15 Best Places to Visit in October in India (The Pan-India Travel Itinerary)

Have a travel itch?

Want to pack your bags and just head out to experience India in its heartland?

Well, lucky you that we’ve curated this guide.

Join us as we delve into the best places to visit in October in India. 

From Agra’s stunning Taj Mahal to Hampi’s impressive temple landscape—from Goa’s beachy paradise to Kolkata’s vivid charm—our pan-India listicle covers every destination that will leave you awestruck by its beauty.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Best Places to Visit in October in India – North India

In October, Northern India ushers in a transition period, marking the shift from the heat of summer to the chill in winter. It’s the perfect season to experience Jaipur’s golden landscapes and Himachal’s cool, crisp air.

Let’s explore the best October tourist places in India’s northern side one must definitely visit. 

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Agra, situated along the Yamuna River, boasts the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders, which witnesses heavy tourist influx throughout the year. Taj Mahal is an all time go to place whether in April, march or you visit here in May month.

Words fall short when it comes to describing the resplendent beauty of the Taj Mahal. One has to visit it to witness it. October offers the perfect weather to explore this Mughal masterpiece and other remarkable structures in the city. 

• Must-Visit Places: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Chini-ka-Rauza, Akbar’s Tomb.

• Things To Do: Savor authentic Mughlai cuisine, shop at Raja ki Mandi, Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, attend the light and sound show at Agra Fort, and take a trip to Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is a treasure trove of history and flavors!

Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh is one of the best places to visit in October. Nestled amid pristine natural beauty, it beckons honeymooners, backpackers, and adventure enthusiasts. 

Want to get your adrenaline going? Visit Leh-Ladakh, which offers an array of thrilling activities to offer, including trekking, camping, river rafting, jeep safaris, and more. 

Enveloped by the majestic Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, this cold desert also boasts serene Buddhist monasteries, offering tranquility in nature’s lap. 

During October, the place comes alive with vibrance, making it an ideal time to explore. 

• Must-Visit Places: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Monastery, Alchi Gompa, Chemrey Gompa, Diskit & Hundur Gompa, Hemis Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Likir Gompa, Sani Monastery, Stongdey Monastery, and more.

• Things To Do: Trekking, zorbing, paragliding, camping, river rafting, motor-biking, jeep safaris, and countless other thrills await in Leh-Ladakh.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh, hands down, is one of the best places to visit in September and October with family, offering a perfect blend of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty.

The place in October combines sightseeing and adventure for an ultimate getaway. It boasts revered temples, serene ghats, and iconic landmarks, such as Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula.

Known as the Yoga Capital of India, Rishikesh caters to adventure enthusiasts with thrilling activities, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and riverside camping along the mighty Ganga. October provides the ideal weather for an adrenaline-packed vacation with friends.

• Must-Visit Places: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Neer Garh Waterfall, Triveni Ghat, Rishi Kund, Beatles Ashram, Swarg Ashram.

• Things To Do: Camp at Shivpuri, experience exhilarating white-water rafting, and get your heart racing with bungee jumping and zip-lining at Jumpin Heights. Rishikesh promises both spiritual solace and thrilling adventures!

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur is fondly referred to as the Pink City of India and is touted as one of the best places to visit in October India. 

Set against the rugged hills, the place is a tapestry of forts and palaces bathed in pink hues. Backed by rich, vivid culture and majestic mahales, Jaipur takes you back in time, blending Rajput and Mughal influences, and makes you feel like a true blue royal. Jaipur surely has some of the best historical places in India where skilled architects from bygone eras have left their mark, creating a magical experience for visitors.

Every facet of Jaipur has beauty written all over it, making it a perfect October getaway. 

• Must-Visit Places: Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Observatory, Albert Hall, Dolls Museum, Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, Sisodia Rani Garden, Vidyadhar Garden, Ram Niwas Bagh and Zoo, Kanak Vrindavan.

• Things To Do: Indulge in shopping, hot air balloon rides, sightseeing, savoring delicious cuisine, and more. Jaipur promises a regal experience coupled with vibrant culture and flavors!

Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh

Here’s why Bir Billing needs to be one of the best places to visit in India in October. 

First, as a small gem in Himachal Pradesh, it has earned a reputation as an adventure sports hotspot. Bir Billing is home to the World Paragliding Championship, organized in October, and attracts thrill-seekers from across the globe.

Second, Bir is a spiritual hub, especially for the Tibetan community, offering meditation and spiritual studies.

• Must-Visit Places: Bir Tea Factory, Sherab Ling Monastery, Deer Park Institute, Chokling Monastery, Drukpa Kagyu Monastery, Baijnath Temple.

• Things To Do: Soar in paragliding and hang gliding, shop at Bir Road, trek the picturesque mountains, and enjoy a scenic toy train ride. Bir Billing caters to every traveler’s desires!

Best Places to Visit in October India – South India

During October, the South Indian weather is more than just optimal and welcoming. It’s pleasant, balmy, and comfortable, triggering your inner travel beast to unleash. 

So, let’s check out what places to visit in October when you are in South India. 

Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi is outrageously beautiful and one of the best places in India to visit in October. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi shines bright as a Pole Star during the Dusshera season and is the cynosure of all eyes owing to its culture, customs, and traditions.

Situated along the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, it was founded in 1336 AD by ‘Harihara’ and ‘Bukka.’ 

Hampi holds significant importance in history and boasts magnificent palaces, regal elephant stables, colossal forts, and intricately carved temples—attracting visitors from across the globe.

• Must-Visit Places: Lotus Mahal, Royal Enclosures, Archeological Survey of India Museum, Virupaksha Temple, and more.

• Things to Do: Immerse yourself in a taxi boat ride, stay in rice field cottages, explore village life on a motorbike, try cliff jumping, and relish the views from Matanga Hill. Hampi offers a blend of history and adventure worth every glance!

Mysore, Karnataka

Mysore, hands down, is incredibly scenic and is the top place to visit in October in India. Famous as the ‘City of Palaces,’ it earns the merit of being the most beloved tourist destination in Southern India. 

While Mysore boasts numerous attractions, the Mysore Palace takes center stage, especially during October when the grand Dusshera Festival magnetizes the attention of thousands of devotees.

Don’t forget to shop its world-renowned sandalwood products and silk sarees, making Mysore one of the best places to visit in India during October. 

• Must-Visit Places: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Karanji Lake, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, Jaganmohan Palace, Lalitha Mahal.

• Things To Do: Enjoy GRS Fantasy Park, explore the Railway Museum, immerse in the grandeur of Mysore Dasara, shop for sandalwood products and silk sarees, and visit the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. Mysore promises a blend of culture and leisure!

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal, located in Tamil Nadu, emerges as a prime October to December destination in India. The place is a crowd-puller for its invigorating climate, stunning landscapes, and serene ambiance.

Apart from checking out the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu, you can explore several other things if you’re in Kodaikanal. Enveloped by granite cliffs, wooded valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and lush hills, this charming hill town sits 2,133 meters above sea level, offering a unique charm rarely found in the Himalayan hill stations.

Kodaikanal’s pristine beauty makes it an unmissable place to visit in India during October. 

• Must-Visit Places: Kodaikanal Lake, Coakers Walk, Bryant Park, Silver Cascade Falls, Silent Valley View Point, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Bear Shola Falls, Kukkal Caves, Perumal Peak, and more.

• Things To Do: Stroll along Coaker’s Walk, enjoy boating in Kodaikanal Lake, explore the intriguing Guna Cave, wander through Pine Forest, embark on a night safari, trek the trails, and go biking. Kodaikanal promises a world of adventure and natural beauty!

Alleppey, Kerala

Alleppey, now Alappuzha, stands as the quintessential tourist hotspot of Kerala, God’s own country. 

What makes it one of the best places to visit in October with family? It’s a one-of-a-kind houseboat cruise. Travelers across the globe gravitate toward Alleppey to experience serene houseboat rides through Kerala backwaters.

Resting over a labyrinth of serene canals and lagoons, Alleppey is one of India’s widely preferred October tourist places.

• Must-Visit Places: Alleppey Beach, St. Andrews Church, Vembanand Lake, Marari Beach, Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple, Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple, and more.

• Things To Do: From sightseeing to indulging in houseboat cruises, savoring delicious Kerala cuisine, and shopping for unique souvenirs, Alleppey offers diverse experiences for every traveler. Discover the tranquil beauty of this backwater haven!

Best Places to Visit in India During October – Western India

Let’s turn to Western India and explore what places are ideal to visit during the onset of Autumn in October.

Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Aurangabad sits as the jewel in the crown of Western India and cuts as one of the best places to visit in October.

Aurangabad offers a glimpse into history and spirituality, located amid lush hills and along the Kham River. It boasts renowned Buddhist caves that witness Buddhism’s flourishing in the region.

As one of the historically rich cities named after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Aurangabad beckons travelers with its unique heritage.

• Must-Visit Places: Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves, Jyothirlinga Grishneshwar Temple, Bhadra Maruti Temple, Siddarth Garden, Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, and more.

• Things To Do: Immerse yourself in historical exploration, indulge in sightseeing, savor delicious Maharashtrian cuisine, and explore the captivating caves. Aurangabad is a treasure trove of history and culture waiting to be uncovered!

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Visit Ahmedabad in October, and you’ll love its magic. The city is the best place to visit in India in October, as the month revels in the spirit of Navratri festivities when the town comes alive with festive cheer.

Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, it’s Gujarat’s largest city and a thriving hub of trade and commerce. Known as “the Manchester of the East” due to its textile industry, Ahmedabad boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination.

• Must-Visit Places: Sabarmati Ashram, Chandola and Kankaria Lakes, Akshardham Temple, Ahmed Shah Mosque, Hathee Singh Temple, Rani Rupmati Mosque, Jama Masjid, Dada Hari Vav, Sardar Patel National Memorial, Calico Museum of Textiles, Hussain Doshi Gufa, and Sidi Sayed Mosque.

• Things To Do: Explore history, visit religious sites, indulge in shopping, savor delicious cuisine, and discover the city’s historical landmarks. Ahmedabad offers a vibrant blend of culture and commerce!

Goa

Goa, a magical destination, offers a delightful fusion of experiences for all the senses. The options are boundless, from serene beaches, majestic forts, ancient temples, and colonial churches to vibrant nightclubs, casinos, charming cafes, thrilling water sports, and bustling flea markets. 

In addition, you’ll find towering waterfalls, placid backwaters, lush vineyards, wildlife sanctuaries, aromatic spice plantations, and more.

Visiting with friends in October is perfect. To explore this diverse gem fully, plan for at least a week, as North and South Goa each possess unmissable distinctive characteristics. 

• Must-Visit Places: 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, Goa State Museum.

• Things To Do: Enjoy parasailing, water skiing, scuba diving, banana boat rides, kayaking, jet-skiing, snorkeling, clubbing, vineyard tours, and more. Goa promises an unforgettable blend of relaxation and adventure!

Best Places to Visit in October in India – Eastern India

Since it’s a pan-India itinerary, it wouldn’t be right to overlook the eastern part of India. So, here’s a low-down on places to visit in October in Eastern India. 

Puri, Odisha

Puri, located in Odisha, holds a sacred reputation as the home of the revered Jagannath Temple. Devotees flock to this holy city yearly, and October is no exception. 

However, visiting this month is delightful due to the pleasant weather, making sightseeing and enjoying Puri Beach more appealing.

• Must-Visit Places: Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Narendra Tank, Lokanath Temple, Markandeshwara Temple.

• Things To Do: Relax on Puri Sea Beach, shop for local handicrafts at the beachside market, embark on a day trip to Konark Sun Temple or Chilika Lake, and savor mouth-watering seafood delicacies. Puri offers a harmonious blend of spirituality and leisure!

Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, shines as a top tourist destination in October, thanks to the grand Durga Puja celebration. This historical city exudes a rare colonial charm and is adorned with majestic monuments and vibrant entertainment venues. 

Kolkata’s every corner tells the tale of a rich culture where art, music, and literature are revered.

• Must-Visit Places: Eden Garden, Science City, Dakshineswar and Kalighat Temple, Victoria Memorial, State Archaeological Gallery, Birla Planetarium, The Marble Palace, The Indian Museum, Mother’s Wax Museum, The Academy of Fine Arts, and more.

• Things To Do: Immerse yourself in the city’s beautiful culture by visiting temples, enjoying a planetarium show, savoring delicious local sweets, strolling across the iconic Howrah Bridge, and exploring various tourist attractions. Kolkata offers a captivating blend of past and present!

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling, one of India’s premier hill stations, draws tourists year-round, and October offers exceptionally delightful weather for sightseeing. The region boasts rolling hills adorned with orchids, rhododendrons, pine trees, lush tea gardens, and the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga as the backdrop—truly a visual treat!

• Must-Visit Places: Tiger Hill, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Singalila National Park, St. Andrew’s Church.

• Things To Do: Explore tea estates on leisurely strolls, embark on a charming toy train ride, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and savor local delicacies, especially Thukpa. Darjeeling promises a picturesque and gastronomic adventure!

Conclusion

India’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry offer a treasure trove of destinations to explore in October. October is the month when India truly comes alive, with pleasant weather and a myriad of festivals and activities to partake in. 

It’s a time when nature displays its finest hues, and culture shines its brightest. It’s a month where memories are made, and adventures begin, leaving you with experiences that will last a lifetime.

So, pack your bags, gather your friends and family, and embark on an unforgettable journey to these best places to visit during October in India.