As the monsoon season finally bids goodbye, autumn season enters with clear blue skies, cool breezes and lush landscapes across India. Autumn season is known for the festive seasons, making September and October one of the most popular times for travel. Whether you want to experience colourful festivals, peaceful hill stations, heritage cities or nature at its finest, autumn offers something for every traveller.
Here are 10 destinations that deserve a spot on your travel list this season.
Kashmir
Autumn transforms Kashmir into a canvas of red, orange and golden hues as the chinar trees change colour. The weather remains cool and comfortable, making it the perfect time to visit Srinagar in autumn, Dal Lake, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
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Kolkata, West Bengal
Durga Puja is the biggest reason to visit Kolkata in autumn. The city comes alive with beautifully designed pandals, dazzling lights, cultural performances and delicious street food. Visiting Kumartuli before the festival adds another unique experience, where artisans create Maa Durga idols by hand.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
After the monsoon, Udaipur’s lakes are full and the city’s gardens look fresh and green. Pleasant evenings make sightseeing enjoyable, while boat rides on Lake Pichola and visits to City Palace become even more memorable.
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Munnar, Kerala
The tea plantations of Munnar look especially vibrant after the rains. Mist-covered hills, waterfalls and cool weather make it one of the most refreshing destinations in South India during autumn.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla enjoys crisp weather and clear mountain views during autumn. It’s a great time to stroll along the Mall Road, visit colonial-era landmarks and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the winter tourist rush begins.
Coorg, Karnataka
Known as the “Scotland of India”, Coorg is lush and beautiful during autumn. Coffee plantations, forests and waterfalls are at their greenest, making it ideal for nature lovers and weekend travellers.
Goa
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Goa if you want to avoid peak-season crowds. The beaches are cleaner after the monsoon, the weather is pleasant and the landscape remains beautifully green.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The cooler weather makes exploring Varanasi much easier. Witness the evening Ganga Aarti, take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and experience the city’s spiritual atmosphere during the festive season.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali offers fresh mountain air, colourful landscapes and comfortable weather in autumn. It’s also a good season for trekking, camping and visiting nearby valleys before snowfall begins.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Autumn is considered one of the best seasons to visit the Taj Mahal. The skies are usually clear after the monsoon, making the iconic monument look even more beautiful during sunrise and sunset.