With 28 vibrant states and eight union territories, India has a lot to offer to travelers looking for a quick getaway. Here’s a list of the best places to visit if you’re looking for an adventure while enjoying the end of the rains and the beginning of winter in popular tourist destinations.
Spiti Valley (Ladakh)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Kullu Airport and then travel the rest of the way by road.
By train: Take a train from your destination to Shimla and then travel the rest by road.
By car: Traveling by car or bike from Manali, Shimla and Delhi is the most popular. Public transportation is available.
expected weather
8 degrees to 18 degrees
Highlights
Ancient monasteries such as Tabo, Kee Gompa, Sakya Tangyud, Larung, Gandla and Tayur
Lakes namely Chandratal Lake, Suraj Taal Lake, Dhankar Lake and Nako Lake.
pin valley national park
lanza buddha statue
Reason for choosing
The mesmerizing beauty of Spiti Valley and the life of Buddhist monasteries are mesmerizing. Located between India and the Tibetan Plateau in the Himalayan region, this cold desert mountain is perfect for adventure and trekking enthusiasts. Opportunities to indulge in sports like bicycle trekking, camping, stargazing, river rafting and yak safaris keep travelers occupied.
Udaipur (Rajasthan)
how to access
By Air: From your destination, fly to Maharana Pratap International Airport/Udaipur Airport or Dabok Airport.
By Train: Take a train from your destination to Udaipur City Railway Station and Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station.
By car: Road trips from Jaipur and Delhi are the most popular. Public buses are available.
expected weather
24 degrees to 30 degrees
Highlights
Palaces such as City Palace and Sajjangarh Palace
Lakes like Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Uday Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Ransagar, Duda Tarai etc.
The main temples are Karni Mata Temple, Eklingji Temple, Ranakpur Temple, and Kesariyaj Temple.
Trekking and wildlife in Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, Sajangarh Sanctuary and Aravalli Hills
Reason for choosing
Once the capital of a dynasty, Udaipur is known for its marble-built Rajputana-style palaces, nicknamed the “White City of India,” and its rich cultural heritage, illustrated by its numerous lakes, earning it the “City of Lakes.” It is being . Udaipur is touted as one of the most romantic cities in the country due to its beauty, grandeur and eccentricity.
Lonavala (Maharashtra)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Pune’s Lohegaon Airport or Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and do the rest of your journey by road.
By train: Take the train from Mumbai and Pune to Lonavala station.
By car: Traveling by car via the Mumbai-Pune expressway is popular. Public transportation is available.
expected weather
21 degrees to 28 degrees
Highlights
Caves including Karla and Baja
Forts including Lohagarh, Rajmachi, Manaranjan and Tikona
Bhushi Lake, Lonavala Lake, Sirota Lake etc.
Kune Falls, a reverse waterfall in Sandan Valley
Mainly Bhairavnath Temple and Narayani Dham Temple
Trekking in Canyon Valley and wildlife in Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, Sajangarh Sanctuary and Aravalli Hills
Reason for choosing
Lonavala, a popular hilly region close to India’s financial capital Mumbai, is the perfect holiday destination for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. Caves, forts, lakes and breathtaking waterfalls are perfect for those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle. For travelers looking for an exotic stay, the famous Aamby Valley offers multiple options.
Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh)
how to access
By Air: Flight to Visakhapatnam Airport and rest of the journey by road.
By train: Train from Visakhapatnam to Araku station
By road: cars and public buses are available from all states.
expected weather
21 degrees to 28 degrees
Highlights
Coffee plantations, especially coffee museums
Waterfalls like Kattiki, Chapalai, Ranajirda, Thanda, Kotapalli, Anantagiri, Dalagadda etc.
Garden including Padmapuram
bora cave
Reason for choosing
Araku Valley is a sacred place nestled in the Eastern Ghats. Enchanting waterfalls and coffee plantations surrounding lush gardens make this hill station ideal for nature lovers. It’s an easy getaway to enjoy nature and peace, surrounded by the hospitable people of the Valley, who inherit a rich tribal culture.
Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Coimbatore International Airport and then travel by road or train for the rest of your journey.
By train: Take a train to Mettupalayam from nearby cities like Coimbatore, Mysore, Chennai or Bangalore and travel the rest by road.
By car: Traveling by car from nearby cities is popular. Public transportation is available.
expected weather
10 degrees to 18 degrees
Highlights
beautiful scenery
Avalanche Lake, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake etc.
Kalhatti Falls, Pikala Falls etc.
National parks namely Mudumalai and Mukulati
Places of worship such as Mariamman Cathedral and St. Stephen’s Church
doddabetta peak
Reason for choosing
Ooty’s multi-varietal tea plantations and enchanting landscapes have earned it the title of ‘Queen of Hill Stations’. Once a summer resort in the British Indies, the ancient façade takes you back in time to its 19th-century architecture. This town is one of the most popular places to spend your holidays.
Kausani (Uttarakhand)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Pantnagar Airport and then travel the rest by road.
By train: Take a train from your city to Kathgodam and travel the rest by road.
By car: Traveling by car from nearby cities is popular. Public transportation is available.
expected weather
15 degrees to 28 degrees
Highlights
tea garden
Temples such as Baijnath and Rudradhari inside a cave
Glacier trekking including Pindari, Kafni, Milam, Kafari and Zunderdunga
Kausani Planetarium and Stargate Observatory Kausani
Reason for choosing
Kausani is a quaint hill station with mesmerizing panoramas and is a must-visit. You can see the majestic Himalayas and peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. Also known as the ‘Switzerland of India’, Kausani is perfect for trekkers as major glacier treks are possible within easy reach.
lakshadweep islands
how to access
By Ship: Seven passenger ships operate between Cochin Island and Lakshadweep Islands: MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy.
By Air: Fly from your destination to Cochin International Airport and take a second flight to Agatti Airfield Airport in Lakshadweep Islands. Boats leave from Agatti to various islands.
expected weather
24 degrees to 30 degrees
Highlights
Islands including Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, Kadmat Island, Kalpeni Island, Kavaratti Island and Minicoy Island
See marine life while snorkeling or scuba diving
Laccadive Sea Coral Reef
Religious sites including dozens of mosques
Reason for choosing
Lakshadweep Islands are known for their pristine beaches, tranquility and exotic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, sailing yachts, and kayaking while admiring the sun-drenched beaches. Cruise options allow tourists to visit multiple islands. The Union Territory is a delight for photographers and couples looking for a romantic getaway or some solitude.
Wayanad (Kerala)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Karipur International Airport and then travel by road for the rest of the way.
By train: Take a train from your city to Kozhikode and do the rest of the journey by road.
By car: Traveling by car from nearby cities is popular. Public transportation is available.
expected weather
24 degrees to 29 degrees
Highlights
tea plantation
Caves including Edakkal and Paksipataram
Waterfalls namely Suchipara, Kanthanpara and Meenmutti.
Pookode Lake and Banasura Sagar Dam
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Turpetty, Muthunga, Wayanad
Reason for choosing
Wayanad is an all-inclusive package for all kinds of travelers, from couples to families, and the district has something to suit every traveler. The rich biodiversity and wildlife make Wayanad a popular destination for visiting sanctuaries, hiking, camping and cycling in the mesmerizing mountains. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The beautiful scenery is a feast for the eyes.
