6 Indian Holiday Destinations for October

It’s the end of September and the festive fever is approaching. October is synonymous with balmy sunshine, fragrant air, and positive energy. Don’t they compel you to explore and be with nature? We are sure most of you have been vaccinated and travel restrictions are easing across the country. Undoubtedly, this is a perfect month for leisure travel. Here is a list of 6 Indian holiday destinations for October.   

Kasauli & Barog, Himachal Pradesh

If you are tired of the overcrowded Shimla, Kasauli comes as a great respite. As the lovely weather greets you and the foggy skyline envelops the town, gorge on juicy momos or go shopping at Mall Road boasting shops established during the British era. Sunset Point, Monkey Point, Gilbert Trail, and Christ Church are few points of interest in this quaint little town, which also houses an Indian Airforce station. Nature is at its best in Gilbert Trail where flowers bloom post-monsoon. A hike in this pass is the best thing to do in Kasauli. 

From Kasauli, you can make a day trip to Barog which is just 18 km away. Barog is known for its haunted railway station that got recognition as a UNESCO world heritage site. Dotted with the prettiest Himalayan flora, and the panoramic hills, the spot clean station is picturesque beyond imagination. This less-known town is a nature lover’s dream!  

Chail & Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Around 60 km from Kasauli, Chail has the reputation of a quiet hill station. With less commercialization, the place receives less footfall. For film fanatics, Three Idiots famed Chail Palace is the attraction point. Chail lets you experience the solitude of the hills amid lush pine trees with a clear blue sky painted in amber and orange. This little hill-town is perfect for a relaxed holiday. Chail, undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in October

For adventure addicts and nature lovers, Kufri is a hill station nearby, merely 31km away. It’s a winter destination for skiing and snow activities otherwise. In October you can experience the onset of winters with the tranquility of the hills. 

Sikkim

The neighboring state of West Bengal, Sikkim is among the best Indian holiday destinations for October as well as any time of the year. Home to the great Kangchenjunga range, Sikkim shares cultural similarities with Bengal. The usually tranquil state breaks into a celebratory mood during Durga Puja and the fervor continues until the new year. Besides the festivities, Sikkim also offers verdant forests, mighty mountains, dazzling waterfalls, and extremely pleasant weather in October. Finally, don’t forget the lip-smacking food which is a blend of North Eastern and Bengali cuisines.

Sikkim is a large state to explore, you can divide your itinerary for the part of Sikkim that you want to explore. North Sikkim needs a little more number of days compared to Gangtok, the capital or Southern parts.

Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Nested in the lap of Uttarakhand’s Pauri district, Lansdowne is an ideal retreat for holidaymakers. Known as the quietest and unspoiled hill station, the tiny place got its name from the then viceroy of India Lord Lansdowne between 1888-1894. Being a military cantonment area, it is well maintained and clean. Lansdowne offers pristine views of the Garhwal range besides trekking, bird watching, boating, and other adventure activities. Treat your itchy feet by visiting Tipin Top, War Museum, Bhulla Taal, St. Mary’s Church. Later in the eveninng, soak in the fresh air and unwind in the lap of nature. You can also visit Tarakeshwar Mahadev Temple and Bhairav Garhi Temple for day excursions nearby.

Lansdowne is a great place for short weekend getaways because it is the nearest hill station from Delhi NCR. Visit alone, with family, or with your partner, the serenity will leave you amazed.

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

172 km away from the hubbub of the world heritage site Khajuraho, lies the laid-back town of Orchha. Sharing its border with Jhansi, Orchha in Madhya Pradesh has become a hot spot for photo and history enthusiasts. Known for its gorgeous historic monuments, the 16th-century town can be covered on foot within a day. To begin with, soak in the breeze by the Betwa river, go cenotaph hopping and visit the archaic Hindu temples that exude architectural brilliance. Orchha is pleasant in October as the sun doesn’t hurt much and evenings turn cool. So, if you have more days in your hands, you can club Bateshwar or Gwalior in your plan. Both are 159 km and 120 km respectively from Orchha. 

Udaipur & Mount Abu, Rajasthan

The best time to visit Rajasthan starts in October. While Udaipur draws international tourists in large numbers, it is also an opportune time for Indians to explore the city. The glistening waters of Lake Pichola, the preserved heritage in City Palace Museum, and Bagore ki Haveli, the ancient Jadish temple with the fascinating forts and gardens make the city worth exploring. Furthermore, not to forget the spicy traditional food and vibrant culture that leave you asking for more.

You can club Udaipur with Mount Abu, 164 km away. Mount Abu is the only hill station of the princely state with pleasant weather, especially from October onwards. The tiny hill town is best explored on a two-wheeler available for rent in abundance. From the stunning Dilwara Jain temple and scenic Nakki Lake to the gorgeous Sunset Point and the exciting crocodile lake Trevor’s Tank, there are various points of interest to explore besides getting drenched in the greenery and natural beauty.

This is an exhaustive list of the best places to visit in India in October. We are sure there are a lot more. Feel free to add to the list in the comments section and tell us about your experience.