Places to explore in November in India

The capital city of Nagaland, Kohima is the second-largest city in the state, originally called Kewhira, derived from the name of Kewhi flowers that are vastly grown in the region. This is a leisure place to visit in India with diverse tribal cultures and offers endless exploration spots in pleasant weather for trekking, camping, rock climbing, and many thrilling activities at the famous Dzukou Valley, Japfu Peak, and witness the archaeological excellence and handicrafts ruins at Tseminyu. Witness the major festivities, including Ngada Festival and Tokhu Emong, celebrated by the different tribes. It also houses the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the final resting place of World War II martyrs.

Famous for its paddy-cum-pisciculture cultivation, Ziro is the most popular valley in India, nestled amid the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. The place is located at an elevation of about 5,500 feet and serves nature lovers and adventure seekers to make the most out of their trip in November when the weather is pleasant marking the arrival of the winter season. Talley Valley Sanctuary, Kile Pakho, Sidheshwar Nath Temple, Orchid Research Center, Meghna Cave Temple, Dolo Mando, Ziro Puto, and Bamboo Groove are few of many places to enjoy trekking, camping, rock climbing, jungle safari, paragliding, river rafting, and more.

Kutch is home to one of the five largest Harappan archaeological sites, Dholaveera, attracting thousands of visitors to witness the marvelous structures from all over India. If you're planning to visit the best desert escape in India in winter, Rann Kutch Festival is a sight to behold that commences in November and lasts 2 to 3 months. Witness the cultural and creative essence of Gujarat in the much-awaited festival assorted with an array of folk performances. Indulge in the captivating activities in Rann Utsav such as paramotoring, star-gazing, bird watching, and camelback ride. Experience the camping under the full moonlight and capture the desert sand turning silvery white in the moonlight.

Situated on the Konkan Coast in Maharashtra, Ganpatipule turns into a paradisiacal haven when the winter season starts to embrace the town in its coolness, making it an ideal destination to visit in India in November. According to the Hindu folklore, Lord Ganesha moved to the fine white sand called ‘pule' here, hence deriving its name ‘Ganpatipule.' The temples of Lord Ganpati, a hill shaped like Ganesha overlooking the confluence of beach and river, and the famous 400-year-old self-created monolith of Lord Ganesha attract people from everywhere to pray and seek blessings from the Mangal Murti. Stroll along the long stretches of pristine beaches trailed by mangroves and bamboo trees.

Long stretches of pristine white sand beaches, clear waters, and captivating landscape scenery are a crown jewel of Tarkarli, offering exciting water sports and outdoor adventures that make it the perfect destination to visit in India in November. Situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Maharashtra, the place houses the 17th-century Sindhudurg Fort built by the Maratha rulers and the Karli River for boating and sunset views. Pack your bags and tick off the water sports from your list in Tarkarli like Scuba diving, parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and kayaking at Tsunami Island. Take your mind off the worries and capture the spellbinding views at Rock Garden Sunset Point.

Whether you are a devotee, an adventure seeker, or a seafood lover, Gokarna is a must-visit place in India in winter. Literally means 'cow's ears, this quaint village is settled on the Arabian Sea in Karnataka and is one of the seventh most popular pilgrimage destinations in India, housing the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. November brings a major festival, Karikeya which is celebrated to honor Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva. Experience surfing at Gokarna and Kudle Beach, explore exotic flora and fauna at Dev Bagh and Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, trek to India's second-highest waterfall Jog Falls, and much more.

Located about 10 km northwest of Ajmer city in Rajasthan, Pushkar is the only city that houses the only temple of Lord Brahma in India, which makes it the most visited place in India in winter. It is during November when the city celebrates one of the infamous festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar Camel Fair, attracting travelers from all around. Indulge in a 9-day long annual fair that takes place at Pushkar Lake and watches the embellished in colorful clothes and accessories and enters in the contests, races, dance, and being traded. Catch the bird's eye view of the fair in a hot balloon ride, match your steps with folk dance on folk music, satiate your buds with delicious Rajasthani cuisine, and enjoy camping under the starry sky.

Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is popular by the name City of Lakes is an ideal place to visit in India in November as one of the popular Shilpgram Art Fairs is grandly celebrated promoting art and culture of the region and encouraging locals to present their many talents to the world. The weather during November remains pleasant with cool wind and less humidity, making it the best time to explore local streets, eat local food, collect handcrafted souvenirs at the stalls, learn about the rich history behind this magnificent city, and enjoy boating at Fateh Sagar Lake.

Known as the ‘Golden City’ for its yellow sandstone structures, Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center, situated in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Nothing beats the winter season to explore dunes and ancient forts and palaces turned into heritage resorts and hotels that make Jaisalmer the best place to visit in India in November. Spend a day like a king in the heritage Havelis, explore the sand dunes on a camel safari in Sam Sand Dunes, witness the wondrous flora and fauna at Desert National Park, enjoy a romantic boat ride at Gadisar Lake, shop for Rajasthani jewelry at Sonaron ka Baas street market, and capture the golden hues of Jaisalmer Fort.

The cultural capital of the Kumaon region, Almora is a paradise for backpackers situated at an elevation of about 1,638 meters atop Kashyap Hills in Uttarakhand. The dense pine and oak trees forest trails with an enchanting backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan ranges makes for the perfect hill station getaway in India in November. Set your eyes upon several highest peaks such as Nanda Devi and Trishul, adapt the spiritual vibes from chants and hymns from the temples dedicated to Hindu Goddesses, learn about the Stone Era at Lakhudiyar Cave, and behold the town serenity in Jageshwar Yoga Festival that is held in Jageshwar Temple. Besides affluent culture and spirituality, the place is home to many exotic species of flora and fauna at Almora Zoo and offers amazing picnic spots at Eco Park.

Amritsar is the most auspicious pilgrimage place of Sikhs in India as it houses the holiest gurdwara, the Golden Temple, surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar Lake. There are several preeminent festivals are held in winter in Amritsar, giving travelers and believers more reasons to visit this place in India in November. One of the most auspicious Guru Purab festivals celebrated the birth anniversary of Guru Govind Singh Ji followed by chanting the Holy Guru Granth Sahib in Gurdwaras lit up with fairy lights and another religious fair, Ram Tirath Fair after Diwali that is celebrated for five days, remembering the tales and teachings of Lord Ram and Mata Sita.

One of the most visited hill stations in India is Manali, attracting hundreds of thousands of travelers every year with its lush greenery, snow-capped mountain ranges, untrodden hiking trails through deodar forests, and cascading waterfalls. Known for its revered Hadimba Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, and ancient Buddhist monasteries, the town celebrates the famous Kullu Dussehra in November like in no other region in the country followed by the grand procession of Lord Raghunath. Trek to magnificent Chandra Tal Lake, experience adventure thrills at Solang Valley including skiing, paragliding, and zorbing, wash bathe in the relaxing Vashishtha Hot Springs and taste the global cuisine at restaurants with breath-taking views at Manali Mall Road

Dotted with numerous ruined temples, forts, and other monuments from Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is the oldest village in Karnakata state in India. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place houses the oldest 7th-century Sri Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity- Lord Shiva which has become a popular religious site in India. Apart from ancient temples, archaeological museums, and historic ruins, Hampi celebrates the famous recreational Hampi Festival, illustrating the prestigious history of Hampi through musical dance performances, grand elephant procession, fireworks, and puppet shows, alluring travelers to indulge in the grand festivity in November. Explore the city on a bike, take a rejuvenating bath at Lotus Hall Complex, experience the thrill of cliff jumping, and watch the sunset from Hemakuta Hills.

Situated at an elevation of around 2100 meters above sea level, Wayanad makes a perfect getaway in India in November when the heavy monsoon finally takes its leave and cool temperature embraces the hills in its colorfully dramatic autumn hues. Embark on a joyful Elephant ride in Edakkal Caves, and buy local handicrafts and homemade savory spices. Witness the scenic views of green hills, rich tea and coffee plantation, visit Soochipara Waterfalls, scenic Chembra Peak, peculiar wildlife at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a spiritual visit to Thirunelli Temple, and much more.

Owing to its lush greenery, cloud-blanketed mountains, and hidden waterfalls, Coorg is the perfect holiday hill station in India situated in the Kodagu district of Karnataka along the western ghats. Popularly known as Scotland of India, the place becomes a fairy winterland, which becomes more charming with the vibrant celebration of the Puthari Harvest Festival that is held in November. Additionally, the low temperature, less humidity, and cool breeze make it a perfect spot for trekking, camping, rafting, mountain climbing, fishing, and much more. Visit the Omkareshwar Temple-a unique sublime of Gothic and Islamic architecture, the oldest St. Anne’s Church, trek to and capture the panoramic view of Chamomile Hill, and so on.

Varkala is a picturesque town situated on the Arabian Sea in Kerala. The place is famous for its palm trees covered red cliffs, and natural springs which are believed to have medicinal virtue. It is home to a 2000-years-old Janardhanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Janardhana Swami, a form of Lord Vishnu. the architectural style of houses and temples depicts the principles of Thachu Shastra- the science of carpentry and Vastu Shastra- the science of architecture and spatial engineering. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings at Varkala & Kappil Beach, watch the sunset at Edava Vettakkada Beach, go for cliff jumping at Varkala Cliff, visit Varkala Aquarium if you are a marine fan, and enjoy delicious food at trance cafe and restaurants.

Famous for its rich flora of eucalyptus, cypress, numerous varieties of trees, and the popular man-made Kodai Lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station in the Tamil Nadu state of India, situated at an elevation of about 7,000ft. The place is situated in the Dindigul district. With pleasant temperature ranges not above 10 C, the place receives a peak tourist season in November. The winters paint the fantastic hues all around with fog and chilly breezes, giving travelers the best weather conditions to explore Pillar Rocks, Coakers Walk, Devil’s Kitchen, Dolphin Nose, and Kodai Palani trek. Stroll through the tea plantations and enjoy a peaceful bird-watching session.