India in October

The autumn or post-monsoon season lasts from October to November in India and is largely dry except for pockets of the east.

In the Northwestern India region, virtually cloudless conditions prevail in October and November. In India’s second city Mumbai, capital of Maharashtra, the autumn temperature ranges between 20-34 °C, with hardly any rain. It’s a wonderful time to visit the northwestern state of Rajasthan, whether the jewel-shops of Jaipur, the fairytale castles of Udaipur or the holy lakes of Pushkar. Temperatures averaging 15 to 32 °C (59-90 °F) in this desert region in autumn. Pushkar camel fair occurs late October to early November and is one of the largest camel, horse and cattle fairs in the world, though you are not obliged to buy!

The South is relatively dry over this period with the exception of some of the eastern coastal states such as Tamil Nadu, which despite its location on the country’s south eastern tip still feels the autumnal northeast monsoon. Temperatures in the state average 24-32 °C (75-90 °F) with rainfall of around 300 mm per day. Compare this with Goa on the Malabar Coast in the west, which has similar temperatures but 120 mm of rain in October and only 30 mm by November, the vast majority of days dry. One of the most spectacular and unusual attractions at this time is the 10-day Dasara festival held in the city of Mysore in Karnataka state, typically held early October, though it varies slightly. A Hindu festival of huge pomp and ceremony, it celebrates the goddess Chamundeshwari slaying the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Mysore Palace is lit up each day with nearly 100,000 light bulbs, and processions of elephants amble through the streets carrying Hindu icons.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic India

Explore India’s age-old culture and witness its beauty across its most popular destinations on this 14-day journey. Travel through New Delhi’s bustling Chandni Chowk market, to the steps of the iconic Taj Mahal, into the bushland home of royal tigers, and the banks of the sacred Ganges river, all while staying at some of the country’s most luxurious hotels.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $17,500
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A Journey Through Bengal: Bangladesh and India

Explore the sights and attractions of India’s exciting Bengal region, on a 12-day luxury journey from Bangladesh’s bustling Dhaka, through the lush Sundarbans mangrove forest, onwards to Calcutta for lunch at the Polo Club, and ending Darjeeling for a tour and stay at Glenburn Tea Estate.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,000
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A Naturalist’s Trip Through the National Parks of Madhya Pradesh

The trip takes intrepid travelers through India's expansive central state of Madhya Pradesh. Over the course of 11 days, you will have the opportunity to explore three of the state’s major parks. Along the way, visit some of Madhya Pradesh's historical palaces and temples.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,600
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Archaeological Excursion Through Madhya Pradesh

This 10-day quest through the central state of Madhya Pradesh, India, will take you to numerous off the beaten path archaeological and UNESCO world heritage sites to discover the vibrant cultural traditions of Indian’s expansive inland state.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,000
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Celebrating Dev Deepawali and Other Gems of Madhya Pradesh

The exciting 12-day agenda includes numerous stops at historic, lesser-known gems away from the standard tourist-heavy beat with a final stop at Varanasi. Though travelers may opt for this itinerary at any time of year, we highly recommend timing this trip in late October to early November to coincide with Dev Deepawali – an annual celebration that occurs in Varanasi and translates to “Festival of Lights of the Gods” in Hindi.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,100
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Central India Cultural Highlights

Take a journey through Central India, passing through Mumbai, Hampi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad on this 11-day luxury journey. You’ll sleep in some of India’s most luxurious hotels, including the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, spend time in Bollywood, visit the ancient ruins of Golkonda, and rock climb in Hampi.

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,900
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Highlights of Madhya Pradesh

Especially suited to those who have already been to India and experienced the typical Rajasthan route, this trip takes travelers on a dynamic introductory journey through the heart of the country. The 10-day itinerary includes visits to numerous highlights of the lesser-visited central Indian state, many of which hold special cultural and historical significance.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,600
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Indian Safari Adventure

Escape into the wilds of India’s safaris on an exciting 13-day adventure through Panna, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha National Parks, where you’ll search for the mighty, elusive Bengal Tiger. You’ll explore ancient forts, hike to majestic viewpoints, and interact with exotic animals while staying in luxury hotels.

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,500
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Intimate India and Beautiful Bhutan: Overland from New Delhi to Bumthang

Spend 22 days traveling from India to Bhutan on this luxurious adventure of a lifetime. Shop in New Delhi’s world-famous Chandni Chowk market, dine at the Calcutta Polo Club, and marvel at the ancient Tibetan Buddhist Ghoom Monastery, while staying in luxury hotels like Amankora and Oberoi.

Duration
22 days / 21 nights
Price Per Person
From $20,600
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New Delhi & the Himalayan Foothills

Make your way from New Delhi to the foothills of the majestic Himalayas on this exciting 10-day luxury tour, taking you to Shimla where you’ll check out interesting architecture and stay at the beautiful Wildflower Hall, and on to Rishikesh for its great outdoors and holistic experiences.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,000
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Recommended Festivals For India in October

Diwali

Diwali

October/November

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important Hindu festival that takes place over five days each fall, all throughout India. The element of light in this festival represents good overcoming evil. The main festival night consists of prayers, fireworks, feasts and the exchange of gifts.

Location Countrywide, India

Pushkar Camel Fair

Pushkar Camel Fair

October-November

An astonishing 50,000 camels converge on the tiny desert town of Pushkar, in India's state of Rajasthan for the Pushkar Camel Fair. For five days, the camels are dressed up, paraded, shaved, entered into beauty contests, raced and traded. It's a great opportunity to witness a true traditional Indian festival.

Location Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

Dushhera Festival

Dushhera Festival

September / October

Also known as Mysore Dasara, this elaborate 10-day state festival takes place in southwest India’s Karnataka. The last day, Vijayadashami, is the festival’s most auspicious, said to denote victory of good over evil. The festival has a long history, having celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2010.

Location Mysore, India

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