November, the month of utter relaxation in terms of weather stability in India impresses travellers of all classes and tastes to get their back straightened. While northern part of India at this time gets relieved of sweltering summer, the eastern part bids good bye to over pouring monsoon.
1. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. It is considered to be of great religious and cultural importance and comes alive in November. It has a lot of temples with a rare one dedicated to Lord Brahma and a holy lake. But this places is most famous for the Annual Pushkar Camel Fair that takes place in the month of November. The dates of Pushkar Fair this year are 26th Oct – 6th Nov, 2014. One can take in the colorful atmosphere of the fair or have a laid-back evening on the banks of the Pushkar Lake surrounded by hundreds of temples.
A religious town on the heart of Rajasthan, Pushkar blends a perfect combination of old world charm, divine intonation and commercial gigs. The set of bathing ghats, back to back temples, bustling streets and an episodic soundtrack of chanting, drums and gongs generate a mysterious feel among the travellers. Only around 11km from the hallowed city of Ajmer, this small vibrant city is thronged by a huge crowd of hippies and foreign travelers. The best thing to see in Pushkar is the celebrated Camel Fair where around 50,000 camels take part. This camel fair is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in November and claimed to be one of its kinds in South-East Asia. These camels are dressed in colourful ornaments and clothes and are taken to walk in ramp, take part in race and traded as well.
2. Udaipur, Rajasthan
The lake city of Udaipur is another ideal place to travel in November. The royal residences, planned gardens and above all the lake palaces are the centre of attractions of Udaipur. Just like other popular sightseeing destinations of Rajasthan, the city is dotted with gorgeous forts which convey message about the chivalric as well as regale past of the state.
Among the must see travel options in Udaipur, City Palace, Lake Palace, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary are the most famous. Also if you are particular about attending the fairs and festivals of the destination you are heading to, then Muharram or Taziya can be a must attend event in November in Udaipur.
3. Hampi, Karnataka
Explore the ruins and mammoth boulders of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. This 16 CE capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom lies on the bank of Tungbhadra River, also known as Pampa. The ruins of this ancient city of Hampi in Karnataka are strikingly and spectacularly beautiful. Apart from its historical significance, Hampi is also a revered religious spot; it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Since Hampi is best explored on foot or on bike, it’s one of the best places to visit in November in India.
The towering temples of Hampi are surrounded by undulating green fields, jade-green palm groves and wide stretch of banana plantations serving as the background.
4. Almora, Uttarakhand
Offering a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Himalayas, Almora is a small station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It’s a popular tourist destination owing to it’s vibrant culture and heritage, the mouth watering food and its incredible scenery. Several temples are present here, the most important ones being the Chital and Nanda Devi temples which are flocked by devotees most of the times. Head over to this alluring place for a fun holiday in November.
5. Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Just as the monsoon retreats, Jim Corbett open its door to the visitors to experience the diversity of fauna and postcard perfect landscape, lush forest cover and gurgling water streams. Jim Corbett National Park is the first national park to be established in Asia. There are several zones where jeep safaris are allowed to sight the wildlife. Other than jeep safaris, you can also do elephant safari in Jim Corbett to rendezvous with tigers from close proximity.
Besides mammals which include tigers, elephants, Asiatic Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Barking Deer, otters and more. Yet another appeal of Jim Corbett is the wide variety of bird species that could be spotted here making it one of the best places for bird watching in India. Over 600 species of birds have been recorded inside this park including great pied hornbill, white-backed vulture and Pallas fish eagle.
With extreme winter not setting yet, Jim Corbett becomes one of the best places to visit in India in October and March if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Make sure that you get your accommodation in Dhikala range where the chances of tiger spotting are maximum.
6. Amritsar, Punjab
The birth month of Guru Nanak is November and Amritsar being the place of Golden Temple, celebrates biggest event during this time. You can observe sparkling lights and a grand festive atmosphere throughout the city. It is considered as the epitome of celebration and devotion. I am sure every avid traveller would agree with me that there is no specific time to visit the hallowed city of Amritasar. While this landmark of the state is always a unique experience, visit Amritsar is one of the places to visit in November in India to find the structure sparkling with lights and witness religion and spirituality as never before.
7. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
This beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in North India. Surrounded by the towering, snow capped Himalayan peaks and thick pine forests, one can just not get over the sheer raw beauty of this place. The winter months begin from November onwards, and that is when the true scenic beauty of Manali is revealed to the world. It’s also the perfect time to go skiing for all the winter sports enthusiasts. Add Manali to your places to visit in November in India and you’re bound to have an enchanting experience.
Snow and Manali are synonyms for the tourists. Its one of the best places to visit in November, as chances of a snowfall are quite high at this time of the year. Manali in Himachal Pradesh stands high at an altitude of 2,050 m above sea level at the head of Kullu Valley. Manali is the right place for both adventure lovers as its really popular for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering and para gliding.
Old Manali is a pretty famous hippie enclave with a string of riverside cafes offering international menu and nirvana music. Another major tourist attraction is Rohtang Pass which lets you explore the stunning panoramas of the glorious snow peaks and glaciers. The pass is usually closed down from mid-November, so check the status prior to your journey. Manali is the right place for anyone who wishes to escape the heat and dust of the world, to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the spectacle of the variegated mountain scenery.
8. Garo Hills, Meghalaya
Rightly called the abode of clouds, Meghalaya appears to be one of the most fascinating nature getaways in North-East India. Dotted with lush green pine trees, small hillocks and a range of small and huge waterfalls, the state transcends the lovers of nature to a distinct level. But I am telling you to head to the region of Garo Hills of Meghalaya in November. Wangala Festival, one of the most happening harvest festivals of north-east India commences in this month. The festival is also known as the 100 drum Wanagala Festival. Traditional drum beating, blowing horns, and unlimited dance and merry making are a part of this festival.
9. Kohima, Nagaland
The land of the Nagas, the fierce warrior tribes, Kohima is the capital of the Indian state of Nagaland, a part of the 7 sisters, in the North-eastern part of India. It offers a visual treat to the visitors, owing to the rolling green hills and the mountainous background. The Hornbill Festival, which showcases the rich culture and traditions of the 16 different types of Naga tribes, is held in December every year, and is a major tourist attraction.
The wild wild east of India, Nagaland is one of the most unspoiled places in India where you could still encounter tribes living exotically as could only be found in the archives of National Geographic. It was not a long time back that the warring tribesmen of Nagaland kept intruders at bay from encroaching into their territory.
10. Hadoti, Rajasthan
How is about the idea attending the festival of a particular region which is already in limelight for its heritage buildings and beautiful landscapes? After all the festival is a bonus. I mean if you are travelling to Hadoti, a region in Rajasthan in the month of November then your bonus will be the Bundi Festival. The festival brings forth the culture, folklore, traditions and craft of the region to focus. The rural turban competition, folk/classical dance and musical events, traditional rural sports are the highlights of this event. Hadoti includes the popular cities of Baran and Kota within its periphery.
11. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, on the banks of the river Ganga, is known for the festivals of Indian classical music and dance held here in November. There are performances by celebrated artists which are enjoyed by pilgrims and tourists alike. November is also when the festival of Dev Deepawali is celebrated here with grand aartis and glittering diyas.
The Ganga Mahotsav, celebrated in November with festivities and religious rituals, is a major attraction in Varanasi. At this occasion, pilgrims celebrate the event by performing Indian classical style music and dance shows. Classical music performed by the great maestros like Birju Maharaj, Ustad Bismillah Khan really adds an unforgettable flavour to the environment, making it one of the best places to visit in November in India.
12. Kalimpong, West Bengal
Kalimpong in West Bengal is one of the best places to visit in November in India. The view of Teesta River from Kalimpong Hills is enticing and appealing to the eyes. It’s ideally located near Darjeeling, which is frequented by many tourists. The weather during November is moderate and pleasant which make the sightseeing much easier. Amongst the not so well known tourist attractions is the Zang Dhok Palri Phondang Buddhist Monastery which houses a number of many rare Buddhist scriptures.
13. Delhi
New Delhi is one of the best places to visit in November in India as the weather is perfect for exploring the architectural and cultural heritage of the city. For the history buffs, there is no dearth of historical monuments to explore. The Red Fort , Qutub Minar, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Nizamuddin Dargah and Humayun Tomb are at their best in the benign November sun. The variety of street food in Delhi is enough to whet the appetites of the die-hard foodies.
Delhi also houses 3 fascinating World Heritage Sites: Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutb Minar Group of Monuments. A city of contrast, Delhi’s diversity manifests itself in the old world charm of the walled city and modern Lutyen’s Delhi.
Recently constructed Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple are spectacular monuments high on the list of to do things in Delhi.
14. Shantiniketan, West Bengal
A calm town near Kolkata known for its Tagore Ashram, the Nobel Laureate’s vision and life events, a museum and art gallery. Like most of what’s in and around, this university town is best enjoyed during November with its pleasant weather. If you are committed to art, culture and aesthetics, you should be in Shantiniketan at least once. Literally, the castle of peace, this university town will take you to a romantic era soaking all your exhaustions. The green open lawns, the heritage houses of Rabindranath Tagore, the open classrooms under the trees, small quaint seating places will render an unbelievably peaceful milieu. If you are travelling to Shantiniketan in November you will get the best weather as you will neither be disappointed by typical humid weather nor by chattering rainy season.
15. Sundarbans, West Bengal
As winter creeps in, the forest gates open during November. You can enjoy pleasant weather and excellent natural beauty within the woods. Enjoy lush green nature where you will feel brave throughout your boat ride in the midst of Mangroves.
Explore the intense parts of Sundarbans over a boat ride and take pleasure of watching the exotic species of birds, salt water crocodile, pangolin, chital, fishing cats and some more. It is claimed that around 400 tigers live in Sunderban today. The mudflats of Sunderban are inhabited by endangered animals like Sea Anemones, Horseshoe crab (Nearing extinction) and small octopus.
16. Gir, Gujarat
The sole home of the endangered Asiatic Lion, the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1975, as a need to safeguard the lion population which had fallen steeply due to illegal hunting and poaching. Since the sanctuary has been set up, though government conservation attempts, there has been an increase in the lion population. Though the place is shut during the monsoon season, the winter months are the best time to visit it, as there is an increased possibility of sighting wildlife.
17. Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Bharatpur is one of the ideal places to visit in November in India. It is that time of the year when Bharatpur is home not only to a rich variety of local species but to countless birds migrating here for the winters. Find here birds from all the way to Siberia and Central Asia such as Cranes, Pelicans. Wagtails, Geese, Flycatchers, Pipits and countless more, making birdwatchers from all over, visit the park around November. Also spot a number of land birds, waterbirds. The paradise of the birders, Bharatpur turns to be a hotspot of migratory birds in November. As winter approaches, birds from neighbouring countries migrate to Bharatpur. Birds from the countries like Siberia and Central Asia take plights to Bharatpur in this season. Among the most notable species you can see Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Wagtails, Pipits, Flycatchers, and countless more.
18. Orccha, Madhya Pradesh
Inscribed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, Khajuraho Group of Monuments are recognized across the globe for their carved temples. The carvings and sculptures are considered to represent the motif of Kamasutra, the legendary Indian text on consummation.
However the erotic carvings are just the outward appearance as the inside depicts yet another world of spirituality and abstinence. It is believed that the temple architecture represents the phases of life and that one should have all the worldly pleasure before he could be wise to abdicate them and step into a more enlightened state and be one with god…something that is very close to how Siddhartha become Buddha.
Nearby, Orchha is a veritable pastoral delight. The claim to fame of this tiny little hamlet in Madhya Pradesh is temple spires and chattris (cenotaphs) along with the exquisitely carved Jahangir Mahal, a specimen of finest art of Bundela paintings.
19. Old Goa
Bearing the reminiscence of old world charm, particularly the relics of Portuguese ruling era, Old Goa stands as a heritage lovers’ delight. The age old churches, historical buildings, and moreover the museums resembles the images of colonial era and let one take breath in its fascinating vistas. Though, for travelling to Old Goa you don’t need to look for the best season, yet I tell you to travel to this place in November, as the famous ‘Feast of St. Francis Xavier’ starts in November only. The festival starts with novenas from 24th November and the final feast takes place in 3rd December every year.
Best Places to Visit in November in India
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