As a travel writer who has spent more than seven years visiting India, I can say from personal experience that certain places get busier during certain times of the year. Some towns are becoming more popular as fall vacation spots, which is a new trend I’ve seen. Read below about “Top 7 Indian cities gaining popularity for autumn travel”.
Many places of India are best to visit in the fall, from September to November. The monsoon rains have stopped, the weather is cooler, and there are fewer people around than during peak season. The weather in the fall is great for exploring the outdoors, going on nature walks, and going to culture events.
Based on my own travels in India, study, and reader comments, I’ve put together this list of the top 7 Indian cities that are becoming more popular for fall vacations:
Kochi in Kerala
People from all over South India want to visit Kochi in the fall. From September to November, the average high temperature in Kochi is 30°C, and the humidity is low, which makes it easy to go touring. The backwaters of Vembanad Lake, Fort Kochi, and Mattancherry come to life when the weather is perfect for walking, riding, or boating trips.
I went to Kochi in September and was amazed at how different it was from the humid rainy season that had just ended a few weeks before. The famous Kathakali dances that happened every night were a great way to spend a fall evening. This is without a doubt one of India’s best places to visit in the fall for nice weather, stunning scenery, and learning about other cultures.
Goa
One of India’s most famous beach spots, Goa, doesn’t need an introduction. But a lot of people go to Goa in the fall to avoid the crowds and heat of the summer. To visit, late October is the best time. The beaches are clean, the water is warm enough to swim in, and the fresh fish is delicious.
In the fall, I went to Goa twice and stayed at a small hotel in Panjim. During the days, I went to the Old Goa churches, the Saturday night market, and the chill beach shacks. That’s warm enough to swim, but not too hot, for long walks on the sand. Highs were in the low 30s. This place had a calm and relaxing vibe.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur is the capital of India’s most colorful state. It is a great time to come in the fall, when the summer heat has gone away but the winter chill has not yet arrived. September through November are warm and nice months to visit the Pink City’s architectural gems, such as the Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, and the City Palace.
I was in Jaipur for a week in late October, and it was a great time to take pictures and see the sights outside. It was cool enough in the evening to take a walk through busy bazaars looking for clothes, crafts, and jewelry. It was one of the most relaxing and fun trips I’ve ever taken to Jaipur.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
On the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is India’s spiritual city. Autumn is a nice time to visit, but there aren’t as many tourists as at other times of the year. The days are warm and dry from October to November, making it a great time to walk along the ghats, look at silk sarees, and watch the sunset aarti events without a lot of other people there.
I spent a few days in Varanasi in early November of last year. People would walk along the riverwalks and look around the old city’s maze of alleys in the mornings. In the evenings, people would light candles and leave flower offerings on the ghats while chants and music filled the air. The magical mood was made even better by the nice fall weather.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
This cute hill town in the foothills of the Himalayas is a great place to visit in the fall. For the best views of the mountains, September through November is the best time to visit Darjeeling. This is after the summer rains have stopped. The days are mild, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, making them great for touring.
I’ve been to Darjeeling twice in the fall. As I walked through the tea farms at sunrise, I saw stunning views of Kanchenjunga when there were no clouds in the sky. It was fun to walk around the busy Chowrasta square during the day, and it felt cozy at night. October is the best month to visit Darjeeling because it doesn’t get too cold in the winter and has beautiful scenery and famous tea.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
People don’t always think of Mumbai as a seasonal spot, but fall is a great time to visit India’s busy financial hub. Temperatures stay in the low 30s from October to early November. This is warm enough to enjoy the beaches while still being comfortable enough to walk around the city.
Two years ago, I went on a trip in the fall and stayed at a hotel in the Colaba district. It was great for going along Marine Drive, watching the sunset at Chowpatty Beach, and feeling the energy of India’s most exciting city. It wasn’t unbearably hot, though. The weather was nice, so I could fully enjoy Mumbai’s sights, sounds, and tastes.
McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
McLeod Ganj is a small town in the Himalayas that is best known as the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government that has been forced to leave Tibet. The fall weather from late September to November is great for enjoying the Buddhist culture and natural beauty of the area. The days are sunny and mild, so you can take long walks through pine woods and visit temples without having to deal with the bitter cold of winter.
A few years ago, I spent a week in September in McLeod Ganj. The weather was great for hiking every day between Dharamkot, Bhagsu, and Naddi towns. The views of the mountains were beautiful, and the Tibetan villages were getting ready for festivals that were coming up. It was a great time to visit this remote Himalayan hideaway before winter came.
Conclusion
Fall is a great time to visit many of India’s most popular tourist spots because the weather is nice, there are fewer people there, and the conditions are great for sightseeing. From the many times I’ve been to India, I know that Kochi, Goa, Jaipur, Varanasi, Darjeeling, Mumbai, and McLeod Ganj are some of the best places to visit in the fall.
As a travel writer with a lot of experience, I think the best time to visit India is in the fall, from September to November. The weather is great, the prices are low, and the country has special things to offer at that time of year. India has a great place to visit in the fall that will give you a memorable and relaxing vacation, whether you like beaches, mountains, jungles, or busy towns.
Sophie Turner is the adventure travel writer behind AdventureTravelFam.com. With over 10 years of experience in travel writing and a Master’s degree in Tourism Management, Sophie shares her expertise in exploring unique destinations and providing family-friendly travel tips. Follow her adventures on Instagram @adventure_travelfamily.