Come November and the holiday mood sets in. Vacations are no more restricted to summer breaks. Winter vacations deserve just as much love, attention and planning. After all, many parts of India bring out their best during the winter months. You may choose to explore an otherwise hot region such as Rajasthan or take off to the hills to devour bone-chilling experiences. However, make sure to purchase travel insurance and secure your trip to enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Top Indian destinations for a November trip
If you are finding it difficult to shortlist options for your winter vacation, then here are some amazing destinations to choose from.
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Hampi, Karnataka
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is a traveller’s delight with its magnificent architecture and stone temples. You can also gorge on yummy South-Indian dishes such as idli, vada, and sambar during your Hampi visit. The closest train station to Hampi is Hospet, and the nearest domestic airport to this popular destination is Bellary.
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Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer and Jodhpur are teeming with wayfarers during November. A pleasant climate and appetising local Rajasthani dishes draw the crowds to “The Country of the Rajputs”. Mehrangarh Fort and Jaisalmer Fort are some popular tourist sites. You can reach these Rajasthan towns via flights, road, and train.
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Coorg, Karnataka
A visit to Coorg can refresh your senses. With its picturesque views, fascinating waterfalls, all-around greenery, and breezy weather, Coorg gives you many reasons for making it your winter holiday destination. Travellers swear by its Kodava cuisine and local coffee.
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Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
As a cultural enthusiast, you must include the Rann of Kutch on your bucket list. White Rann, the other name for this tourist site, holds the Rann Utsav from November to February. Food, dance, white sand tours, night safari, and culture-based events—the Rann of Kutch promises all this and more. In Gujarati cuisine, you must try the delectable fafda-jalebi.
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Varkala, Kerala
The beaches in Varkala make for not only a great vacation spot but also an ideal workcation. Varkala, with its idyllic views and succulent seafood dishes, is the best place to unwind before getting caught up in the holiday season rush.
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Pushkar, Rajasthan
The Pushkar Fair draws travellers to Pushkar in Rajasthan during November. Moreover, the Brahma temple, with its majestic look, is another reason for travellers to flock to this tourist site. When in Pushkar, do not forget to sample rose-flavoured products such as rosewater and Gulkand. You can reach Pushkar within 30 minutes by road from Ajmer.
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Bharatpur, Rajasthan
If you are a bird lover, then a visit to Bharatpur in Rajasthan is a must for you. The Keoladeo Sanctuary in Bharatpur houses several migratory bird species including the Siberian Crane. Other than that, mouth-watering local snacks and bird-watching expeditions make your trip to Bharatpur worthwhile. You can travel to Bharatpur via road from Agra or Delhi.
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Bodhgaya, Bihar
Bodhgaya is among the most sacred Buddhist sites globally. Along with the Mahabodhi tree, Bodhgaya is home to other popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Do you need any more reasons to visit Bodhgaya this November to unleash your spiritual side?
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Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain, another spiritual destination, is popular for its temples, impressive architecture, local street food, and the famous Kumbh Mela. Ujjain is well-connected and can be accessed from all parts of the country.
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Amritsar, Punjab (Gurupurab)
A trip to Amritsar in November is incomplete without visiting the mesmerising Golden Temple. Guruparab is celebrated amid fanfare at the Golden Temple, whereby you can sit through kirtans and langars as part of the festivities. Gorging on Punjabi parathas and Amritsari kulchas must not be missed during your Amritsar visit.
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Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, which is one of the ancient Hindu sites, plays host to the Ganga Mahotsav in November. Also, in its role as a spiritual destination, Varanasi houses ghats and temples for culture lovers and architecture enthusiasts to revel in. The delicious street food in the busy lanes of Varanasi is another reason to head to this mystic holy city.
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Manali, Himachal Pradesh
The joy of sipping hot chai during the cold winter season in Manali is unmatchable. Be it snow sports or mountain adventures, Manali offers them all. Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley are among the popular tourist sites in Manali. Even so, if you are renting a two-wheeler to get around Manali, ensure to buy comprehensive bike insurance for cover against any unexpected turn of events.
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Gulmarg, Kashmir
Gulmarg gets bitterly cold in December and January, while the place is more comfortable to visit in November. Gulmarg, wrapped in blankets of snow during the winter months, is also a perfect honeymoon destination. Do not miss having Kahwa and the local Kashmiri cuisine during your Gulmarg visit. Nonetheless, before indulging in diverse experiences, you must arm yourself with single-trip travel insurance to be on the safer side.
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Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Orchha, traceable to the banks of the Betwa River, is known for its eye-catching palaces, including the Raja Mahal. Besides, the walls of the Orchha Fort showcase the Bundera style of architecture, which is an eclectic blend of Rajput designs and Mughal patterns. Mural paintings and chhatris are other facets of the palaces in Orchha that you should not miss.
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Almora and Binsar, Uttarakhand
Among the reasons to visit Almora and Binsar, this November, are the peaceful hillsides, chilly weather, sanctuaries, and temples. And, for people with a sweet tooth, indulging in Balmithai is an absolute must. You can reach these destinations by taking a train to Kathgodham and then hiring a cab or bus from there.
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Gokarna, Karnataka
A vacation in Gokarna is all about sipping fizzy drinks, devouring scrumptious seafood, and walking down the beaches. Gokarna is quieter than Goa and is ideal for a peaceful beach holiday. The closest airport to Gokarna is Goa and its nearest railway station is Ankola.
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Gir, Gujarat
India is home to a host of wildlife sanctuaries and the Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gir in Gujarat is among the popular ones on the list. Travellers from all over the world visit Gir to see the Asiatic Lion in all its splendour at this sanctuary. More so, when in Gir, you must have your fill of the local Gujarati cuisine to satiate your palate. Keshod is the nearest airport to Gir, and Junagadh is the closest train station.
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Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is a tourist’s delight with its rich cultural heritage, ghats, and palaces. Bagore ki Haveli and City Palace are some famous tourist spots to explore during your visit to Udaipur. In Rajasthani cuisine, you can try kachoris and dal baati churma to tickle your tastebuds.
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Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad, with its spice plantations, virgin woods, and misty lanes, is a nature lover’s haven. Lazy afternoons with cardamom chai or piping-hot coffee and a good book make your Wayanad holiday relaxing and fun-filled. You can reach Wayanad from Kozhikode (Calicut), the nearest airport, by road.
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Meghalaya
Clean water bodies, clear skies, vibrant culture, awe-striking living root bridges, and tasty cuisine are some reasons that make Meghalaya a great tourist destination. Among the places to explore in Meghalaya are Cherrapunji, Shillong, and Dawki.
Conclusion
Living in a country as large and diverse as India comes with its share of perks for travel lovers. Sun. Sand, beach or hills, snow, treks—whatever is your idea of a perfect trip, Indian states have something to offer. November is particularly a good time to travel in India as you are past the scorching summer and on the threshold of chilling winters. Just remember to buy a robust travel insurance plan to make your trip truly memorable.
