Known For : Dal Lake Gulmarg Gondola Shankaracharya Temple
Popularly referred to as the "Paradise on Earth," Kashmir is a breathtaking region in northwestern India. Historically part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir was declared a Union Territory in 2019. The major cities in the Kashmir Valley include Srinagar, Gulmarg, Anantnag, and Baramulla. Nestled in the Himalayan, Pir Panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges, it is known for its scenic splendor, snow-capped mountains, plentiful wildlife, exquisite monuments, hospitable people, and local people handicrafts.
Best Time: September - November; March - May
Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace
In November, Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Karnataka, India, basks in pleasant weather with cooler temperatures, making it ideal for exploring its historic ruins, temples, and boulder-strewn landscapes. The comfortable climate enhances experiences like climbing Matanga Hill for a sunrise view, strolling through the bustling Hampi Bazaar, and partaking in the annual Hampi Utsav, a festival celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, embraces a cool and misty ambiance in November, enhancing the lush green beauty of its coffee plantations, rolling hills, and dense forests. The inviting weather makes it a prime time for trekking in the Western Ghats, relishing local Kodava cuisine, and exploring the scenic Abbey and Iruppu waterfalls, offering visitors a rejuvenating blend of nature and culture.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Calangute Beach Baga Beach Dudhsagar Falls
Goa transitions from monsoon to winter in November, offering balmy weather, cleaner beaches, and azure skies, making it perfect for sunbathing, water sports, and late-night beach parties. As the tourist season kickstarts, one can delve into the vibrant blend of its Indo-Portuguese heritage, indulge in seafood delicacies, and participate in various music and cultural festivals that light up the Goan sands.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Varkala Cliff Sivagiri Mutt Water Sports in Varkala
In November, Varkala, Kerala's cliffside beach gem, boasts a mild and pleasant climate, ideal for lazing on its pristine beaches, swimming in the turquoise waters, or practicing yoga by the Arabian Sea. The serene atmosphere, coupled with the cultural richness of the Janardhana Swamy Temple and the therapeutic natural mineral springs, promises a blend of relaxation and spiritual rejuvenation for visitors.
Best Time: October to February
Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Gadisar Lake
Jaisalmer's desert landscape is graced with cooler temperatures in November, providing the perfect backdrop for exploring the Golden Fort, wandering through its ancient havelis, and venturing on camel safaris across the mesmerizing Thar Desert. The month also sets the stage for cultural events showcasing Rajasthani folk music and dance, offering visitors a deep dive into the vibrant soul of this desert city.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Pushkar Lake Brahma Temple Savitri Temple
In November, Pushkar, Rajasthan's spiritual and cultural heart, comes alive with the world-renowned Pushkar Camel Fair, where thousands gather for camel trading, cultural performances, and spiritual activities. The pleasant weather complements the experience, allowing visitors to explore the sacred Pushkar Lake, partake in evening aartis, and immerse themselves in the town's timeless blend of tradition and festivity.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Water sports Tarkarli Beach Karli backwaters
Tarkarli, a coastal haven in Maharashtra, offers balmy weather and clear waters, creating an ideal setting for snorkeling, scuba diving, and dolphin-watching tours. The serene beaches, coupled with traditional Malvani cuisine and boat rides in the backwaters, make Tarkarli a captivating blend of nature and local culture in November.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Bharatpur National Park Lohagarh Fort Banke Bihari Temple
Bharatpur, Rajasthan's bird paradise, presents pleasant weather, attracting a myriad of migratory birds to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, turning it into a vibrant avian spectacle in November. This month is perfect for birdwatching, photography, and cycle rides through the sanctuary, offering visitors an immersive experience of nature and wildlife.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls
In November, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu's "Princess of Hill Stations", welcomes visitors with cool, mist-covered mornings and lush green landscapes rejuvenated by the prior monsoon rains. This month is ideal for trekking through its pine forests, rowing on the serene Kodaikanal Lake, and enjoying panoramic views from spots like Coaker's Walk and Pillar Rocks.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Mahabodhi Temple Great Buddha Statue Tibetan Refugee Market
Bodh Gaya, the revered pilgrimage site where Buddha attained enlightenment, offers pleasant and cool weather in November, ideal for meditation sessions under the sacred Bodhi Tree and exploring the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The serene environment, coupled with the influx of monks and pilgrims from around the world, creates a spiritually charged ambiance, perfect for introspection and gaining insights into Buddhist teachings.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Paragliding Wilderness Adventure Camps(WAC) Naag Mandir
In November, Sanasar, Jammu's hidden gem, unveils a picturesque canvas of golden-hued meadows and crisp mountain air. The month offers pristine conditions for adventure activities like paragliding and rock climbing, while treks through dense coniferous forests and visits to the serene Sanasar Lake captivate nature and tranquility enthusiasts alike.
Best Time: April to June
Known For : Marichjhanpi Ghoramara Island New Moore Island
Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, teems with life as migratory birds join its diverse fauna, while the delta's waterways become more navigable post-monsoons during the month of November. This month is optimal for boat safaris to spot the elusive Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodiles, and a myriad of avian species, offering a raw and mesmerizing experience of nature's wilderness.
Best Time: September to March
Known For : Tagore's ashrama Poush Mela Amar Kutir
Shantiniketan, West Bengal's cultural and educational hub founded by Rabindranath Tagore, bathes in a pleasant atmosphere in November, perfect for exploring its historic Visva-Bharati University and attending traditional Baul music performances. The month also sets a vibrant backdrop for local handicraft fairs, showcasing Bengal's rich arts, crafts, and traditions, making it an immersive experience for culture enthusiasts.
Best Time: Mid August to March
Known For : Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Shree Harsiddhi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple Shri Ram Ghat
Landmarked by the Mahakaleshwar temple by a lake, and all the spirituality and festivity that it gathers around itself, visit Ujjain during November when the weather is pleasant. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, marked by a self-born lingam and the sprawling structure built around it — a great option for places to visit during November in India.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Golden Temple Jallianwala Bagh Partition Museum
Any word used to describe the celebrations, devotion, and festivity at the Golden temple of Guru Nanak Jayanti in November tends to be an understatement. Guru Nanak Guru-Purab falls in November, but the exact date varies from year to year. While this landmark of the state is always a unique experience, visit Amritsar is one of the places to visit in November in India to find the structure sparkling with lights and witness religion and spirituality as never before.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ganga Aarti, Varanasi Assi Ghat
In November, Varanasi, India's spiritual heartland, resonates with the mystical aura of the Dev Deepavali festival, where thousands of earthen lamps illuminate the Ghats, creating a celestial spectacle. The pleasant weather complements serene boat rides on the Ganges, witnessing the grandeur of the evening Ganga aarti, and navigating the labyrinthine alleys echoing with age-old rituals and traditions.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Solang Valley Hadimba Devi Temple Manali Mall Road
This beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in North India. Surrounded by the towering, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and thick pine forests, one can just not get over the sheer raw beauty of this place. The winter months begin from November onwards, and that is when the true scenic beauty of Manali is revealed to the world. It’s also the perfect time to go skiing for all the winter sports enthusiasts. Add Manali to your places to visit in November in India, and you’re bound to have an enchanting experience.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Tarin Fish Farm Kile Pakho Ziro Music Festival
A UNESCO World Heritage Site for all the right reasons, Ziro Valley, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India. One is bound to fall in love with the scenery of this place, which mainly comprises of rice and paddy fields, high mountains and clean, flowing rivers. It is mainly inhabited by the Apa Tani tribe who are very helpful and hospitable people. Though by November winter sets in here, but the sheer enchanting nature of this place makes it one of the best places to visit in November in India.
Best Time: September - November ; March - May
Known For : Morgan House Durpin Dara hill Cactus Nursery
Kalimpong, nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, offers clear skies revealing panoramic vistas of the majestic Kanchenjunga range in November. The temperate climate is perfect for exploring its colonial architecture, vibrant flower nurseries, and monasteries, while indulging in local Tibetan-inspired delicacies and interacting with the warm-hearted local communities.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
Known For : Jehangir Mahal, Orchha Fort Ram Raja Temple Raja Mahal, Orchha Fort
Literally meaning “the hidden place," Orchha is one of the marvels located in the central part of India. It used to be the foothold of the Bundela rulers during the medieval period. Though it is also known for it’s rich historical and cultural significance, it’s the spectacular medieval architecture of this place, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The numerous palaces, forts, frescoes, and murals are absolutely exquisite and bound to blow one’s mind. It’s one of the best options for November Holidays in India as the weather is perfect for sightseeing.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi
Offering a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Himalayas, Almora is a small station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It’s a popular tourist destination owing to its vibrant culture and heritage, the mouth-watering food and its incredible scenery. Several temples are present here, the most important ones being the Chital and Nanda Devi temples which are flocked by devotees most of the times. Head over to this alluring place for a fun holiday in November.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Kohima Museum Touphema Village
In November, Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, gears up for the renowned Hornbill Festival, showcasing the rich tapestry of Naga culture, dances, crafts, and cuisines. The cool and crisp weather sets an ideal backdrop for exploring the war cemetery, vibrant local markets, and indulging in traditional Naga festivities, offering a deep dive into the region's unique heritage.
Best Time: October to June
In November, the Gir National Park in Gujarat, the last refuge of the Asiatic lion, provides optimal conditions for wildlife safaris, with lush post-monsoon landscapes enhancing the chances of spotting lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species. The cooler weather and rejuvenated flora offer a mesmerizing backdrop for photography, nature walks, and understanding the conservation efforts in this unique ecosystem.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Om Beach Mahabaleshwara Temple Paradise Beach, Gokarna
Gokarna, Karnataka's serene coastal town, witnesses rejuvenated beaches and a tranquil sea, making it a prime spot for beach hopping, yoga retreats, and soulful sunsets in November. The month's mild weather is perfect for exploring its sacred temples, indulging in water sports, and experiencing the laid-back vibe distinct from the neighboring Goa.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Edakkal Caves Banasura Sagar Dam Chembra Peak
In November, Wayanad, Kerala's verdant paradise, is freshly bathed from the retreating monsoons, offering shimmering waterfalls, lush paddy fields, and dense forests for exploration. The temperate climate sets the stage for trekking adventures, wildlife safaris in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and experiencing the rich tribal heritage and traditions of the region.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Vagamon Falls Kurisumala Vagamon Lake
Vagamon, Kerala's hidden gem in the Western Ghats, unfolds with misty meadows, aromatic tea gardens, and lush green valleys, making it a haven for nature lovers and trekkers in November. The cool and refreshing climate is perfect for paragliding, exploring pine forests, and rejuvenating amidst the serene beauty of this hill station, away from the urban hustle.
Best Time: October - March
Known For : Rann of Kutch Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Dholavira
Kutch, Gujarat's vast desert expanse, begins to set the stage for the famous Rann Utsav, offering visitors a mesmerizing blend of culture, music, and dance against the backdrop of the white salt desert. In November, the relatively cooler temperatures enhance experiences like handicraft shopping in Bhuj, exploring historical sites, and witnessing the full moon's reflection on the shimmering salt flats, creating a surreal and unforgettable landscape.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Jaigad Fort Water Sports in Ganapatipule Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
In November, Ganapatipule, Maharashtra's serene coastal retreat, greets visitors with its pristine beaches, clear waters, and the iconic Swayambhu Ganpati Temple set against the Arabian Sea. The temperate climate in this month makes it ideal for indulging in water sports, savoring Konkani delicacies, and experiencing the tranquility of this lesser-known gem on the Konkan coast.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Taragarh Fort Moti Mahal, Bundi Badal Mahal, Bundi
In November, Bundi, Rajasthan's historic town, exudes a charm with its ornate forts, palaces, and the renowned stepwell reservoirs, illuminated under the mild winter sun. The pleasant weather provides an ideal backdrop for exploring the fresco artworks, wandering through the narrow lanes, and immersing oneself in the town's rich history and cultural heritage.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : City Palace, Udaipur Lake Pichola Jagmandir Palace
Udaipur, Rajasthan's City of Lakes, boasts a pleasant climate, setting a romantic backdrop for boat rides on Lake Pichola, and visits to its grand palaces and forts in November. The month is perfect for exploring its bustling bazaars, savoring traditional Rajasthani cuisine, and witnessing the city's architectural marvels shimmering under the golden hues of the winter sun.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Bhangarh Fort Bala Quila Fort Sariska National Park
In November, Alwar in Rajasthan offers a pleasant escape with its majestic forts like Bala Quila and historic palaces, set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Range. The cooler temperatures are ideal for exploring the haunted ruins of Bhangarh Fort, wildlife spotting in Sariska Tiger Reserve, and delving into the town's rich tapestry of history and legends.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : India Gate Red Fort Qutub Minar
Delhi, India's capital, dons a festive aura post-Diwali, with its historical monuments, bustling markets, and gardens bathed in the soft winter sunlight in November. The month offers a perfect setting for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites, indulging in street food at Chandni Chowk, and experiencing cultural events that showcase the city's rich tapestry of history, arts, and contemporary vibrancy.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Sanchi Stupa The Great Bowl Ashok Pillar
In November, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh's ancient Buddhist hub, presents a serene environment to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Stupa, its intricate carvings narrating tales from Buddha's life. The pleasant weather enhances the experience of delving into the Ashoka Pillar, various monasteries, and other stupas, offering a deep dive into India's rich Buddhist heritage.
Best Time: July to March
November, know to be the best season to travel. Do not let this best season go waste. Visit these fantastic places with your loved ones and explore as much as you can.