5 Best Places to Visit in October in India for Leisure

October is an important time of the year in India. It is the season for holidays and celebrations, as most festivals like Navaratri, Dussehra, and Diwali fall during this period. Ideally, it is the time of the year when tourists can experience the best in the country.

Here are some of the best places to visit in October in India.

1. Jammu, Srinagar & the Kashmir Valley – the Paradise on Earth

The Kashmir Valley and the surrounding areas – Jammu and Srinagar – are undisputedly beautiful destinations. Covered in lakes, and orchards, with tin-roofed villages, the entire state is surely the paradise on the earth. It is one of the best places to visit in October in India when its natural beauty is at its prime.

Major tourist attractions: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Hemis National Park

Things to do: Boating at Dal Lake, Exploring the ruins at Narang, visiting the Thajiwas Valley at Sonamarg

Srinagar, Kashmir

How to reach

By air: Jammu airport and Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport are two major airports of the state. Regular flights connect Jammu and Srinagar with almost all the major cities of India

By rail: Jammu Tawi railway station the state’s largest railway station

By road: Daily buses are available from Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh

2. Mysore – City of Palaces

Mysore or Mysuru is an important city due to its association with India’s freedom struggle. Once considered as the stronghold of the Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore has been an important center for culture and trade. Home to some of the stunning examples of Dravidian architecture, with elements of Persian and Gothic embedded in them, Mysore is the place to relax and rejuvenate.

Popular among yoga aficionados, the city is home to Ashtanga School of Yoga – a modern form of classical yoga. During October, the city hosts the annual Dusshera Festival or Jamboo Savāri – one of the major attractions of the city. The entire town, decorated with stunning festive lighting, hosts special processions for the occasion. Overall, the Dusshera Festival of Mysore is a spectacle not to be missed.

Major tourist attractions: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, and Chamundeshwari Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Kukkarahalli Lake, and so on

Things to do: Exploring the popular tourist’s hubs, shopping at ancient Devaraja Market, sampling the soft Mysore Pak and Mysore Masala Dosa

Mysore Palace

How to reach Mysore:

By air: Nearest airport to Mysore is Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

By rail: Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station

By road: From Bangalore, one can take a bus or cab to Mysore

3. Nainital – Hill Station Surrounded by Lakes

Being one of the favorite hill stations of North India, make Nainital one of the best places to visit in October in India. Surrounded by gorgeous lakes and steep valleys, the hill station was once popular among nostalgic British officers as Nainital reminded them of their homes back in England.

October is one of the prime tourist seasons, the center is packed with travelers and honeymooners who come here to soak in the beauty of nature.

Major tourist attractions: Naini Lake, Eco Cave Gardens, Snow View Point, Himalayan View Point

Things to do: Boating at Naini Lake, shopping at the Tibetan Market, bird’s eye view of Nainital from Nainital Ropeway, rock-climbing, sipping hot Momos and Thukpa at roadside stalls

How to reach Nainital:

By air: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, is the nearest commercial airport to the city.

By rail: Kathgodham Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Nainital.

By road: Nainital is well-connected with major cities and towns of North India.

4. Kolkata – City of Joy and Delicious Food

An old capital, with a heart of gold, Kolkata is next on the list of best places to visit in October in India. During October, the city prepares itself for one of the most important festivals of Eastern India – Durga Puja. During the four day celebrations, Kolkata reflects addictive energy that is quite intoxicating. Travelers, who happen to be in the city during the festive season, should make it a point to indulge in pandal hopping and eating the spectacular street food.

People coming to this ancient capital of British India, if time permits, can explore the several important landmarks of the city as well.

Major tourist attractions: Victoria Memorial, Botanical Garden, Dalhousie Square, Marble Palace, Jorashako – the ancestral home of the Tagore’s

Things to do: Taking a stroll along the Princep Ghat, riding a tram, exploring College Street – India’s biggest second-hand bookstore street, eating Kolkata Biryani, Phucka and Bengali Rassagulla

Victoria Memorial in Kolkata

Indian Museum (Jadu Ghar), Kolkata

How to reach Kolkata:

By air: The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest airport to Kolkata, and is well-connected with all the major national and international cities in the world.

By rail: Howrah Railway Station is an important Junction, and connects Kolkata to almost all small and big cities of India.

By road: Being an important metropolis of India, Kolkata has excellent road connectivity.

5. Mussoorie – Queen of the Hills

Another popular hill station of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is fondly referred to as the Queen of the Hills. And, this makes Mussoorie one of the best places to visit in October in India. Octobers is that time of the month when the weather is at its best, and nature is in its pristine form.

Resting on the high ridge, one can get a stunning view of the nearby Doon Valley and other beautiful Himalayan mountains nearby.

Major tourist attractions: Kempty Falls, Mussoorie Mall Road, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, Shedup Choepelling Temple, Lal Tibba, and so on.

Things to do: Paragliding and Trekking, shopping at Mall Road, riding the ropeway cable for an aerial view of the city, trying the Garhwali and Tibetan food, and so on

How to reach Mussoorie:

By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport to Mussoorie.

By rail: Dehradun Railway Station is nearest railway station to the city.

By road: Buses and cabs are available from Delhi, Shimla, Haridwar, Chamba, and other major cities of North India.

P.S: October is the peak tourist season, therefore for comfortable and hassle-free traveling experience visitors are advised to make the tour and hotel bookings in advance.