Travelling in India

Some tips for travel in India from our experiences :)

October - November in India

Rajasthan

October marks the end of the monsoon, with the landscape greener than usual.
By November, the weather is dry and pleasant, making it the ideal time to explore forts, palaces, and the desert.
Temperatures are comfortable, and the festive season (like Diwali) adds charm to the cities.

Punjab and Delhi

October is still warm, but by mid-November, temperatures start dropping, providing cooler evenings.
The post-monsoon freshness enhances greenery, and sightseeing is more comfortable.
A great time to visit historical landmarks and enjoy vibrant festivals.

North (Ladakh, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh)

October is perfect for visiting high-altitude areas before winter snow sets in.
November brings colder conditions, with higher altitudes becoming less accessible.
Ideal for experiencing autumn foliage and scenic treks in Himachal Pradesh.
Srinagar's Dal Lake shimmers under golden Chinar trees during this time.

West (Mumbai and Goa)

The monsoon recedes by late September, and October-November is warm but dry.
Goa’s beaches open fully by October, with November offering vibrant pre-Christmas parties.
Mumbai's weather is pleasant, and festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali light up the city.

South West (Kerala)

The monsoon ends by October, leaving lush green landscapes.
November is cooler and drier, making it a fantastic time for backwater cruises and exploring hill stations.
Ayurvedic treatments are highly recommended during this season.

Centre of India/Deccan/Bangalore

Pleasant weather in October and November with minimal rainfall.
Great for city explorations, wildlife safaris in national parks, and cultural visits to Hampi and Hyderabad.
Bangalore’s weather remains temperate, ideal for weekend getaways to Coorg or Chikmagalur.

South East (Chennai, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu)

October to November is peak monsoon season for Tamil Nadu, with heavy showers but cooler temperatures.
Pondicherry offers beautiful coastal views with occasional rain, adding to the tranquility.
November is the beginning of the tourism season post-monsoon.

North East (Darjeeling and Kolkata)

October offers clear skies and stunning views of the Himalayas in Darjeeling.
Kolkata enjoys cooler weather and festival vibes during Durga Puja (October).
November remains pleasant for tea garden visits and city explorations.

General Tips:

October-November is festival season across India, so expect vibrant celebrations, particularly during Diwali and Durga Puja.
Booking accommodation and transport in advance is recommended as it is peak tourist season.
Carry light woolens if heading north, and pack rain gear for Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Wildlife safaris are particularly rewarding during this time as national parks reopen after the monsoon.

Enjoy the diverse experiences that India offers in the autumn months!

How to travel?

You can take your pick on how you would like to travel: flight, bus, train, camel or elephant :D

We found it easy to do long distances by flight. For our holiday, we used a travel agency who provided us with a chauffeur driven car. It helped that we were driven by a local on the roads who also knew the places we were visiting, but it also allowed us to rest in between sightseeing.

The Indian railway network is vast and there are many trains that can be booked online on here

Please be mindful there are many "classes" where you can choose from when choosing a seat in an Indian train. In the summer months, an air-conditioned carriage is essential. Our advice is to pre-book a seat in a carriage which provides you with adequate comfort and privacy when travelling (such as 1AC or EC, and CC or 2AC). Further information on the type of carriages can be found here.

Where to go?

India is a huge country and it is often not possible to visit all of it in one trip. There are various areas you may want to visit and that is a question of personal taste, weather and the time you have.

We would be very happy to speak to you and guide you where possible. Please also have a look at some websites which can be useful:

https://www.roughguides.com/india/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india

https://www.internationaltraveller.com/asia/india/

If you would like to plan your holiday in India and are unsure where to start, we can suggest the travel agency we used for our holiday in July '22:

ravi@holidaymystique.in

Telephone: +91 1145661256, +91 1145661261

Mobile: +91 9818204022

For examples on travel itineraries that we used for our recent holiday, have a look on this link