With 28 vibrant states and 8 union territories, India has a lot to offer travellers looking for a mini getaway. Here is a list of the best places to go if you want to get adventurous while enjoying the last of the rains and the onset of winter in popular tourist destinations.
Spiti Valley (Ladakh)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Kulu airport and the rest of the journey will be by road.
By Rail: Take a train from your destination to Shimla and travel the rest by road.
Road: Travelling by car or motorbike from Manali, Shimla or Delhi is the most popular route. Public transport is also available.
Expected Weather
8 to 18 degrees
Attractions
Ancient monasteries such as Tabo, Khigonpa, Sakyatangyud, Larun, Gandla and Tayul
Chandratal Lake, Surajthal Lake, Dhankar Lake, Nako Lake
Pin Valley National Park
Lanza Buddha Statue
Reasons for choosing
The mesmerizing beauty of Spiti Valley and the Buddhist monastic life are mesmerizing. Located between the Indo-Tibetan plateau in the Himalayan region, this cold desert mountain is perfect for adventure lovers and trekking enthusiasts. The opportunity to indulge in sports like bike trekking, camping, stargazing, rafting and yak safaris will keep any traveller hooked.
Udaipur (Rajasthan)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Maharana Pratap International Airport/Udaipur Airport or Dabok Airport.
By Rail: Travel by train from your destination to Udaipur City Railway Station and Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station.
Road: Travelling by road from Jaipur and Delhi is the most popular option. Public buses are also available.
Expected Weather
24 to 30 degrees
Attractions
Palaces like City Palace and Sajjangarh Palace
Lakes like Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Uday Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Rangsagar and Doodh Tarai
Major temples: Karni Mata Temple, Eklingji Temple, Ranakpur Temple, Kesariyaji Temple
Trekking and wildlife watching in Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, Sajjangarh Sanctuary and Aravalli Hills
Reasons for choosing
A former royal capital, Udaipur is known for its rich cultural heritage expressed in its marble-built Rajputana palaces, earning it the moniker “The White City of India” and the “City of Lakes” for its numerous lakes. Udaipur is hailed as one of the most romantic cities in India for its beauty, grandeur and charm.
Lonavala (Maharashtra)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Lohegaon Airport in Pune or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai and do the rest of the journey by road.
By Rail: Take a train from Mumbai and Pune to Lonavala Railway Station.
Road: Road travel via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is popular. Public transport is also available.
Expected Weather
21 to 28 degrees
Attractions
Karla, Baja and other caves
Forts like Lohagarh, Rajmachi, Manaranjan, Tikona etc.
Includes Bhusi Lake, Lonavala Lake and Sirota Lake.
Reverse waterfall of Sandang Valley, Kune Waterfall
Mainly Bhairavnath Temple and Narayani Dham Temple
Trekking in Canyon Valley and Wildlife Watching in Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, Sajjangarh Sanctuary and Aravalli Hills
Reasons for choosing
A popular hill resort town near India’s financial capital, Mumbai, Lonavala is the perfect getaway for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. Caves, forts, lakes and breathtaking waterfalls make it the perfect getaway for those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, while the famous Aamby Valley offers plenty of options for travellers looking for an exotic stay.
Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh)
how to access
By Air: Fly to Visakhapatnam airport and travel the rest of the journey by road
Rail: Visakhapatnam to Araku train station
Road: Cars and public buses available from every state
Expected Weather
21 to 28 degrees
Attractions
Coffee plantations, especially the Coffee Museum
Katiki, Chaparai, Ranajireda, Sanda, Kothapalli, Ananthagiri, Dharagadda waterfalls etc.
Gardens including Padmapuram
Bora Cave
Reasons for choosing
Araku Valley is a magnificent place nestled in the embrace of the Eastern Ghats. Coffee plantations surrounded by mesmerizing waterfalls and lush gardens make this an ideal hill station for nature lovers. It is a perfect getaway to enjoy nature and tranquility amidst the hospitable inhabitants of the valley who cherish their rich tribal culture.
Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Coimbatore International Airport and then travel the rest of the journey by road or train.
By Rail: Take a train from nearby cities like Coimbatore, Mysore, Chennai and Bangalore to Mettupalayam and then travel the rest of the journey by road.
Road: Driving from nearby cities is popular, and public transport is also available.
Expected Weather
10 to 18 degrees
Attractions
Picturesque landscape
Lakes like Avalanche Lake, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake etc.
Waterfalls like Kalhatti and Pykara
Mudumalai and Mukurati National Parks
Places of worship such as Mariamman Temple and St. Stephen’s Church
Doddabetta Peak
Reasons for choosing
Ooty’s diverse tea plantations and mesmerizing landscapes have earned it the title of ‘Queen of Hill Resorts’. Once a summer resort of the British Raj, its quaint exterior will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time with its 19th century architecture. The town is one of the most popular holiday destinations.
Kausani (Uttarakhand)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Pantnagar airport and the rest of the journey will be by road.
By Rail: Take a train from your city to Kathgodam and then travel the rest of the journey by road.
Road: Driving from nearby cities is popular, and public transport is also available.
Expected Weather
15 to 28 degrees
Attractions
Tea Garden
Baijnath Temple and Rudradhari Temple inside the cave
Glacier trekking including Pindari, Kafni, Milam, Kafari and Sunderdhunga
Kausani Planetarium and Stargate Observatory Kausani
Reasons for choosing
Kausani is a quaint hill station with mesmerizing panoramas and is a must-visit place. You can view the majesty of the mighty Himalayan ranges and peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, Panchachuli etc. Also called the ‘Switzerland of India’, Kausani is perfect for trekking enthusiasts as major glacier treks are located close by.
Lakshadweep
how to access
Ships: There are seven passenger ships plying between Cochin and Lakshadweep – MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Coral, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy.
By Plane: Fly from your destination to Cochin International Airport and then take a second flight to Agatti Airfield in Lakshadweep. From there, boats depart to various islands.
Expected Weather
24 to 30 degrees
Attractions
Islands including Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, Kadmat Island, Kalpeni Island, Kavaratti Island and Minicoy Island
Snorkel and scuba dive to see marine life
Laccadive coral reef
Religious sites, including dozens of mosques
Reasons for choosing
Lakshadweep Islands are known for its pristine beaches, serenity and exotic landscapes. Tourists can enjoy canoeing, yachting and kayaking along the sun-drenched beaches. Cruise options allow for a multi-island tour. This union territory is a perfect destination for photographers and couples seeking romantic getaways and solitude.
Wayanad (Kerala)
how to access
By Air: Fly from your destination to Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode and the rest of the journey will be by road.
By Rail: Take a train from your city to Kozhikode and travel the rest by road.
Road: Driving from nearby cities is popular, and public transport is also available.
Expected Weather
24 to 29 degrees
Attractions
Tea plantation
Caves like Edakkal, Paksipathalam etc.
Suchipara, Kanthampara and Meenmutti Falls
Pukode Lake and Banasurasagar Dam
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Tholpetty, Muthunga, Wayanad
Reasons for choosing
Wayanad is a total package for all types of travellers, from couples to families. The district has something to offer for everyone. Rich in biodiversity and wildlife, Wayanad is a perfect destination to visit sanctuaries, hike, camp and cycle in the mesmerising mountains. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The beautiful scenery is a treat for the eyes.
