With a long weekend around the corner, thanks to the Gandhi Jayanthi holiday this Monday, we couldn’t help but research the best Indian getaways for a quick trip. If you are like us and are looking for last-minute vacation ideas for the upcoming long weekend, you are in the right place. We have curated a list of the best Indian destinations to visit in the month of October. These places feature distinctive landmarks, captivating natural landscapes, and serenity. From pristine beach towns to charming hill stations, this curation of weekend getaways has something for every mood.
1. Hampi, Karnataka
Situated in central Karnataka, Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. In 1565, it was seized by the Deccan Muslim Confederacy, ransacked over six months, and abandoned. Currently, it is in ruins and is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the Dravidian temples, palaces, and forts built by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire are still a sight to behold.
October is an excellent month to visit Hampi. The weather is warm, with a low chance of rain. The humidity is also relatively low, making it a great time to explore the ruins.
Stay options include Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace and the Shivavilas Palace Heritage Hotel. Dine at Laughing Buddha, Bahmani Restaurant, and Tuluva.
2. Pune, Maharashtra
Pune is the cultural and educational centre of Maharashtra. About a three-hour drive from Mumbai, this vibrant city is well-known for its natural beauty and iconic landmarks.
Pune has good weather year-round. However, October is a particularly great time to visit, as the weather is pleasant.
Visit Shaniwar Wada, a 17th-century Maratha fort; the Aga Khan Palace, a museum that houses a collection of artefacts from Gandhi ji’s life; and the Sinhagad Fort, a hilltop fort with awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding countryside.
This city is home to numerous opulent hotels and homestays, such as Conrad Pune, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, and Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences.
3. Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Bhimtal is a hill station located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is well-loved for its temperate weather, scenic lake, verdant forests, and tranquil ambience. The average temperature in Bhimtal in October is 20 to 31 degrees Celsius. The weather is typically pleasant and sunny, with a low chance of rain.
Go boating on Bhimtal Lake or the nearby Naukuchiatal Lake, visit the Bhimeshwar Temple and the Folk Culture Museum.
Moreover, this hill town is encompassed by beautiful natural landscapes, ideal for nature walks or hikes. This writer’s favourite hike is to Hidimba Parvat, which offers spectacular vistas of the Bhimtal Lake and the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Founded as a British Raj summer resort, Ooty or Udhagamandalam is a quaint hill station in the Nilgiris.
Renowned for its lush green tea plantations, the hill station has numerous tourist attractions. Check out the Ooty Lake, St Stephen’s Church, Government Botanical Garden, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, the Nilgiri Library and the Ootacamund Gymkhana Club. Additionally, go trekking to Doddabetta, the highest mountain peak in the Nilgiris. There is a stunning reserved forest area around the peak.
Savoy, Ooty – IHCL SeleQtions, WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace, King’s Cliff and Willow hill by Nature Resorts are all good stay options.
5. Gokarna, Maharashtra
Gokarna is a tiny coastal town in Maharashtra, which is home to serene beaches and striking temples. The primary beach in Gokarna is Om Beach, which resembles the Om symbol. This pristine beach is visited by locals and tourists for swimming, sunbathing, and yoga sessions. In addition, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach are worth checking out.
For stay options, check out SwaSwara, a high-end wellness retreat. This beach hotel features 24 Konkan villas, yoga and cooking classes, nature walks and bird-watching trails.
6. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
The best times to visit Mussoorie are during summer (April to June) and winter (October to March). In October, the weather in Mussoorie is pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 13 to 24 degrees Celsius.
While in Mussoorie, do not miss The Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Landour, and Mussoorie Lake. Landour is home to several old churches, bungalows, and colonial buildings.
Mussoorie has stay options for all budgets. The hill station also has heritage properties like the Kasmanda Palace, if you are in the mood to splurge.
7. Kochi, Kerala
Kochi is a good travel destination in October, thanks to its temperate weather. It is a tourist hotspot known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Fort Kochi, the Mattancherry Palace, Marine Drive, and Vypin Island are must-visits.
Furthermore, Kochi has numerous boutique hotels and homestays. These properties offer thoughtful service and personalized experiences. Try the Malabar House, Brunton Boatyard – CGH Earth, or Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin.
8. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
About a four-hour drive from Kolkata is the Sundarbans National Park. Located in the Ganga delta, this national park is a tiger reserve and biosphere reserve in West Bengal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also home to the largest mangrove forest in the world and a variety of wildlife, such as the Royal Bengal tiger, Indian crocodiles, and dolphins.
October is an excellent time to visit the Sundarbans National Park. The weather is agreeable, the animals are more active, and the park is less crowded. Take a boat safari to explore the national park and witness the abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.