October marks the beginning of India’s tourist season, with the monsoon rains retreating and leaving behind lush landscapes, cooler temperatures, and festive energy across the country. From the Himalayas to the beaches, October is one of the most diverse and comfortable months for exploring India. Whether you want cultural festivals, wildlife safaris, or peaceful hill escapes, this month has it all.
Excellent to Visit in October
Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar)
Clear skies, cooler days, and upcoming festival vibes make Rajasthan ideal in October. Great for exploring forts, palaces, desert safaris, and attending cultural fairs like Marwar Festival in Jodhpur.
Kerala (Munnar, Alleppey, Thekkady, Kovalam)
Freshly washed by the monsoon, Kerala is lush and green. Perfect for backwaters, tea plantations, Ayurvedic therapies, and wildlife in Periyar.
Himachal Pradesh (Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kinnaur)
Cool and crisp, with clear Himalayan views. Ideal for trekking, camping, and exploring monasteries before winter sets in.
Uttarakhand (Nainital, Mussoorie, Auli, Jim Corbett)
October offers clear skies and pleasant weather. Great for treks, wildlife spotting in Corbett, and spiritual getaways in Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Karnataka (Coorg, Hampi, Chikmagalur, Gokarna)
A vibrant time with coffee estates turning lush green post-monsoon. Perfect for heritage tours in Hampi, trekking in Western Ghats, and relaxing at Gokarna beaches.
Gujarat (Gir, Somnath, Rann of Kutch)
Pleasant weather returns in October, making it great for lion safaris at Gir, temple visits, and early-season visits to the Rann of Kutch.
West Bengal (Kolkata, Darjeeling, Sundarbans)
Durga Puja celebrations turn Kolkata into a cultural extravaganza. Darjeeling and hill regions are crisp and scenic, while Sundarbans safaris begin post-monsoon.
Good to Visit in October (Slight Seasonal Watch)
Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Madurai, Ooty, Kodaikanal)
The northeast monsoon begins late October, so the first half of the month is excellent for temple tours and hill stations.
Delhi NCR & Agra
Pleasant sightseeing weather, with lighter pollution compared to peak winter. October is perfect for Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Taj Mahal.
Punjab (Amritsar, Patiala)
Comfortable temperatures make it great for visiting the Golden Temple, Wagah Border, and enjoying Punjabi cuisine.
Madhya Pradesh (Bandhavgarh, Khajuraho, Orchha)
Safaris reopen in October — great month for tiger spotting and combining heritage sites. Weather is cool and dry.
Odisha (Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar)
The festive season begins with Jagannath events and Konark Dance Festival prep. Warm but pleasant for temple and beach tourism.
Fair – Monitor Conditions
Ladakh
Accessible until mid-October, after which snow closes passes. Early October is great for Leh, Nubra, and Pangong with autumn colors.
Meghalaya & Northeast Hills (Shillong, Cherrapunji, Kaziranga)
Rains taper off by mid-October, leaving behind fresh waterfalls and lush greenery. Good time to visit, but check for residual rain.
Andaman Islands
End of monsoon season; conditions improve but occasional rain showers may remain. Late October is better for diving and beaches.
Summary Table
Region/State | October Suitability | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Rajasthan | Excellent | Forts, palaces, desert safaris, festivals |
Kerala | Excellent | Backwaters, Ayurveda, tea plantations |
Himachal Pradesh | Excellent | Trekking, monasteries, mountain views |
Uttarakhand | Excellent | Treks, lakes, wildlife, spirituality |
Karnataka | Excellent | Coffee estates, Hampi ruins, coastal escapes |
Gujarat | Excellent | Gir safaris, temples, early Rann visits |
West Bengal | Excellent | Durga Puja, Darjeeling, Sundarbans |
Tamil Nadu | Good | Temples, hill stations, culture |
Delhi NCR & Agra | Good | Monuments, Taj Mahal, heritage walks |
Punjab | Good | Golden Temple, food tours, culture |
Madhya Pradesh | Good | Safaris, temples, heritage |
Odisha | Good | Temples, beaches, dance festivals |
Ladakh | Fair (early month) | Autumn landscapes, monasteries |
Meghalaya & NE | Fair | Waterfalls, greenery, nature trails |
Andaman Islands | Fair (late month) | Diving, beaches, tropical stay |