November is one of the most awaited months of the year. It is the second last one before the madness of New Year’s Eve begins and it brings with it the perfect weather to travel and go sightseeing. Whether it is a family trip, a couple’s retreat or a solo journey, November is one of the best times to explore our country. If you haven’t planned your trip as yet, we have a list of top 10 destinations you can visit in India in November this year. So pack your bags, book your tickets and get set for a memorable journey.
Goa
The beach state of India is our top pick for the month of November. We recommend going off to Goa during this time as the weather is right and the tourists haven’t really started pouring in. December on the other hand is the peak season of Goa and you will find tourists all over the state. So if you don’t prefer large crowds, you should consider Goa this time of the year. The pleasant climate makes it more fun to explore the state riding on a rented bike on its narrow roads, lined with palm trees.
Hit the beaches in south Goa that are much cleaner and secluded. North Goa is a haven for party lovers with its clubs, pubs and beach shacks that stay open until the wee hours of the morning. Old Goa’s charm is mesmerizing with its cathedrals, churches and forts. Admire the magnificent architecture, light a candle and trek up to the forts. For a dose of Portuguese culture, visit the sleepy villages of Goa that don’t always feature on most tourists’ itinerary yet offer a glimpse of a different Goa. If you are an adventure seeker, enjoy the thrills of water sports or go for hikes in its hinterlands.
ALSO SEE Top 12 nightclubs of Goa
The beautiful state is home to some of the best gems for travelers with beaches that offer moments of solitude to parties where you can meet new people. From natural beauty to man-made buildings and Indian festivities with an influence of Portuguese culture, a trip to Goa is certainly memorable.
Pushkar
An ancient city in Rajasthan, Pushkar is most popular for its annual fair that takes place in November this year making it one of the top destination recommendations for the month. Pushkar attracts several tourists during this time and it is a spectacle to be a part of the Pushkar Mela. From camels decorated in colorful attire to hot air balloon rides that offer a bird’s eye view of the town, it is worth visiting this ancient city.
Not just travelers, pilgrims also flock to Pushkar as it is a pilgrim town for several faiths. Taking a dip in Pushkar Lake’s holy water is considered auspicious along with a visit to the several hundred temples surrounding the lake. One of the few Brahma Temples is located in Pushkar. It is also a shopper’s paradise where you will find regional clothes, trinkets, musical instruments, etc right on the streets. For a peek of royalty, visit the Man Mahal, a grand palace in Pushkar built by Raja Man Singh I. The best part is, it is now a heritage hotel and you can stay in and experience true luxury. It is managed by the RTDC. When in Pushkar, also go for a camel safari that takes you through villages and gives you a glimpse of various tribes that live here. Other temples to visit here include Savitri Temple, Apteshwar Temple and Pap Mochini Temple. Being a pilgrim site, you will only find vegetarian food here and alcohol consumptions is also prohibited. You will find several hotels to choose from based on your budget and needs. A trip to Pushkar is incomplete without a visit to the Pushkar Fair.
Mumbai
Mumbai paints a picture of a multitude of things going on simultaneously, making the city what is really is: a place where several paradoxes co-exist in a somewhat chaotic manner. Like any other mega city, Mumbai has several things to offer right from its sightseeing attractions to art and culture to its nightlife, giving every kind of tourist a glimpse of its magnanimity. If you are planning a trip to Mumbai, November is a good time as the heat is finally over and even though Mumbai winters are not really chilly, there is sometimes a nip in the air in the evenings.
ALSO SEE Mumbai best places to visit
If this is your first trip, make sure you visit top attractions of Mumbai like Marine Drive, the Gateway of India from where you can take a ferry ride to Elephanta Caves. If you’ve grown up watching Bollywood movies, you can also see homes of top celebs like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and more from the outside. And if you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of them in their balcony.
Mumbai is always buzzing with or the other activity be it a play, a music concert or horseracing and you can choose to experience these when here. Look in the papers for a listing of what’s on in the city when you visit. If you wish to experience how Mumbaikars commute every day, take a Mumbai local ride but beware, it will not be a pleasant experience. Mumbai’s nightlife scene is also one of the best and you can visit some pubs and clubs to get a feel of it.
Delhi
The capital looks beautiful in November when it isn’t shivering cold but cool enough to flaunt your jacket. The setting is right to explore Delhi that is peppered with monuments every few kilometres. From India Gate and Red Fort to the Lotus Temple and Jantar Mantar, there is too much to see and do in the capital.
ALSO SEE 10 historical monuments in Delhi
Delhi is also famous for its shopping that ranges from street stalls selling the trendiest things at throwaway prices to designer boutiques that have price on request. Sarojini Nagar, Janpat and Delhi Haat are a few places that you can visit for cheap deals. Delhi is also flocked by brides-to-be to buy their wedding trousseau and you will find something for all budgets. Chandni Chowk is famous for copies of designer lehengas. If you are a foodie, there’s no better place than Delhi to sample some of the best flavors of India. From street chaat to royal Mughali food, the capital does not disappoint. Hauz Khas Village and stalls outside Jama Masjid are a few places you should visit.
Delhi is also home to a number of quaint cafes, rooftop restaurants and pubs that are just wonderful to visit on a November evening. You will find ample open spaces in Delhi and narrow alleyways in old Delhi. When here, do take a metro ride to skip the traffic and go from one end of the city to the other.
Kerala
Photograph courtesy: Sylvianism1/Creative Commons
What’s better than a visit to God’s Own Country! Kerala is a prime tourist attraction especially during winters when the weather is perfect for lazying on the beach or enjoying the tranquil backwaters. The tourist season is at its peak in December but November is also a pleasant time to visit Kerala. It is the natural beauty of this place that attracts travelers to Kerala. The lush greenery, the backwater, beaches and canals are reason enough to pay a visit here. And don’t forget the various temples that dot the state.
When in Kerala, go for a backwates cruise on a houseboat, eat some delectable seafood and local delicacies on a banana leaf and admire the natural beauty the state has to offer. You can even learn the art of climbing a coconut tree. There are several resorts in Kerala that have access to the backwaters. Alleppey is the prime area where you can stay. Kerala is also home to some of the best beaches like Kovalam and Varkala that are clean and offer a view of the expanse blue sea. The Chinese fishing nets in Kochi are also a beautiful sight that should not be missed. The entire state is a photographer’s delight so make sure you carry your camera along.
ALSO SEE 6 best resorts in Alleppey
Munnar and Thekkady are hill stations in Kerala that you can visit for a change in landscape. Offering tea plantations and Periyar Wildlife sanctuary, you will be delighted with the varied natural bounty of Kerala.
Varanasi
One of the oldest inhabited places on earth, Varanasi is an ancient city that offers a different side of India. It tells the story of life and death with newborns being sprinkled with Gangajal and the dead being cremated in the same river. Ganga runs through Varanasi and the various ghats that surround it give the city its unique skyline. Assi Ghat, Tulsi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat are some of the most famous ones here.
Being a pilgrimage, you will always find Varanasi thronged with devotees who come here to thank god for something or please the almighty to fulfil their desires. You will also find almost all places serving vegetarian food and no alcohol. However, Varanasi has its own potent drink called thandai which is mixed with bhang or powdered cannabis. If you’ve never tried it before, make sure you only have a little as its effect can last for a couple of hours. Sweets and chaat are also a big part of Varanasi culture and you should sample these in any local shop.
ALSO SEE Top 6 ghats in Varanasi
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also a must visit when in Varanasi. It is dedicated to Shiva and one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus who flock here in large numbers. A spectacle that should not be missed in Varanasi is the Ganga Aarti that takes place along the banks of the river in the evening. The hymns, the lights and the gushing river will leave a lasting impression on you.
Mussoorie
One of Uttarakhand’s prime tourist attractions, Mussoorie is great this time of the year with not too many tourists crowding it yet. The quaint hill station offers a view of the Himalayas and is often referred as the ‘Queen of hill stations’ in India. No wonder a large number of tourists flock to Mussoorie every year. The weather begins to get chilly by November and by New Year’s you can expect the temperatures to fall further. However, Mussoorie looks splendid in the winters and you should consider taking a trip here this November.
Since this is not peak season, you are likely to find cheaper accommodation options so you will not burn a hole in your pocket. You also have the option of negotiating with hotels to get the best deal possible. When in Mussoorie, don’t miss seeing the Kempty and Bhatta Falls that are its prime tourist attractions. Lal Tibba is the highest point in the hill station and offers panoramic views. Also visit Happy Valley which is called the mini-Tibet of Mussoorie and was the first place of refuge. You could also visit Landour which is on the outskirts of Mussoorie and is a no-pollution zone. It is reminiscent of the British Raj and you will find it to be a relaxing retreat for your senses.
Ooty
One of Tamil Nadu’s prime tourist attractions, Ooty lies 7,347 ft above sea level and is famous for its tea estates. The scenic natural beauty of Ooty is what draws tourists to this hill station and makes it so popular. November is a good time to visit the place when the weather is pleasant without being unbearably cold. From grasslands to forests and hills to tea plantations, you will find a stretch of greenery wherever you look in Ooty.
One of the most fun things about Ooty is the journey itself. You can take a mini-train ride or drive down on its winding roads, both of which make for a pleasant journey. Take a romantic boat ride in the Ooty Lake with the mist in the air making for a perfect picture. For wildlife enthusiasts, Madhumalai National Park is a must visit when here. Ooty Botanical Gardens are another tourist attraction for nature lovers. Lovedale which is barely five km away from the hill station is another place that you can explore when here.
Shillong
Photograph courtesy: Shubharnab/Creative Commons
Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is in northeast India, one of the lesser explored places in the country. However, we urge you to pay it a visit to see beauty that is just breathtaking. True, getting here will take you a long time with the closest airport in Guwahati but once here you will realize it is worth the effort. Shillong and its nearby places have a lot ot offer to the intrepid traveler. From hills to greenery to rivers and streams, there is a lot to see in Shillong.
Called the ‘Scotland of the East’ Shillong is known for its natural beauty. Visit the Shillong Peak that offers panoramic views of the city dotted with beautiful houses. Admire the Elephant Falls that also offers waterfall rappelling. And savor some delicious momos at Police Bazaar that is also a haven for shoppers.
ALSO SEE Honeymoon in northeast India
After exploring Shillong, head to nearby areas like Mawlynnong which is Asia’s cleanest village and is always spic and span thanks to its residents. You should also visit Cherrapunji which was at one point the wettest place on earth. Trek to the Living Roots Bridges when here. Mawsynram is also close by and now holds the record for being the wettest place on earth.
Remember, even though these sightseeing attractions aren’t too far away from each other, the winding roads makes it longer to reach from one place to the other so keep at least a week for a trip to the northeast.
Bodhgaya
The last destination on our November list is an unusual and offbeat choice in the name of Bodhgaya. A sacred town that is known as the place where Siddhartha sat under a Bodhi tree to meditate and find enlightenment is worth your visit. Out of the four important places associated with the life and journey of Gautam Buddha, Bodhgaya is also an important one. It is a place where people come to find spiritual enlightenment. Bodhgaya is in Bihar and November is a good time to visit the place as it is not too hot or cold during this month.
Most of the attractions in Bodhgaya are associated with Buddha and you will find a peaceful atmosphere around them. You can visit the Bodhi Tree and even find a peaceful spot to meditate when here. The Mahabodhi Temple should also be on your list. The Great Buddha Statue is another marvel that you should witness for its architecture. It is 80 ft tall and made of red granite and sandstone.
There aren’t too many tourist attractions here other than those that revolve around the life of Buddha. If you are a spiritual person, you are in for a treat and Bodhgaya should definitely feature on your travel bucket list this November.
Have interesting travel photos you’d like to share with us? Send photos from your travels to travel@corp.india.com, don’t forget to mention where you’ve shot the picture and get a chance to be featured on our website! So what are you waiting for? Hurry!
Have something to add to this story? Post your comments in the discussion board below; we will be thrilled to hear from you!
The post 10 best places to visit in India in November 2016 appeared first on Travel India.