as they prepare to welcome their cherished divinity, Goddess Durga. The festivities last about a week, and the entire city comes alive with families hopping from one brilliantly decked Puja pandal to the next to seek Maa Durga’s blessings. These locals tell what makes Durga Puja special in Kolkata. So visit Kolkata in October to see this spectacular festival, and you will be blown away!
Places to Visit:
- The Marble Palace
- The Victoria Memorial Palace
- Dakineshwar And Kalighat Temples
- Mother Teresa House
- Princep Ghat
- Science City
How to Reach:
There are two major railway stations in the city – Howrah and Sealdah. The railway network is efficient and well-connected to all the cities across the country. The Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the airport in Kolkata and receives flights from all over the country and the world. The airport is located in an area called Dumdum. The city is connected to other cities and states through smooth highways and efficient routes. Therefore, hailing a cab and going for a weekend trip is easy and the best way to explore the city and its surroundings.
4. Rajgir
This tourist destination is a major pilgrimage site and a beautiful place to visit, located around 60 kilometres from Patna. During the Mauryan Empire, Rajgir was an important kingdom, and the annual Rajgir Mahotsav in October draws tourists from all over the country., making it one of the the most incredible places to visit in India in October.
Places to Visit
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa
- Pandu Pokhar
- Griddhakuta Peak
- Rajgir Hot Springs
- Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall
How to Reach:
Gaya Airport is located approximately 68 kilometres southwest of town. It has direct flights to Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi. Rajgir railway station is about around one kilometre from the town centre. Gaya railway station is the primary railhead, located about 60 kilometres southwest of Rajgir, and is connected to major cities throughout the state as well as other metros throughout the country. Rajgir is well connected by road to Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Pawapuri, Bihar Sharif, and many other places in the surrounding region.
5. Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh, affectionately known as ‘Satpura ki Rani,’ is one of India’s picturesque hill stations. According to mythology, the Pandavas spent their exile on the slopes of Pachmarhi. Captain James Forsyth, a British commander, discovered this gorgeous location in 1857, and it has since piqued the interest of every keen Madhya Pradesh traveller. Pachmarhi gets fully revitalized after the rainy season, making it one of the most incredible places to visit in India in October. The Pachmarhi Hills provide the opportunity to explore the magical caverns of the Pandavas, see several locally respected temples, and engage in adventure activities, for which the area has been known in recent years.
Places to visit in Pachmarhi
- Jata Shankar Caves
- Pandava Caves
- Rajat Prapat Waterfall
- Handi Khoh
- Dhoopgarh
- Mahadeo Hills
- Chhota Mahadeo
- Chauragarh Temple
How to Reach
Bhopal airstrip is the bordering airdrome to Pachmarhi positioned at about 195 km distance away. The most important airlines connect various Indian cities with Bhopal and Delhi, Mumbai and Gwalior. The city is also well linked with some of the major cities of India.
6. Puri
The relatively unique location in Odisha is a popular pilgrimage destination, especially around October. The beautiful weather, warm skies, and fresh wind are all alluring, and the spiritual destination of the Jagannath Puri Temple appears even more ethereal in the October sun, making it one of the most incredible places to visit in India in October. Check out this guide to Puri, with comprehensive details on activities and things to do here, to make the most out of your trip.
Places to visit
- Puri Beach
- Atharnala Bridge
- Sudarshan Crafts Museum
- Astaranga Beach
How to Reach
Puri is the last railway station on the East Coast Railway route. It is well connected to major cities in India. The nearest airport is Biju Patnail Airport which is located in Bhubaneswar almost 60 kilometres from Puri. Puri has good road connectivity with most cities in the region. You can book a cab from Bhubaneswar to Puri Car for a comfortable journey.
7. Majuli Island
Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is the largest inhabited river island in the world. Majuli was also the first island to be made a district in India. It is formed by the River Brahmaputra in the south and River Subansiri in the north. It is a lesser-known tourist destination in the country with a vibrant landscape and culture. October is a great time to visit Majuli Island because the temperature is amicable, averaging at 20ºC; while rains are abundant, bringing lush greenery to the area. Here’s a guide to Majuli Island, with comprehensive details on activities and things to do here, to make the most of your trip.
Places to visit
- Kamalabari Satra
- Dakhinpat Satra
- Garmur Satra
- Auniati Satra
- Tengapania Majuli
How to Reach
Jorhat is the nearest city that has a well-connected railway network and airport. Also, the ferry to Majuli leaves from Neemati Ghat in Jorhat. If you are driving your car or have hired a Majuli taxi, then you can take the vehicle with you on the ferry. You can get the ferry from Jorhat.
Places to visit in South India in October
1. Mysore
Dasara is the most important celebration in Mysore, taking place in the month of October. A million lights illuminate the Mysore Palace! Special music concerts by prominent Carnatic classical singers can be found all around the city. However, the primary event of the day is the Jambu Savaari parade. It is led by 12 elephants clad in colourful clothing and gold, who are followed by troupes of folk dancers, singers, and musicians, as well as at least 40 tableaux portraying Karnataka’s history and legacy. The day concludes with the burning of a life-size figure of Ravana, making it one of the most incredible places to visit in India in October.
You can take a tour of the Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Shri Chamundeshwari Temple, Shuka Vana and other interesting places when you are here. We recommend you rent a car in Mysore with a local driver for the entire day.
Places to Visit
- Mysore Palace
- Lalitha Palace
- Jaganmohan Palace
- The Folklore Museum
- Railway Museum
- Crawford Hall
- Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
How to Reach
Mysore is one of the more well-connected cities in Karnataka and is accessible through road, rail and air. Although Mysore has its airport, it is not fully functional and doesn’t connect to all major cities. So tourists can access Mysore through the Bangalore airport (170km). Getting on a train to the Mysore railway station is a very convenient way of travel as daily trains ply here.
2. Yercaud – Jewel of the South
Yercaud is a charming hill station in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, nestled within the Eastern Ghats. Its hills serve as a relaxing hilly retreat for travellers. Its tourism thrives on this fine balance of the town’s old-world charm and picturesque beauty. October is one of the best time to visit Yercaud because the weather is dry and cool. Surrounded by hills, valleys, abundant wildlife and calming vibes, it is truly a hidden “Jewel of the South”. Here’s a guide to Yercaud, with comprehensive details on activities and things to do here to make the most of your trip.
Places to Visit
- Kiliyur Falls
- Shevaroy Hills
- Lady’s Seat
- Yercaud Lake
- National Orchidarium
- Tipperary View Point
- Anna Park
How to Reach
Yercaud is well-connected to all major cities and towns in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states via road. There are regular state-run and private buses from Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Trichy, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Mysore, Vellore etc. But the best way to reach Yercaud from any of these cities is to book a cab or rent a private car and drive down.
3. Udupi
Looking for a beach vacation but preferring a peaceful setting? Udupi should be on your itinerary! The city has some beautiful beaches, rich foliage, several temples, and the charming charm of a tiny coastal town. Unlike beaches in popular vacation destinations, Udupi beaches are less crowded and quieter. The biggest cultural attractions of Udupi are Sri Krishna Temple and the Anantheshwar Temple. The sunsets on Kapu Beach are stunning. With the monsoons receding in the month of October and the weather becoming more favourable, the golden hour on the beaches should not be missed!
Places to Visit
- Sri Krishna Temple
- St. Mary’s Island
- Malpe Beach
- Kodi Beach
- Kaup Beach
- Daria Bahadurgad fort
