Autumn is the season when the landscape changes colour to all things mustard yellow, rusty red, medium olive green and camel brown.
Home to several majestic hills, India has some of the best places where you can witness the magic of autumn. French philosopher Albert Camus once said, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” And if you want to see this for yourself, check out the many hill stations in India this autumn.
Kashmir
Known as ‘harud’ locally, autumn is when the valley transforms into a burst of colour. This season is when the chinkara and maple leaves change colour and the beauty can be seen as you drive on the highway, but also in the beautiful gardens in Srinagar. Kashmir University’s Naseem Bagh, Shalimar Gardens, the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mughal Gardens, and the trees surrounding the Dal Lake and the Char Chinar in the middle of the lake, are in their fall glory in this season. Make pit stops at the Dachigam National Park, Shankaracharya hill, Pari Mahal and Chinar Bagh to soak in the colours of the season.
Leh and Ladakh
The stark landscape of Leh transforms with hues of gold and yellow and orange in autumn. Pangong Lake. Moriri, and Nubra valley take on a new dimension. At Jispa where there is a confluence of rivers, the landscape is swathed in colours of the season making the landscape dramatic framed by the mountains and trees. The Shey Palace is also a must visit as the water body here reflects the colours of the season. Look in any direction and you are guaranteed to see Instagram worthy images of the landscape and a trek to the monastery atop the hill through scenic vistas at the edge of the cliff will reward you with great sights. En route Leh to Kargil, the rocky mountains here are covered with grass . The Wakha river valley gives you views of changing colours of the trees as well. Check the annual two-day Diskit Gustor festival held in October here.
Lahaul and Spiti
Swathed in hues of crimson and ochre, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh is a must see for its sheer beauty in autumn. As the seasons change the hill town transforms itself into a colourful delight and the trees full of red leaves make a statement against the blue mountains and yellow and green rolling landscapes. Accessible via the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang and see the landscape morph dramatically as you reach the first stop at Sissu Village and head to Keylong stopping at monasteries enroute. The Sissu Waterfall trek is a great way to soak in the autumn vibes. The yellow leaves carpeting the land and the trees that turn yellow make for a memorable landscape, too.
Ooty
Part of the Nilgiris biosphere, Ooty is a burst of colour in the autumns when the quaint hill town sees a burst of flowering plants. The centre of action is at the Government Botanical Garden which has a display of over 15000 pots of flowering species that herald the onset of autumn. The hill town morphs into hues of autumn and stops at the Ooty Lake and Emerald Lake as well as the Rose Garden will reward you with several colourful sights. Walk on the winding roads that snake their way into tea estates to absorb the best of the season. The pine forest here is a delight to see in this season and a ride on the toy train is the best way to enjoy the vistas.
Sikkim
As the clouds part to reveal tones of russet red and gold, Sikkim is a delight in the autumn. In North Sikkim, stop at the Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest in the world to admire the natural vistas. The Yumthang valley is a riot of colour and is often dubbed as the Alps of India and is a must see in this season. As you head towards Gangtok, the mountain slopes are a riot of colours, too.
Towards the east of Sikkim, the Tsomgo Lake that is a whopping 12400 feet above sea level is a delight in October as it is probably the only time when it is not frozen. The iconic Nathula Pass is ahead of the lake and has some amazing views amplified by the season.
Shillong
Dubbed the Scotland of the east, autumn in Sikkim is a vibe. The best place to soak in the season and its myriad hues is at the Umiam Lake. Known for its waterfalls and forests, the raw beauty of nature is at its best in autumn here. The David Scott Trail and visit to the Elephant falls must be on your itinerary here. And if you are ready to make a two hour trip check out Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong. The Shillong Autumn Festival is also held at this time and is a great way to enjoy the local sights and sounds. Check out the fashion shows by local designers, food and wine events, flower shows, music and rock concerts that are part of this Festival.
Dharamshala
Nestled amid the Dhauladhar range, Dharamshala is enveloped in shades of crimson in autumn that adds a surreal feel to the magical vistas. Head to the expansive Kareri Dal Lake surrounded by deodars and snow-capped mountains and stop at the Bhagsunag Waterfalls to admire the place in its autumn beauty. With its many monasteries, this place is as serene as it gets. The views from the Kangra Fort in this season is sure to get your camera trigger happy. Take the less trodden path to Naddi, a small village whose hill point is a great way to soak in the sights of the Kangra valley, and luxuriant deodar forests.
Munnar
During autumn, Munnar has a slight nip in the air and probably the best views of its picturesque rolling hills dotted with tea plantations. Take a scenic cycling tour along the Triund Trail to soak in the sights and sounds of the season. The ultramarine shades in autumn paint the landscape in colours that are enticingly beautiful. With its undulating hills, this part of the Western Ghats is all about soaking in views that are a sight for sore urban eyes. Trekking in the dense forests will bring you up close to the natural sights while you keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Nilgiri Tahr.
Ranikhet
With its moniker ‘Queen of Meadows’, Ranikhet in Uttarakand’s Almora District is a lush landscape of fruit orchards and natural vistas. Autumn here is all about ochre and ombre sights framed by the stunning Kumaon Ranges. To enjoy the locale with a pitstop at the Bhalu Dam, an artificial lake, surrounded by greenery and stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. Take a trek to the Haidakhan temple of Shiva and enjoy the scenic views enroute which shows the colours of the season in all its pristine glory.
Coorg
Kodagu or Coorg is known for its endless coffee plantations and misty landscapes that come alive in autumn when its biodiversity is at its colourful best. With waterfalls like the Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Mallali Falls, and Deveragundi Falls, the surrounding areas are filled with stunning landscapes. Enjoy the season through treks, walks, white-water rafting, coffee plantation homestays and irresistible cuisine to enjoy the landscape. This is also when you can sample seasonal delights in the food as well.
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