November is the month the weather is pleasant, the breeze is mellow and the outdoors are welcoming. It’s the time India celebrates the Hindu festival Diwali, resulting in a long school vacation that calls for a family trip! The mountains are less harsh, the sands are cooler and the wildlife comes out of their hideout, making November the best month to travel for adventure seekers too!
All the beauty from the pristine valleys of the northeast to the beaches of the western coast is amplified this month. The hill stations give you a taste of winters without being too harsh and the beaches are cooler this time of year. November is the best month to experience the short-lived fall season in India, which is faint but beautiful in its own way. Before you start looking for flight tickets, read about these best places to visit in November in India.
1. Karwar, Karnataka
2. Pondicherry, Union Territory of Puducherry
3. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
4. Shillong, Meghalaya
5. Kalimpong, West Bengal
6. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
7. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
8. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
9. Amritsar, Punjab
10. Pahalgam, Kashmir
11. Pushkar, Rajasthan
12. Gir, Gujarat
If you’re a sun and sand person, you should explore Karwar, a seaside city in northern Karnataka. November is the right time to soak in the beaches of Karwar because of the pleasant weather. You can spend a night camping by the waves on Timalti beach or stay in a luxury resort by Majali beach. If you simply want a leisurely beach stroll, head over to the Rabindranath Tagore Beach. This beach is also popular in Karwar since it’s the meeting point of River Kali and the Arabian Sea.
For those who want to spend a quiet vacation, you’ve got Devbagh beach. It’s a private beach in Kumta where you can go on a banana boat ride, explore seafood, or turn the pages of a novel in a houseboat! You can spend an afternoon staring at the clean and serene water of this beach, don’t be surprised if you spot a Dolphin playing peek-a-boo. Karwar also has something for the architecture buffs, check out the Narasimha temple and you’ll know why! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a laid-back trip, visit Karwar in November for a memorable time!
Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport / Dabolim Airport (90 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Karwar Railway Station (5 km away)
The streets and colonies of Pondicherry are so beautiful that every photo you capture will look like a postcard. The French colonies, heritage buildings, and ancient temples make Pondicherry a must-see place in India. This lovely settlement looks better in November, thanks to the perfect amount of sun and breeze. You can find scooty rentals at many places in Pondicherry, hop on one and spend a lazy November afternoon exploring everything from the colonial structures to the scenic boulevards.
While you are in Pondicherry, visit Seaside Promenade, Sir Aurobindo Ashram, and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Don’t miss the Notre Dame des Anges Church, its high ceilings, stained glass, and pink facade are unparalleled. If it’s the sea that you crave, check out Paradise Beach, Rock Beach, or Auro Beach. Pondicherry will keep you occupied all day. But wait, before you head back to your hotel room and call it a day, taste the nightlife of Pondicherry. You can go club-hopping or go on a wine tasting tour, the nightlife here never fails to amaze. Pondicherry in November sounds like a perfect holiday destination for a trip with your pals!
Nearest Airport: Puducherry Airport (3 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry railway station (4 km away)
Also Read: Top 7 Things To Do In Tamil Nadu And Pondicherry
If visiting Grand Canyon is on your bucket list, why book a flight to the US? Just embark on a trip to Gandikota, it’s India’s very own Grand Canyon. Gandikota is a gorge and a historical fort in Andhra Pradesh. The sight of River Pennar cutting through the mighty Gandikota hills is a sight to keep coming back for. The place has a lot of history attached to it, it was the main center of power for many rulers over the centuries.
It’s a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts and explorers. You can traverse through the rocky hills or scout the Gandikota fort ruins in the hope of stumbling upon a long-lost treasure. In the end, you might end up finding yourself and your love for exploration! After sunset, you can lay down your tired back in a tent under the stars, only to wake up the next morning and see the sun kissing the magnificent gorge. Gandikota is perfect to visit in the winter months because the scorching summers here are unbearable. If you’re wondering where to spend an exciting November weekend, Gandikota it is!
Nearest Airport: Bengaluru International Airport (345 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Jammalamadugu Railway Station (18 km away)
After October, the monsoon of Meghalaya subsides and the weather begins to cool down. This is when Shillong looks the prettiest, with its tall waterfalls, botanical gardens, and beautiful landscapes. November gives you that window between monsoon and oncoming winter, making it the perfect time for spending a calming vacation in Shillong. This is also the month you get to see cherry blossoms in their full bloom. The abundance of natural beauty and the richness of its cultural heritage makes Shillong one of the best places to visit in India.
If you want to spend some quality time with your family, settle down for a picnic by the Elephant falls. This two-tier fall sits in lush greenery and is a lovely sight. If you’re looking for some thrill, try the water sports in Umiam Lake. This manmade lake is surrounded by forests on one side and Khasi Hills on the other, click a panoramic shot already! You can even test your limits and scale the peaks in Shillong like the Sohpetbneng Peak or the Shillong Peak. Finally, don’t leave Shillong before you visit Cherrapunjee which is 2 hours away from Shillong. Its dense forests, root bridges, and hidden waterfalls speak volumes of its natural diversity. Visit Shillong in November and you’ll know why it’s called the ‘Scotland of the East’.
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (31 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station (100 km away)
Kalimpong is an underrated hill station situated by the foothills of the Himalayas and above the Teesta River. It treats you to vast green valleys, Buddhist monasteries, ancient churches, and Tibetan handicrafts. Visit the flower markets and soak in the sight of orchids or walk over to Kalimpong’s private library and get lost in the stories of Tibetan and Himalayan cultures. You can spend many days in Kalimpong and still not get over its scenic beauty. The best way to see this beauty is not through your drone but through paragliding from the Deolo Hills!
While we’re talking of hills, it would be a shame to go to Kalimpong and not visit the Duprin Dara Hill. Stand on this hill and you’ll see the Kanchenjunga Mountain range, River Teesta, Peshoke tea estate, and the neighboring areas over a distance. Close your eyes and you’ll hear the faint hum of melodic bells coming from the Durpin Monastery. If you loved this monastery, check out the Zong Dog Palri Fo Brand Gompa. This monastery is perched on a hilltop and is an example of brilliant Buddhist architecture. What are you waiting for? Spend your November in Kalimpong for a trip to remember!
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra International Airport (116 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Station (108 km away)
If you want to experience winter in the hills, spend your November in Mussories. You can see the season change as winter approaches the valley. This ‘Queen of the Hills, with its mighty waterfalls, vast lakes, and picturesque gardens never fails to awe you. You can visit its famous tourist attractions like Kempty Falls, Mussoorie Lake or Mall Road. If you’re in the mood for some offbeat places, check out the Cheddup Cheppling Temple, Sainji Corn Village, or George Everest’s House.
The best way to explore Mussorie is through treks and nature walks. Challenge your buddies for a trek to the Naag Tibba or the Benog Tibba. If you want to explore the local markets and food, take a walk around Bazar Road in Landour. The sounds, smells, and sights of the market cannot be captured in your camera, but you can fill it all in while you’re in Mussorie. You should go on a food tour through Mussorie, it has great cafes and restaurants that offer you both food and views! Don’t know about you, but we are already packing our bags for a trip to Mussorie in November!
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (59 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station (35 km away)
Also Read: 4 Of The Best Hostels In Mussoorie
Kufri is a hill station just 20 km from Shimla. It’s famous for its trekking trails, picnic spots, and nature parks. It snows in December in Kufri, making it difficult to even walk. But if you still want to explore the chill of the Himalayan winter, visit Kufri in November. Don’t hide under a blanket while you’re in Kufri because the outdoors offer more than what you can imagine. Kufri has amusement parks, a zoo, a tourist park, and inviting peaks.
You can mount a horse and ride to the Mahasu Peak or hop on a Yak and ride along the forest trails. Your winter visit is incomplete if you don’t go skiing or tobogganing on the slopes of Kufri. A visit to the Himalayan National Park is a must if you’re a nature and wildlife lover. You can see a great diversity of flora and fauna in this park. Finally, a trip to Kufri in November doesn’t end without trying food like Channa Madra, Siddus, and Chicken Anardana!
Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (36 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station (15 km away)
If there’s one place to experience the festivals of November, it’s in Varanasi. The Diwali you spend here will stay with you for years to come. The entire ghat is laden with oil lamps to celebrate Dev Deepawali, the reflection of these lamps in the River Ganga is a breathtaking sight. You’ll be mesmerized by the grand Ganga Aarti as dusk sets in over the spiritual city. Once the evening fades into the night, take a boat ride to see Varanasi sparkling by the Ganges. There are many ghats in Varanasi and you can see them all on a boat ride.
The Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, and the Dasaswamedh Ghat all have different auras even though they share the same river bank. Once you’re done worshipping at the temples of Varanasi, go and explore the Ramnagar Fort. You’ll love the museum here for its collection of vintage automobiles, antique weapons, and elaborate hookahs. Varanasi is a center for Hindu pilgrimage, but did you know it has a Buddhist history attached to it too? Head over to the Dhamek Stupa and explore the 1,500-year-old structure! Already planning to drop in Varanasi this Diwali, eh?
Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (18 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction Railway Station (2 km away)
You’ll miss a great deal if you don’t visit Amritsar in November. The festivity at the Golden Temple peaks in November when the Guru Nanak Jayanti arrives. Many tourists pour into Amritsar to visit the spectacle on this auspicious occasion. The temple is decorated with lights and the entire city is dressed in pomp and splendor. You can simply sit on the steps of the Golden Temple and hear the hum of the Akhand Path (non-stop reading of Guru Granth Sahib).
Apart from the temple, you should check out the Gobindgarh Fort for its high-tech laser light show and its mesmerizing museum. You should also spend some time at the Partition Museum and read the haunting stories about the partition of India. There’s also the Jallianwala Bagh, powerful in its own way because of the bullet marks on the walls and the floating coins in the well. Don’t call an end to your Amritsar tour without trying the food, and by that, we mean both the Gurudwara langar and the Amritsar street food!
Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (11 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Amritsar Junction (1 km away)
Pahalgam sees less tourist footfall in November than in the summer months. The entire hill town is covered in snow and the views are unmatched. It’s the favorite month of the locals because of the pristine beauty untouched by the hustle and bustle of travelers. Hibernate at a small wooden cottage by a stream in Pahalgam and it’ll be your best November ever. If you’re in the mood for some action, explore the snow-laden paths, try water sports, or camp by the lakes in Pahalgam.
There’s no dearth of things to do in Pahalgam in November. Go zorbing in Baisaran, horse riding in Aru Valley, white water rafting in Lidder River, or snow sledding in Chandanwari. If you’re in the mood to put up your feet and soak in the views, set camp in the Lolab Valley and spend your afternoon watching the clouds cut through the Himalayan mountains. This valley is a treat to wildlife enthusiasts too, you can spot snow leopard, brown bear, hangul, and musk deer in this valley. Start prepping already, Pahalgam’s November awaits you!
Nearest Airport: Srinagar airport (88 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Udhampur railway station (218 km away)
Pushkar is definitely one of the best places to visit in November in India. Pushkar’s markets, houses, streets, and tourist places are so vibrant that they’ll get you hooked. November is the month when Pushkar comes alive with festivities because of the Annual Camel Fair. The official dates for the Pushkar Camel Fair this year are 11-19 November. You shouldn’t miss out on this highlight if you visit Pushkar this time of the year.
You can see camels decorated in beautiful adornments and their fur shaved to form intricate patterns. There are beauty contests for the cattle, races, and other competitions. The fairground looks nothing less than a grand carnival, you can see musicians, dancers, acrobats, and performers everywhere! While you’re in Pushkar, pay a visit to the Pushkar lake, Varaha Ghat, and the Man Mahal. Take out your camera and capture the sights of Pushkar Bazaar. Discover new street food, shop for handicrafts, and don’t forget to buy the famous Gulkand! When are you heading to Pushkar?
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (150 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Pushkar Terminus (2 km away)
November is the right month to spot wildlife at its best. Animals go in their cooler hideouts during the summers, so winter is the ideal time to go for wildlife safaris. The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is closed in the monsoon, footfall slowly increases as November approaches. Gir is the only place where you can see the Asiatic Lion. The sight of one fills you with pride about India’s biodiversity and the fact that the lion population is actually on the rise here!
Before you’ve your appetite full with wildlife, check out the Kamleshwar Dam and the Nalsarovar Lake. These water bodies are host to many species of native and migratory birds. You can indulge in bird watching or simply gaze at the serene water during sunset. If you’re a history geek, head over to the Durbar Hall Museum and marvel at the thrones, paintings, antiques, and tapestries. Before the end of your trip, set out on a spiritual journey to the Girnar Hills, at least for the views if not for the worship! Gujarat is scorching hot in the summers, thus all the places we mentioned will be easier to explore if you go in November!
Nearest Airport: Keshod airport (110 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Junagadh Junction (4 km away)
Visit these places in November for a successful trip, there’s no harsh monsoon, unbearable summer, or chilly winter to bother your travel plans! After all we travelers simply need a reason to step out of our homes right? There’s no point looking at the changing season out of your window when you can step out and explore it fully. Make your November bucket list and get going!
Which Places To Visit In November In India?
Pahalgam in Kashmir, Kufri in Himachal Pradesh, Amritsar in Punjab, Shillong in Meghalaya, Karwar in Karnataka, and Pushkar in Rajasthan are the best places to visit in India in November.
Why Is November The Best Time To Travel?
The month of November is neither too hot nor too cold, the weather is pleasant, and exploring new places becomes easier. Beaches are cooler, hill stations are beautiful and there’s more possibility to spot wildlife in November.
Are Hill Stations Safe For Tourists In The Winter?
Some hill stations and access roads are closed for the public in heavy winters due to the risk of snowstorms and avalanches. But winter in November is milder than in the months of December and January, making it the best month to visit hill stations apart from the summers.
What To Pack For A Winter Trip?
Depends where you plan to go, if you’re going to a coastal destination, pack breezy clothes, cotton clothes, and one light jacket. If you’re going to a hill station, pack sweaters, gloves, mufflers, waterproof jackets, and warm jeans.
Which Are The Best Wildlife Sanctuaries In India?
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and Gir National Park in Gujarat are some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Where To Celebrate Diwali In India?
Diwali celebrations are grand in Varanasi, Goa, Amritsar, Udaipur, and Ayodhya. Metropolitans like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai too celebrate Diwali grandly. You can witness some diverse Diwali celebrations in these places in India.
Where Does It Snow In November In India?
There are many places in India that experience snowfall in November. Some of the places you can visit to explore snow are Kufri, Lachung, Hemkund, Auli, Dalhousie, and Sela Pass among others.
Is It Good To Visit Goa In November?
Absolutely, the winter months of November to February are a great time to take that much-awaited Goa trip. With a cool and pleasant climate, you would not want to leave the beach shore.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
