The onset of the winter season makes the month of November an ideal time to plan a holiday to some of the most popular as well as off-beat destinations in India. The already over monsoon season adds to the beauty of the nature, a real treat to the eyes.
The days get shorter, calmer and the nights considerably cooler. November is also the month when a number of festivals are being celebrated all around the country. During your holidays in India in November, you can admire the scenery, enjoy the weather or just laze around in your hotel room. In a nutshell, this is a good time to explore some of India’s most interesting places.
The blog enlists 10 best places to visit in India during November:
Bundi for havelis, miniature paintings and calm environment
Taragarh Fort, Bundi - The undiscovered splendour
A tiny less-explored town, Bundi boasts of rich historical assets. Once the ruling tribe of the region, the Meena tribe hds given a name to this place. Bundi has been named after the tribe’s chieftain Bunda Meena. Placed at a distance of around 200 km from the state’s capital Jaipur, this quaint yet enchanting town is encircled by the Aravalis from three sides.
This calm town has narrow alleys, hills, blue-colored houses, temples, havelis and the most popular Taragarh Fort. It is one of those places in Rajasthan that still carries its old magical regal charm. The place is also popular for the Bundi School of painting, known for its Rajasthan-inspired miniature paintings.
[Also check out Shekhawati Festival in Rajasthan]
Varanasi for boat ride, evening Ganga Aarti and the religious feel
Also known as Kashi and Benaras, the busy city of Varanasi is popular for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Brace yourself and set your foot in one of the 7 holy cities of the Hindu religion. The western banks of the river Ganga extend themselves to a web of narrow Galis, another charm of the city.
Enjoy a boat ride on the placid waters of Ganga and observe the morning rituals taking place on the ghats. Known as the abode of Lord Shiva, this city is also famed for its special ‘paan’ and ancient Benares Hindu University. Do not miss the evening Ganga aarti, a major tourist attraction. Along with the temples of Varanasi, do explore the Buddhist sites of Sanchi.
[Also check out top 10 temples in India]
Bhuj for historical sites
The former capital of the Kutch, the quaint town of Bhuj has an amazing feel about it that somewhere connects you to its old rulers and their charm still hanging in the air. Though after the massive earthquake of 2001 Bhuj was almost destroyed but it has been resurrected again and looks great. After the Jadeja Rajputs made Bhuj their capital in 1510, it became one of the most important towns in the region.
During your visit, you can visit Prag mahal, Rama Kund, Hamirsar lake, Kutch Museum and Aina Mahal and get your hands on some amazing handicraft items and local textiles, famous all around the world. Do not miss a walk around the royal Cenotaphs in the evening.
[Also check out out post on wildlife in Gujarat]
Jaisalmer for camel safari in the Thar
Lovingly called the Golden City, Jaisalmer is quite close to the border of Pakistan, the westernmost boundary of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is also quite popular for a camel safari in vast sand dunes of the Thar Desert. One of the most striking monuments here is the Jaisalmer Fort or the Sonar Quila, a must-visit. Explore the old havelis (mansions), shop at the local markets and binge on the lip-smacking food.
[Also check out a guide to holidays in Rajasthan]
This city is also popular for being one of the main ancient trading centres. Another attraction which should not be missed is the beautifully-carved Jain temples. In November, the weather especially during the evening becomes amazing.
[Read more about Jaisalmer]
Goa for beaches, churches, seafood and more
The tiny state of Goa is probably one of the most visited destinations in India, which is famed for its beaches, churches, nightlife, shopping and more. It is visited by local and foreign tourists every, alike, in crazy numbers. Blessed with a coastline that is over 101 km, Goa is one of India’s smallest countries that is located on the western coast in the Konkan region.
Goa does not only has beautiful churches and beaches, but it also attracts visitors through its water sports activities, night parties, flea markets, wildlife, casinos, lush spice plantations and seafood and drinks, mainly a special Cashew nut drink made here, Fenni.
[Also check out 6 best beaches in Goa]
Hampi for Temple Ruins
Hampi is one of the best places to visit for its major tourist attractions, its superb weather and an exotic charm. The last capital of one of the greatest Hindu dynasties in the history of the country, Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is laidback town, attracting visitors who have an interest in history. This place is quite popular for its temple ruins, which were built way back during the 14th century.
The temple ruins of Hampi have divided into two main areas: the Royal Centre, towards Kamalapuram and the Sacred Centre, around the Bazaar. A group of around 500 monuments in this World Heritage Site, it stretches itself in around 25 km. Out of these, Vittala Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is very popular. The huge hall of the temple has beautifully carved pillars, 56 in number, whichwhen struck make interesting musical sounds.
[Read more about Hampi Group of Monuments]
Sasan Gir for the Asiatic Lion
A pair of Asiatic lions at Sasan Gir National Park
Spread in an area of 1414 sq km, Sasan Gir Sancturay is as the only home of the Asiatic lion. Lying amidst Junagarh and Veraval, this wildlife sanctuary was established in the year 1965 and became a national park in 1975. Gir National Park is home to around 300 bird species and 37 mammal species. Some of the animals that can be spotted during the wildlife safari include Sambar deer, spotted deer, chinkara, Nilgai, four-horned antelope, crocodiles and so on. Gir is placed 43 km towards the north-east of Somnath.
[Also check out more ideas on holidays in Gujarat]
Orchha for Royal Chatrris
Established by Rudra Pratap, the Bundela Rajput chieftain way back during the 16th century Orchha stands on the banks of River Betwa. This quaint town is home to some very beautiful architectural marvels including the Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and the Laxminarayan temple.
The royal cenotaphs or the Chatrris, on the banks of the river, are the major crowd pullers. This historic small town in the state of Madhya Pradesh is a nice place to visit during November if you have an interest in medieval history.
[Read more about Orchha]
Bharatpur for Bird Watching
The ‘Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan’, Bharatpur was established in 1733 by Maharaja Suraj Mal. This place has been named after Bharat, one of the brothers of Lord Ramayana. Laxmana, the other brother of Lord Rama is worshipped here as the main deity. One of the major attractions here is the forest and its wildlife.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Keoladeo Ghana National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur National Bark and Bird Sanctuary, is primarily a wetland. Over 300 bird species is the major highlight of this park. This national park is placed 3 km southwards of the center of Bharatpur. Along with the national park, there are other historical sites as well including Lohagarh Fort and Deeg Palace, close by, which are worth visiting.
[Read more about Bharatpur or get some for ideas for wildlife holidays in India]
Tiruchirapalli for its ancient temples
Tiruchirapalli Temples
Tiruchirappalli, also known as Trichy, is quite popular for its temples as well as busy streets and bazaars as well. This place boasts of a long history. It had been under the rule of several dynasties including the early and medieval Cholas, Pallavas, Delhi Sultanante, Pandyas and Vijayanagar.
Geographically located in the center of the Tamil Nadu state, Tiruchirapalli, became prominent during the 17th century when it was under the rule of the Nayaks. The most important attraction here, Rock Fort Temple, was erected during this time only.
[Also check out our post on South India Temple Tours or ideas for holiday in South India]
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Places to visit in India in December
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Contributed by Gaurav Kumar Srivastava