With the temperatures dropping and the few days of respite in the form of Diwali and Dusshera break, October is as good a time as any for a quick short trip or a few days vacay! Especially if you’re looking to travel to some unexplored corners of the country. With the steamy congested summer a distant memory and the receding monsoon, you’ll be greeted with balmy skies and the most pleasant weather. Also, with October being the month of celebrations, you might even get a chance to be a part of the fairs and festivities, which is a bonus! So, for those of you looking to plan a holiday this month, check out these 8 offbeat destinations in the country that you can visit!
1. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City is the perfect destination to delve into the rich folk culture of Rajasthan. The city also hosts a number of festivals in October such as the Marwar festival and the International Folk Festival which must be included in your itinerary.
2. Hampi, Karnataka
Situated in Karnataka, Hampi is an ancient village peppered with ruins of temples and forts of the Vijayanagar Empire. Located on the banks of River Tungabhadra, this village is today a coveted tourist attraction for its long scroll on one of India’s richest and strongest empires. A pleasant range of 15-30°C in the month of October, makes Hampi a great place to visit during the fall season!
3. Ganpatipule, Maharashtra
Not too many people have heard about this place which is why it’s a must-visit to get away from all hustle and bustle of your daily lives. Yet another reason is that you will find a divine Ganesha Temple amidst the white sandy beaches of this beautiful beach town. It is a quiet and serene place apt for the beachbums who are looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway!
4. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
This gorgeous place is one of the best offbeat places to visit in India! After a cyclone hit it in 1964, everything was destroyed and washed away and the government declared the region unfit to live.
Also known as the Ghost Town, it is now just a tourist attraction and welcomes explorers on 4 wheelers and 2 wheelers, especially at this time of the year. Fun fact – Dhankushkodi is the endpoint of India which is close to Sri Lanka!
5. Majauli Island, Assam
One of the first islands to be declared a district, Majuli is located on the Brahmaputra in Assam. While it is a small group of islands, it is filled 22 satras (Vishnu monastery where prayers, schooling, and plays are conducted) and offers a lot for tourists to explore. October is the right time to visit this offbeat destination since the monsoon has just come to an end and you will find the island in its best form!
6. Patan, Gujarat
Rani Ka Vav, the latest Indian entrant to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated here, making Patan one of the newest tourist hubs in India. Having been the capital of the state of Gujarat for as many as 650 years in the medieval period, Patan and its people have a very positive approach towards learning and growth. With its temples, Dargahs and Jain temples, Patan is a spiritual city and strongly believes in the power of the almighty.
7. Papikondalu, Andhra Pradesh
Located in the pristine East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Papikondalu is one of the most underrated and well-hidden destinations and is a must-visit for nature lovers. The river curves its way along the Papi Hills, surrounding travellers with clear blue skies above, deep blue waters below, and lush greenery on all sides. If you’re looking to explore underrated and untouched places to visit in India in October this year, then Papi Hills is the place for you!
8. Pattadakal, Karnataka
A world heritage site which was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty, Pattadakal is home to many of the temples built by the Chalukyas between the 6th and 8th centuries. With temples built both in the Dravidian and Nagara styles, this town is known for its architectural diversity. Include the historic town of Pattadakal in your list of places to visit in October in India this year for a dose of history, culture and intricate architecture.
So, who says you need fancy international vacays! There’s so much to explore in India only! Let us know in the comments if you have been to any of these destinations.
