The month of October is a magical month in India. The heavy rains are gone, the sun is warmer, and the air feels cleaner and cooler. It is the season when the places to visit in October in India are green, the skies are clear, and festivals illuminate every city. Snowy mountains, golden deserts and quiet beaches are all the more beautiful in the month of October. Travelling to beautiful places across India in this month is all about experiencing comparatively fewer crowds, the best weather and unlimited options when it comes to adventure or relaxation. If you want to explore the beauty of India like never before, plan a trip now to explore the magic.
15 Places to Visit in October in India
October is the season when India shines in all its colours. From mountains wrapped in snow to cities glowing with festivals, every destination feels alive and welcoming. Listed below are top 15 places to visit in October in India- let’s have a look at them!
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is one of the most popular places to go in October in India since the monsoon moves on by October and the Ganga glistens under the clear, blue skies. The day temperatures are around 30°C and nights are cool, thus providing the perfect weather for yoga by the river, river rafting or attending the popular Ganga Aarti. The peaceful vibe makes it one of the best places to visit in October in India. Wait no more and plan a trip to Uttarakhand if you are a spiritual seeker or someone who loves adventure.
Top attractions: Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram, Lakshman Jhula
Best things to do: River rafting, yoga sessions, evening Aarti
2. Goa
Goa is among the best places to visit in India in October. It reopens after the monsoon, with sunny beaches and palm-lined coasts. The Arabian Sea remains warm at approximately 28°C and is absolutely perfect for swimming and surfing. October also provides lively nightlife and low-cost hotel accommodation before the tourist crowd peaks during the winter months. With tranquil beaches and festive holidays, Goa stands out as among the best tourist places in India in October.
Top attractions: Baga Beach, Fort Aguada, Basilica of Bom Jesus
Best things to do: Beach parties, water sports, dolphin spotting
3. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Jodhpur stands out as one of the best places to visit in October in India, thanks to its sunny weather and no heavy heat. The blue-painted houses and Mehrangarh Fort look absolutely stunning under clear skies. Desert safaris, fort sightseeing and local bazaars feel quite pleasant in this season. October is when Jodhpur becomes one of the best places to visit in October in India for people who appreciate history as well as culture.
Top attractions: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada
Best things to do: Desert jeep safari, shopping at Sardar Market, fort walks
4. Kochi, Kerala
Kochi turns into one of the best places to visit in India in October as cool evenings and fresh air following the rains make it a lovely month overall. Its historic beauty in Fort Kochi, spice markets and rides along the backwaters make a trip to Kerala in October an ideal time to explore Kochi. Cultural enhancement is added by the Kathakali performances and churches. Walking along the Chinese fishing nets, as the rain vanishes, is a magical feeling and thus this is one of the best tourist places in India in October.
Top attractions: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Marine Drive
Best things to do: Backwater cruise, Kathakali dance show, heritage walk
5. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is among the best places to visit in October in India, with golden scenery and silent monasteries. Early October allows travel before the snow shuts down passes and offers breathtaking views of rivers and mountains. The Key and Dhankar Monasteries illuminate in the crisp light and stillness is religious. Treks in October are peaceful and scenic. Thus a trip to Spiti Valley is a must since it is among the best places to visit in October in India for people who are in search of peace.
Top attractions: Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Chandratal Lake
Best things to do: Trekking, monastery visits, stargazing
6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is one of the most spiritual tourist places to visit in October in India, as the Ganga Ghats shimmer under sunny skies. The cooler nights make the Ganga Aarti a mesmerising affair, and boat rides in the morning are magical. October is also the festive month with Dev Diwali preparations, and it adds a touch of beauty to the city. The tranquil weather accommodates long heritage walks and Varanasi is one of the most famous tourist places to visit in October in India.
Top attractions: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath
Best things to do: Evening Ganga Aarti, sunrise boat ride, heritage walk
7. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is among the best places to visit in October in India since during this month, the sky is clear and views of the Kanchenjunga are at their best. Tea gardens are verdant after the rain, and rides in the toy train are great scenic treats. With temperatures around 10°C- 15°C, it's the perfect time for a walk through colonial alleys and monasteries. October makes Darjeeling one of the most scenic and picturesque tourist places in India in October.
Top attractions: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Padmaja Naidu Zoo
Best things to do: Sunrise view of Kanchenjunga, toy train ride, tea garden visit
8. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is among the best historic places to visit in October in India, as the heat diminishes and it is comfortable to explore the ruins. The UNESCO World Heritage Site enjoys golden sunlight, and coracle rides on rivers are a source of entertainment. October is also a good time to cycle around temples and rock-cut monuments without feeling the languor of summer. With history and a surreal landscape, Hampi is one of the most interesting tourist places in India in October.
Top attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Royal Enclosure
Best things to do: Coracle ride, temple hopping, boulder climbing
9. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is also one of the best places to visit in October in India, with the waterfalls being full and the skies clearing after the monsoons. The hills are emerald-green and the air is crisp. Shillong, known as the "Scotland of the East," is absolutely gorgeous in the month of October, and this is the perfect time to explore Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak and nearby caves like never before. The city also comes alive with cultural festivals,s and it is one of the most interesting tourist places to visit in India in October if you are someone who loves nature as well as culture.
Top attractions: Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak
Best things to do: Boating, cave exploration,and local market visits
10. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur is one of the most royal tourist places to visit in October in India, as the lakes mirror sunny skies and the palaces appear magical. The climate remains comfortable and temperatures stay between 20–28°C, ideal for cruising along Lake Pichola and meandering through vibrant bazaars. October also ushers in the tourist season, and so the city is busy but never crowded. With its combination of lakes, heritage and culture, a trip to Rajasthan is definitely something one should not miss out on
Top attractions: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir
Best things to do: Sunset boat rides, explore bazaars, enjoy rooftop dining
11. Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar is among the best places to visit in October in India, as the climate remains cool and ideal for exploring the holy city. The Golden Temple glistens in the bright light under clear sunny skies, and it is a more tranquil time to visit Jallianwala Bagh during this month. October happens to be the festive period during the time of Diwali, during which the temple complex gets illuminated by lights and thus forms of the most religious and lively tourist places in India in October.
Top attractions: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border
Best things to do: Attend langar at Golden Temple, evening Wagah ceremony, shop at Hall Bazaar
12. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho is one of the best tourist places to visit in October in India, as it is sunny and permits hassle-free exploration of the ancient heritage sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site studded with carvings, appears all the more majestic in the golden light of October sunlight. This is also the most opportune time to explore on foot and in the evenings attend the sound-and-light presentations without the scorching summer sun. Khajuraho is one of India's foremost places to visit in the month of October if history and art are a priority.
Top attractions: Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Raneh Falls
Best things to do: Sound and light show, temple exploration, cultural walks
13. Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands are one of the best places to visit in October in India as the seas are calm after the monsoon, making water sports safe and fun. The islands’ coral reefs, white beaches and clear skies attract adventure lovers and honeymooners alike. October is also when the scuba diving season starts, and marine life is vibrant. It’s one of the most exotic tourist destinations to visit in India in October for nature and sea lovers. So wait no more and plan a trip to Andaman this October.
Top attractions: Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Cellular Jail
Best things to do: Scuba diving, snorkelling,and light and sound show
14. Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore is among India's best places to visit in October, mainly because it hosts the world-famous Dasara festival. The Mysore Palace gets lit up by thousands of bulbs, and grand processions light up the streets- the city comes alive overall. Comfortable weather in October also allows tourists to explore the busy markets and enjoy the pretty gardens at their own pace. Indeed, it is among the best places to visit in October in India if you love a blend of culture, history and celebrations.
Top attractions: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens
Best things to do: Witness Dasara festival, shop for silk sarees, evening light show
15. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer is among the top places to visit in October in India since the desert heat diminishes, and it is the perfect time for camel rides and exploration of forts. The Golden City glistens in autumn sunligh,t and the windy evenings are perfect for rooftop restaurants. October is also the month that marks the start of desert camping under the starry night skies, and thus it is among the most beautiful tourist places to visit in October in India.
Top attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, Patwon ki Haveli
Best things to do: Camel safari, desert camping, and explore ancient havelis
Conclusion
October is a wonderful month to travel across India. The royal palaces of Rajasthan, the backwaters of Kerala and the high mountains of Himachal all shine in their respective ways during this season. These places to visit in October in India offer a special journey in the cool weather, clear skies and festive moods. Travelling to the destinations mentioned above in the month of October allows you to experience a blend of culture, nature and history. So wait no more, pack your bags and have the trip of a lifetime this October.
