15 Best Places to Visit in October in India with Activity list

The month of October kicks off the official tourism season in India as the weather becomes cool and pleasant across the country and remains the same till the end of March. Starting this month, tourists swarm to the best of the best travel destinations in the country with their family and friends for vacations. If you too have similar plans, then we suggest you take a look at our list of best places to visit in October in India and plan your vacations accordingly.

Places to Visit in October:

1. Agra

Agra | #1 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Taj Mahal, which has put the city’s name on the list of every ardent traveler in the world. The beauty of this monument is far from being expressed in words; it can only be witnessed and admired. October presents the ideal weather to explore this fine piece of architecture and many such remarkable Mughal structures dotted in and around the city.

• Places to visit in Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Chini-ka-Rauza and Akbar’s Tomb
• Things to do in Agra: Relish some authentic Mughlai delicacies; go on a shopping spree at Raja ki Mandi, Sadar Bazaar or Kinari Bazaar; enjoy a fine light and sound show at Agra Fort and take a trip to Fatehpur Sikri.

Read more: Best Restaurants in Agra

2. Kolkata

Kolkata | #2 of 15 Places to Visit in October

October is probably the most awaited month for the people of Kolkata as festivities take centre stage with ‘Durga Pujo’. There is happiness on everyone’s face and sparkle in the eyes as they get ready to welcome their revered deity – Goddess Durga. The festivities go on for a week or so and the whole city comes to life with families hopping from one spectacularly decorated Puja pandal to the other to take blessings from Maa Durga. Come to Kolkata in October to witness this grand celebration, and you will be utterly impressed!     

• Places to visit in Kolkata: Victoria Memorial, Kalighat, Nicco Park, Alipore Zoo, Dakshineswar Temple, Kalighat Kali Temple, Indian Museum, Eco Park Princep Ghat and Belur Math
• Things to do in Kolkata: Attend Durga Pujo festivities, shop till you drop at New Market, enjoy a day at the wonderful Science City and gorge on mouth-watering Bengali dishes, especially sweets

Read more: Kolkata – A Shopping Paradise

3. Rishikesh

Rishikesh | #3 of 15 Places to Visit in October

If both sightseeing and adventure is on your mind, then coming to Rishikesh in October can be the best choice. The holy city of Rishikesh is home to several revered temples, ghats and the famous – Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Considered as the Yoga Capital of India, Rishikesh also offers different avenues for adventure junkies – white river rafting, bunjee jumping, zip lining and camping along the shores of the gushing river Ganga.  

• Places to visit in Rishikesh: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Neer Garh Waterfall, Triveni Ghat, Rishi Kund, Beatles Ashram and Swarg Ashram
• Things to do in Rishikesh: Camp at Shivpuri, go for exciting white water rafting and get your adrenaline pumping with bunjee jumping and zip lining at Jumpin Heights 

Read more: Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

4. Hampi

Hampi | #4 of 15 Places to Visit in October

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi in Karnataka – once home to the erstwhile Vijaynagar Kingdom – is famous for its ruins of monolithic structures, temples and monuments. The Hindu architectural style of these historic structures is worth witnessing, especially that of Virupaksha Temple, which is devoted to the patron deity of the kingdom. You can plan a trip to this city if you seek a bit of solitude and love exploring historical buildings.

• Places to visit in Hampi: Vijaya Vittala Temple, Sri Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex, Hanuman Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Riverside Ruins and Queen’s Bath
• Things to do in Hampi: Shop at Hampi Bazaar, trek to Matanga Hill, explore the Archaeological Museum and enjoy scenic views of Tungabhadra River from Tungabhadra Dam

5. Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi | #5 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Fondly called as the ‘Satpura ki Rani’ – Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh – is one of the scenic hill stations of India. As per legends, during their exile, the Pandavas had lived on the hills of Pachmarhi. In 1857, a British officer by the name Captain James Forsyth discovered this scenic region and since then it has caught the eye of every avid traveler to Madhya Pradesh. The Pachmarhi Hills offer the chance of exploring the mystical caves of Pandavas, visiting some locally revered temples and indulging in adventure activities, for which the place has made a name for itself 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
• Things to do in Pachmarhi: Enjoy adventure rides at Handi Khoh, witness wildlife at Satpura National Park, indulge in parasailing and zip lining at Satpura Adventure Club and go on an adventurous waterfall trekking mission at Apsara Falls

6. Bir Billing

Bir Billing | #6 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Bir Billing is probably among the most sought-after destinations in the country for adventure sports. This small town in Himachal Pradesh has etched its name on the world map as the venue for the World Paragliding Championship, which is held generally in the month of October. This is the time when the weather suits perfectly for paragliding and other adventure sports, and hence, you can see people flocking to this small town during this month. Apart from this, Bir is also popular as an important centre for meditation and spiritual studies, with large part of its population belonging to the Tibetan community.

• Places to visit in Bir Billing: Bir Tea Factory, Sherab Ling Monastery, Deer Park Institute, Chokling Monastery, Drukpa Kagyu Monastery and Bajinath Temple
• Things to do in Bir Billing: Immerse yourself in the fun of paragliding and hang gliding, go on a shopping spree at Bir Road, trek in the mountains of Bir and enjoy a toy train ride to explore Bir

7. Puri

Puri | #7 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Puri in Odisha is considered among the holiest destinations in the country as it is home to the sacred Jagannath Temple. Millions of devotees throng this sacred city across the year to pay their tributes at the temple and October is no different! However, coming here in this month can be a good option as this time of the year, the place enjoys a pleasant temperature and as a result sightseeing and spending quality time at the Puri Beach becomes even more enjoyable.

• Places to visit in Puri: Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Narendra Tank, Lokanath Temple and Markandeshwara Temple
• Things to do in Puri: Unwind at Puri Sea beach, shop for local handicrafts at the beachside market, take a day trip to Konark Temple or Chilika Lake, relish mouth-watering seafood delicacies

8. Darjeeling

Darjeeling | #8 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Considered among the top hill stations of India, Darjeeling in West Bengal attracts tourists from far and wide throughout the year, and since its weather remains extremely pleasing in October, sightseeing becomes absolutely a fantastic experience. Add to that the scenic vistas of the rolling hills dotted with orchid, rhododendron and pine trees; tea gardens and the Mt. Kanchenjunga in the backdrop; it can’t get better than this!

• Places to visit in Darjeeling: Tiger Hill, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Singalila National Park and St. Andrew’s Church
• Things to do in Darjeeling: Enjoy strolling through the tea estates, go on a toy train ride, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and taste the local lip-smacking delicacies, especially Thukpa.

9. Mysore

Mysore | #9 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Mysore – the City of Palaces – is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern India. There are some amazing attractions to visit in the city, but the most prominent among them is Mysore Palace – a must visit, especially during October when the Dusshera Festival is celebrated here in the grandest manner and is attended by thousands of devotees. While you are in Mysore, make sure to shop for sandalwood products and silk sarees; two things that has made Mysore even more famous.

• Places to visit in Mysore: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Karanji Lake, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, Jaganmohan Palace and Lalitha Mahal
• Things to do in Mysore: Have fun at GRS Fantasy Park, explore the Railway Museum, witness the grand festivity of Mysore Dasara, shop for sandalwood products and silk sarees and take a trip to Krishna Raja Sagar Dam

10. Lahaul Spiti

Lahaul Spiti | #10 of 15 Places to Visit in October

This district of Lahaul Spiti, located on the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, is among the top places in the country for trekking owing to its unique terrain. Even though bereft of any vegetation, this region looks stunning and its landscape is something to witness in a lifetime. Home to some important Buddhist monasteries, the district draws devotees as well as people who are looking for some real adventure. October is a good time to come here for sightseeing and trekking.

• Places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti: Tabo Monastery, Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Spiti River, Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass
• Things to do in Lahaul and Spiti: Go on jeep safaris to Chandratal, trek to Hampta Pass, enjoy a motorcycle tour of Spiti and visit the Tabo Caves

11. Andaman Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands | #11 of 15 Places to Visit in October

This gem is my personal favourite and hence on the top of the list. The beautiful archipelago in the Bay of Bengal is known for its extremely clean white beaches, abundant flora, amazing coral reefs and adrenaline-pumping water sports. Andaman being an island is only connected with mainland India via air and sea routes. The Port Blair airport hosts direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam.

• Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Radhanagar Beach (Havelock Island), Neil Island, Ross Island, Cellular Jail (Port Blair), Laxmanpur Beach (Neil Island), Chidiya Tapu (Port Blair), Baratang Island and Jolly Buoy
• Things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Snorkelling, scuba diving, banana boats, parasailing, sea walking, etc.

12. Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett | #12 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Among the oldest and most-visited wildlife sanctuaries in India, Jim Corbett is nestled in the serene district of Nainital, Uttarakhand. It is home to the highest number of the magnificent Royal Bengal Tigers and other wild animals, besides over 650 denizen and migratory birds. The national park is sspread over 520 sq. km (main area), covering the picturesque landscapes of Nainital, Pauri Garhwal and Almora. 

• Things to do in Jim Corbett: Jungle safari, Corbett Waterfall, Corbett Museum visit and river rafting.

13. Varanasi

Varanasi | #13 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Varanasi, Benaras or Kashi, people call this divine city by several names. The City Eternal is among the oldest in the world and hence a centre of amazement for tourists from across the globe. The majestic evening aarti beside the Ganges, the numerous holy ghats and the much revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple are surely going to enchant you for days to come. Moreover, October month is full of festivities, which are celebrated with great pomp across the city. If you are here around Diwali, do attend the iconic Ganga Mahotsav Festival.

• Places to Visit in Varanasi: Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dhamekh Stupa, Manikarnika Ghat, among many temples.
• Things to do in Varanasi: Attend the evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, enjoy a boat ride on River Ganges, visit the various ancient temples

14. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer | #14 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Serving as the guard to the western border of India, Jaisalmer is much more than a tourist destination. The Golden City is though majorly known for the incredible yellow stone Sonar Quila also known as Living Fort as it is still home to over 4000 people, the expansive sand dunes and the ghost village of Kuldhara. The rustic charm of this city in Rajasthan is unexplainable and calls for a visit at least once in a lifetime.

• Places to Visit in Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Fort, Kuldhara Village, Jain Temples, Desert National Park, Gadisar Lake, The Thar Heritage Museum, Tazia Tower
• Things to do in Jaisalmer: Camping, camel ride and desert safari

15. Goa 

South Goa Beaches | #15 of 15 Places to Visit in October

Goa is a magical destination that boasts a mix of both worlds. You just name it and the state has everything to delight all the five senses. From serene beaches, magnificent forts, old temples and colonial churches to happening nightclubs, casinos, cafes, water sports and flea markets to waterfalls, backwaters, vineyards, wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations and the list is endless. You need at least a week’s time to explore this diverse destination which has a different charm in its North and South zones.

• Places to Visit in South Goa Beaches: Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Colva Beach, Dudhsagar Falls, Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Tito’s Lane and Goa State Museum
• Things to do in South Goa Beaches: Parasailing, water skiing, scuba diving, banana boat ride, kayaking, jet-skiing, snorkelling, clubbing, a vineyard tour, etc.

Places to Visit in India by Month: