Best Places To Visit In November In India

November is the penultimate month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and also the beginnings of proper winter in most of India. While for many European countries November means the end of Autumn, India really doesn’t experience one to have it end. This is also the month of many festivals in the country, with Diwali falling in the beginning of November sometimes (depending on the Hindu calendar). Travel wise, the weather and celebrations around the country make November ideal, especially in places that host special festivals; like the renowned Camel Fair in Pushkar, Ganga Festival in Varanasi, Qutub Festival in Delhi and the Rann Utsav in Kutch. These make for some of the best places to visit in November in India and also become quite filled with colours, love and revelry as you step into their culture, to be a part of their joy. Listed is a host of destinations below, sure to give you a few November holiday dreams of your own!

Varanasi

Varanasi, anciently known as Benaras, is the City of Lights, a mesmerising holy town situated on the banks of the Ganges. The city dates back to 11th century BC, and is known as the city of Lord Shiva, where his Rudra avatar performed penance once upon a time. Today, of course, it is the city pilgrims visit in order to liberate themselves from their sins, find peace, attain a higher spiritual level, or just absorb the mood of a place that is stuck in the wheel of time. In the month of November, Varanasi is nicely warm, with average temperature of 31°C. The Ganga Festival is celebrated during this month and takes the city in a high crescendo of musical and cultural grip.

Things to Do:

Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, that dates back 3500 years. There is also the Tulsi Manas Temple and the Alamgir Mosque for a circuit of main shrines of the city. But the most coveted are the ghats of Varanasi. Head to Dasaswamedh Ghat, which is also an important landmark and is filled with sanyasis, yogis and sadhus (celibates, yogis and hermits). Earthen lamps are lit in the flow of Ganga here by thousands of devotees everyday at dawn and dusk, during Ganga aartis. Other important ghats here are Assi Ghat (the ghat of Lord Shiva) and Manikarnika Ghat (the ghat where dead bodies are cremated so that they attain moksh). The Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated with pomp on these ghats, spanning five long days and bringing together the lovers of Indian traditional culture. Eminent artists like Ustad Bismillah Khan and Zakir Hussain have partaken in this festival. You can enjoy everything from wrestleng, boating, amazing food to kite flying on the ghats at this time. 

How to Reach:

The nearest airport to this city is the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi. It is 54 km away from the city centre and welcomes flights from major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai etc. You can also take a train to Varanasi Junction from almost any major city of North India, including Delhi, Lucknow, Indore, Haridwar etc. You can also avail the Uttar Pradesh state run buses to travel to Varanasi or hire a private cab from anywhere nearby like Lucknow (334 km).

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. Today it is a village in Bihar and also makes for a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the Buddhist pilgrims that consider this the most sacred of places, there is also a throng of tourists here. In the month of November, Bodh Gaya is relatively cool, with a temperature range of 15-29°C and only 1 rainy day. While this is the best weather you will find to visit this town, it is also a season of scanty tourism here because the country is in thrall of Diwali festival and people are busy celebrating it elsewhere. 

Things to Do:

This is an out and out spiritual trip, for the most part at least. Your first stop should be at Mahabodhi Temple Complex, considered the most holy, most sanctified spot in the town. Here rests the Bodhi tree, a direct descendent of that tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. You will be at peace in the calm, cool air of this place, carrying faint hums of monks reciting holy scriptures. Some other coveted attractions include the Royal Bhutan Monastery, Vishnupad Temple (because Buddha is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, even though he went against Ved and Puran to establish a new way of life), Thai Monastery, Root Institute for Wisdom Culture and the famous Chinese Temple. You have many options for self-discovery here, from meditation to yoga to temple-hopping and mantra chanting. 

How to Reach: 

Bodhgaya houses an airport of its own - Gaya Airport, situated about 10 km from the city centre. Flights from Bhopal, Patna, Delhi, Nagpur and Varanasi ply regularly, with Air India, Jet and Indigo being some major carriers. Gaya Junction is the nearest railway station (16 km away). Trains from Indore, Bhopal, Delhi, Howrah etc make way from here. You can also take your own car or a taxi, or avail the MP state run buses to reach Bodhgaya.

Old Goa

Old Goa is that part of Goa, which is rich with Portuguese style old houses, cute stone-made churches and ancient convents. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today and rightly so. This little part of Goa becomes coveted for November because it hosts the great Feast of St. Francis Xavier (the patron Saint of Goa) at this time of the year. 29°C being the average temperature for the month, the weather is also quite bearable at this time. 

Things to Do:

Goa has been synonymous with beaches and shacks, beers and babes. But this part of Goa holds its own idyllic charm. For one, do make it a point to visit the many churches here, from Basilica of Bom Jesus, to Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, to Se Cathedral. Some famous beaches in this area include Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach and Calangute Beach. You can run wild for shopping to Panaji market or go sightseeing at Aguada Fort. The best thing though, is to just pull on a hat and stroll around the old town. Also worth waiting for is the Feast of St. Francis Xavier in November end, when a silver chest of the Saint’s mortal remains is kept out for veneration by the devotees that come here from all over the world. Don’t miss this festival. You can, of course, also do the usual Goa-essentials like renting a bike to zoom around, chill by the shacks, gorge on sea food and party all night. 

How to Reach: 

Goa to Dabolim Airport is 45 km and makes for one scenic drive. The Dabolim Airport is also an international airport and receives flights from almost all metros of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore etc, as well as some from Gulf countries like Doha and Muscat and seasonally from London and Birmingham. The union territory boasts of two railway stations, namely Madgaon and Thivim. You can also use buses and taxis to travel to Goa. Many tourists also prefer to take a road trip to Goa by driving down from Mumbai.

Kutch

Kutch is a district in west Gujarat, the largest in India. It is renowned for its white desert, historical marvels, a rugged, almost tribal way of life and language and culture that is very different from proper Gujarat. In November, Kutch sees the beginnings of the faintest winters and the temperatures start to cool. 12-25°C is the range at this time of the month and makes for the perfect setting to start the great Rann Utsav (desert festival) that this region is known for. If for nothing else, go to Kutch for this Rann Utsav.

Things to Do:

Kutch is a beauty of barrenness. The words may sound paradoxical, but the beholder of this land will know how beauty oozes from ruggedness. Visit places like Bhuj, Rann of Kutch (the white desert), Mandvi and Gandhidham. Some other coveted destinations include the Wild Ass sanctuary, Shri Swaminarayan temple, Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal. You can also book a stay in one of the traditional Kutchi houses made from mud. But the best thing to do here in November is attend the festival of Rann, soaking in the ‘khushbu of Gujarat.’ From camel rides to star gazing, rifle-shooting to meditation, music to food, you will be in a cultural thrall through your time at the Rann festival. This festival lasts from November to February, but we advise November to visit because it is not very cold in the desert yet. 

You are also advised to visit the festival at night to see the moon shine big and bright over the white desert, a sight you are not likely to forget in this lifetime.

How to reach: 

Bhuj is the nearest airport to Kutch, located 70 km away. You can reach here from major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, with Jet Airways and Alliance Air operations regular flights. Bhuj Railway Station is also 70 km away from Kutch and makes for your stop when travelling by train from anywhere in Gujarat, Maharashtra or MP. There are private cabs or taxis available for hire, as well as local buses.

Pushkar

Pushkar is a beautiful old Rajasthani town, known for its temple of Lord Brahma, bordering the Thar Desert. It is located by Puskhar lake and is the most coveted tourist destination for Indians as well as foreigners during the Pushkar Camel Fair in the month of November. With highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C, Pushkar is pleasant cool and dry in November. This makes your time here very well enjoyed. 

Things to Do:

Visit the famous Brahma Temple when in Pushkar. It is believed to be the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma (the Hindu deity of creation) in this world. You must also explore the Pushkar lake, and the many ghats on its bank, populous with sadhus, saints, hermits and wanderers. Other famous temples here include the Varaha Temple (dedicated to the Vishnu avatar of Varaha) and Sri Raghunatha Swamy Temple. The Pushkar Camel Fair is the most coveted during November, when camel herders come from far and wide to trade camels, goods and other wares, camp together and a mood of celebration and revelry engulfs all of Pushkar. In addition to the livestock fair, it is also fertile ground for competitions like the longest moustache, best bride, break-the-pot etc. You can also shop for ethnic Rajasthani jewellery, clothes, shoes and home decor from here.

How to reach:

The airport nearest to Pushkar is Jaipur International Airport (140 km away). Flights from Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi etc land here and you can take a taxi or a private car to Pushkar. The nearest railway station to Pushkar is Ajmer Junction (15 km away). RSRTC (Rajasthan state run) buses are also a good, cheap option to reach Pushkar

Amritsar

Amritsar is known as the home of the Golden Temple, a city that sits proudly bearing the valour of Sikhs in Punjab. Amritsar is also the border city, from where the Wagah Border opens into Pakistan. November marks a great celebration in Punjab, and especially in Amritsar, on the sacred occasion of Guru Nanak Gurpurab or the birth anniversary of the Sikh founder Guru Nanak. This is a festival you must celebrate in Golden Temple and revel in the pomp where religion, culture and life intermingle. 

Things to Do: 

When in Amritsar, visit the Golden Temple. Also known as Harmandir Sahib, this temple is the stronghold of Sikh valour and symbol of their heritage. Other important places to visit in Amritsar are Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Jallianwala Bagh, Akal Takht, Chand Baori, ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda Temple and Khair Ud-Din Masjid. Wagah Border and its opening and closing day parade is also a great experience as the soldiers from both India and Pakistan perform an elaborate salute at dawn and dusk. In November though, you have to plan your visit to coincide with the occasion of Guru Nanak Gurpurab, when the Golden Temple lights up like a bride and is alive with echoes of kirtan, gurbanis and recitals. The lights, flowers and euphoria grips the temple early at 4 am and the revelry spreads all day long. Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book) is read, langar (food) is distributed among people and a grand procession is led. What better way to explore a culture than through its celebrations? 

How to reach:

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport of Amritsar is only 10 km away from the city centre. Flights from all over India and also abroad land here. You can also take the train to Amritsar Junction from almost anywhere in Punjab, Haryana, and even the express ones from Delhi. PUNBUS, Punjab’s state run buses are also a cheap alternative, or you can hire a cab.

Karnataka

Karnataka is a state of old charms and IT hubs, ancient palaces and quaint hill stations in southwest India. It boasts of Bangalore, the IT hub of the country, as well as ruins of Hampi that date back tens of centuries, the quiet hill station of Coorg and opulence of Mysore city. In November, the average temperature is 28°C, while light rainfall persists due to the North East Monsoon winds. But what sets this time apart to visit Karnataka is the Vijaya festival in Hampi and the Puthari festival in Coorg.

Things to Do:

Karnataka is a playground of all types of tourists, from nature enthusiasts to history buffs. Head to Mysore to peruse through the famous Mysore Palace, there is Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Jog Falls, Abbey Falls, Irupu Falls, Vrindavan Garden and Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary too. Hampi is a land of temples and ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that used to be the capital of the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagar. In November, Hampi celebrates the Hampi Festival or Vijaya Festival, a three-day celebration that showcases the traditional South Indian culture through dance, music, processions, puppet shows, stories and lots of fireworks. While Coorg, a brilliant hill station in Karnataka celebrates the harvest festival of Puthari, that adds to the quaint charm of the small town. You must make sure to take time out for these festivals and enjoy a unique set of cultures once in a lifetime. 

How to Reach:

Bangalore is one of the biggest airports in Karnataka and is the easiest to catch frequent flights to; from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad etc. There onwards, you can take the state run buses, hire a cab or van or take the train to your city of choice. To reach Hampi easily, you can fly to Hubli Airport (167 km away) or take a train to Hospet Junction (13 km away). If you are keen on visiting Coorg for Puthari, then you can travel by car from Bangalore airport (260 km) or Mysore railway station (120 km).

Delhi

Delhi, ancient name ‘Dilli,’ is the capital city of India. Known for its string of monuments from different centuries, lanes that sell Mughlai and Punjabi food, as well as roads that lead to homes of some of the mightiest leaders of India, this city is really a mix of vibrations. The city is landlocked, with an extreme continental climate that freezes it in winter and puts it on the furnace in summer. November is a month when the summer and monsoon have receded, slowly pushing Delhi towards winter, with an average temperature of 20°C. This is also the time of the three-day annual Qutub Festival.

Things to Do: 

Visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk (for food, of course), Sarojini Nagar (for street style shopping), Humayun’s Tomb and Akshardham Temple. The India Gate, suffused with Amar Jawan Jyoti is a goosebump giving experience, especially at dusk when the sun is setting behind its structure and the tricolour is fluttering with pride. The Lotus Temple and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara are also worth visiting. Do also spend an evening enjoying qawwalis at Nizamuddin Dargah. And finally, November is famous in Delhi for the Qutub Festival, celebrated by Delhi Tourism and Government of Delhi to commemorate Qutub Minar. The tall structure and its beauty is paid ode to by a string of classical music and Sufi performances, as well as recitals by renowned artists. One must be present in the premises to absorb every experience, a real feast for the senses. 

How to reach:

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest airport in India, welcoming flights from all over the country as well as the world. You can fly in here from any of the major metros or small cities from North, West, East or South India. For those looking out for trains, Delhi has quite a few railway stations in different areas, receiving trains from different parts of India. There is Old Delhi Railway Station, Sarai Rohilla, Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station to name a few. You can also use state run local buses, private buses or hire cabs. In Delhi, you will have the underground metro, city buses, CNG-run green auto rickshaws and taxis, as well as Ola/Uber apps to commute.

Alleppey

Alleppey is also known as Alappuzha and is a stunning city by the Laccadive Sea in Kerala. Alleppey is renowned for its idyllic backwaters, lagoons and houseboats that never fail to give you a relaxing holiday. November is the beginning of winter in Alleppey with average temperature between 17-32°C. Honeymooners, beach babies, houseboat vacationers and backwater explorers prefer to throng Alleppey during this time. 

Things to Do:

Beaches come to mind when we say by the sea, and that is exactly what a relaxed day in Allepey is made up of. Visit the Alappuzha Beach, which is also home to the 19th century Lighthouse, looking like a page out of Tin Tin comics. Other tourist spots here are temples like Mullakkal Temple, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple and Sree Subramanya Swami Temple. You can also visit Kathakali, the Revi Karunakaran Museum, International Coir Museum, St Mary’s Church and Latin Catholic Church. For that 'backwaters relaxation' we mentioned earlier, head to Alleppey Backwaters and book a houseboat for the day or a few days. This never gets old here. Also, do make sure to take one of the many Ayruvedic massages that Kerala is known for.

How to Reach:

The airport closest to Alleppey is at Cochin, located 78 km away. Flights from major Indian metros as well as many South Indian cities land here. While the Alappuzha Railway Station is just 4 km away from the city centre and becomes a hub for trains coming into this part of Kerala. You can also choose to opt for the state run buses or hire a private cab. Since Kerala is blessed with abundant waters and well-developed waterways, you can also take ferries or boats.

Jaisalmer

The golden city of India, the land of ‘two and a half’ jauhars, Jaisalmer is a rich study in Indian history, Rajput courage and the might left by man in the form of forts. In November, the city is thrust into a pleasant winter as the Thar desert starts to cool and a revelry prevails in the air. This time is ideal for desert safaris, sightseeing and strolling around the city as temperature doesn't climb over 24°C.

Things to Do:

This city is arid and dry, but cool during November, hence making for some amazing days and evenings for touring. Visit the imposing Jaisalmer Fort, one of the fewest living forts of the world as it still houses one-fourth of Jaisalmer’s population. Other important attractions are Patwon Ki Haveli, Bada Bagh, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Khuri Dunes, Khaba Fort, Surya Gate, Gadisar Lake and of course, the deserts of Thar. You are welcome to take long camel safaris, camp in the desert under the stars and go boating in Lake Gadisar. You can also go parasailing above the havelis, forts and deserts of Jaisalmer and also experience Quad-biking. To feel a sense of awe, you must also visit the Indo-Pak border here, with prior permission from the Indian Military.

How to reach:

Jodhpur Airport, located 300 km, is the nearest airport to Jaisalmer. But one fo the best ways to reach Jaisalmer is trains, as an extensive network connects many rail routes to the Jaisalmer Railway Station. There are direct trains from New Delhi to Jaisalmer on a weekly basis while Mumbai, Jodhpur and Jaipur also ply regular trains. For roadways, you can choose the cheaper option of RSRTC state run buses or hire a cab by spending a little more to reach here from nearby cities/towns.

Neil Island

Neil Island is a stunning little island about 30 km south of Andaman. It is an island known for its quiet, idyllic beaches, slow village life and a relaxation that is right out of dreams. With its rolls of palm trees, glittering sandy beaches, coral reefs and pristine water, Neil Island becomes a coveted tourist destination from November to March, when the rains recede and winters set in. Temperatures range from 14°C-30°C and make outdoor activities extra enjoyable.

Things to Do:

Visit the many beaches on Neil Island, named after the mythological characters of Ramayana - the Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach (known for its sunrise), Laxmanpur Beach (known for its sunsets) and Ramnagar Beach (known for its water sports and relaxation). You can technically walk around the whole island in just two hours, that is how small it is. You can also hire a bicycle and cycle around the rolling meadows of salad and vegetables. Howrah Bridge formation is another major sight to see, as is the Neil Kendra or the central market, where you will get everything from daily groceries to souvenirs, SIM card refills to cafes for lunch. One unique trait of this island is that you need to place your meal order at least 2 hours before your meal time so that the chef will step out to the market, buy fresh produce, come back and prepare your dish. That’s how life flows here and that's what you will love the most about this place.

How to Reach:

The Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) is only 36 km away from Neil Island. You can take a taxi to Phoenix Jetty and then take a ferry down to Neil Island. It is a half an hour journey and filled with stunning sceneries. You can also use planes/ helicopters to cross from Port Blair to Neil Island. To get by locally, there are cycles on rent, auto rickshaws and AC taxis. The best way is to just walk. To go island-hopping, you will have to take the ferry.