Best Places To Travel In November In India
When you’re planning to visit the Eastern side of India, then don’t forget to add these places in your itinerary. Each place listed below will make your travel experience memorable.
1. Sundarbans, West Bengal
The pride of Bengal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans comes somewhere at the top of every avid traveler’s bucket list. This dense mangrove forest is one of the largest reserves of Bengal Tigers and one of the best national parks in India. Jungle cat, fox, wild boar and spotted deer are among other animals which inhabit Sundarbans, which literally means beautiful forests. It is one of the best wildlife places to visit in November in India.
Things To Do: Go tiger spotting, Enjoy boat Ride, Olive Ridely turtle in kanak island, Holy dip in Gangasagar and Birds in Sajnekhali Bird Snactuary
Tips: Before making a visit, check the best time when all the animals and birds can be seen in the sanctuary.
How to reach:
Nearest airport from Sunderbans: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (112 km)
Nearest railway station from Sundarbans: Canning Railway Station (64 km)
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
One of the oldest, most sacred Hindu cities in the world, Banaras or Varanasi celebrates Ganga Mahotsav during the month of November every year. The festival spans for five days on the banks of Ganges and also acts as a treasure trove for the lovers of Indian culture and craftsmanship. This is where you can make the most of your holidays in November.
As per the legends, gods descend to earth and bathe in the Ganges during the festive time. This occurrence is celebrated with cultural performances by popular artists. In the past, eminent artistes like Zakir Hussain and Ustad Bismillah Khan have been the star attractions of the celebration.
Ganga Mahotsav also happens to be a perfect place to enjoy boating, wrestling, kite flying and more. Don’t forget to titillate your taste buds with delicious local cuisine.
Major Tourist Attractions: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum
Things To Do: Attend Ganga aarti, Take spiritual tour, Bathe in the Ganges, Take morning boat ride and knick and knacks in the local market
Tips: Check once about the festivals that are celebrated in Varanasi during your visit.
How to reach:
Nearest airport from Varanasi: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (In Varanasi)
Nearest railway station from Varanasi: Varanasi Junction (aka Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station)
3. Bodh Gaya, Bihar
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Buddhist pilgrimage spot, Bodhgaya is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. If you are in search of peace that touches your inner self, then there couldn’t be a better place for you than this.
Monks from different parts of the world wearing red attires hum holy scriptures here. The most sanctified spot of the town, Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a treat to the eyes and soul. The months from November to March are considered as the best time to visit Bodhgaya. The temperature stays moderate and Tibetan pilgrims from Dharamshala also make a visit during this time.
If that sounds like a spiritual retreat, you need not wonder where to go in November anymore.
Major Tourist Attractions: Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodhi Tree, Royal Bhutan Monastery, Thai Monastery, Chinese Temple, Vishnupad Temple and Root Institute for Wisdom Culture
Things To Do: Meditation, Temple hopping and shopping
How to reach:
Nearest airport from Bodhgaya: Gaya Airport (In Bodhgaya)
Nearest railway station from Bodhgaya: Gaya Junction (In Bodhgaya)
4. Old Goa, Goa
Known for the hippest beaches in India, this little Indian state also happens to cast a spell with its old-Portuguese style churches and convents in Old Goa. This part of Goa is regarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a well-deserved title.
Feast of St.Francis Xavier (patron saint of Goa) is held every year during the months of November and December (3rd December being the main day). The silver chest containing the mortals of the saint is kept for veneration. Over 2 lakh devotees from across the world visit Goa to be a part of this festival.
And if you’re wondering where you’ll be staying? We’ve got things sorted for you by listing 15 budget hotels in Goa perfect for all kinds of travelers.
Major Tourist Attractions: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Se Cathedral, Goa State Museum, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Aguada Fort and Panaji Market
Things To Do: Goa on rented bike, Go for water sports, Go on heritage walk, Shop till you drop, Relax in a shack, Enjoy Goa nightlife, Take spice plantation tour and Dolphins on your Goa tour
Tips:Stay at a homestay or a hostel to get a true glimpse of the culture of the old city.
How to reach:
Nearest airport from Goa: Dabolim Airport (in Goa)
Nearest railway station from Goa: Madgaon and Thivim (in Goa)
5. Ganpatipule, Maharashtra
As soon as monsoon gets going from the exit door, Ganpatipule evolves into that paradisiacal tropical getaway and that’s why we have it on the list of places to visit in November in India. Nestled in the beloved Konkan region of Maharashtra, Ganpatipule is praised for its gold-sand beaches, spiritual legends and culture.
Hindu folklore says Lord Ganpati moved to this place from his erstwhile adobe, Gule. Pilgrims come from different regions to seek blessings from 400-year-old Ganpati idol placed at the foot of a hillock.
Major Tourist Attractions: Ganpatipule Temple and Ganpatipule Beach
Things To Do: watersports activities, kirtan in Ganpatipule Temple and Shop in local markets
Tips:Carry scarf, hat and sunglasses while visiting the beaches.
How to reach:
Nearest airport from Ganpatipule: Ratnagiri airport (28 km)
Nearest railway station from Ganpatipule: Ratnagiri Railway Station (30 km)
6. Pushkar, Rajasthan
One of the most popular festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar Camel Fair allures travelers from around the world, thanks to its colorful and enthusiastic vibes. Other than being main livestock fair, Pushkar Camel Fair entertains the visitors with various quirky competitions such as the longest mustache, camel decoration, cricket, and more.
This five-day annual fair (dates for 2016- 8th Nov to 14th Nov) takes place on the banks of Pushkar Lake. Along with trading of livestock, this fair is a cultural affair where you may imbibe the Rajasthani vibes and shop for some vibrant attires, jewellery, and handloom.
To solve your accommodation dilemma, we have chalked down 15 royal resorts in Pushkar, perfect for a memorable stay.
Major Tourist Attractions: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Varaha Temple and Sri Raghunatha Swamy Temple (Get detailed list here)
Things To Do: Camel safari, Hot air ballooning and Shopping
Tips:Check the best things to buy to take back as souvenirs.
How to reach:
Nearest airport from Pushkar: Sanganer Airport (150 km)
Nearest railway station from Pushkar: Ajmer Junction (15 km)
(Note: Don’t forget to add Mount Abu, a beautiful hill station, in your Pushkar tour package.)
7. Udaipur, Rajasthan
The City of Lakes, The Venice of the East and many such beautiful names have been given to Udaipur, one of the most romantic places to visit in November in India. November happens to be the best time to visit Udaipur owing to pleasant weather, allowing the travelers to explore this city at ease.
Besides five glimmering lakes, Udaipur’s colorful cobbled streets, opulent palaces, and temples make many people skip a heartbeat, which makes it among best honeymoon destinations in India in November.
Tips: Don’t forget to carry a camera to capture the beautiful moments.
Major Tourist Attractions: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon ki Baori and Gulab Bagh and Zoo
Things To Do: Boating, Shopping, Stay in Taj Lake Palace, Go temple hopping and sightseeing and Enjoy at the Vintage Car Museum
Tips:Try to interact with locals to blend in with the true culture of the city during your visit.
How to reach:
Nearest airport from Udaipur: Maharana Pratap international Airport (In Udaipur)
Nearest railway station from Udaipur: Udaipur City Station (In Udaipur)
8. Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar, flaunting the stunning Golden Temple, is flocked with pilgrims all around the year, regardless of their religion. The Golden Temple, as the name suggests, has its upper floors covered in gold and is an important Sikh shrine.
On the occasion of Guru Nanak Gurpurab in November the Golden Temple and its precincts are decorated with lights and flowers. The whole city gets decked up and the celebration starts at 4 am. Kirtans & Gurbanis are recited, devotees are provided langar (food) by volunteers, Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book) is read, and a procession takes place. This festival is celebrated across the world, but surely the most magical and soul-stirring celebration happens right in Amritsar, which is why it makes to this list of best place to visit in November in India!
Major Tourist Attractions: The Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Akal Takht and Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Things To Do: Shop for colorful juttis and suits in local market and Amritsari Naan at the dhabas
Tips:Read about the dos and donts while visiting the holy places.
How to reach:
Nearest airport from Amritsar: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (In Amritsar)
