Places to visit in India in September

What better time to take a holiday than in September? The rains have receded from most parts of the country, nature is beautifully bathed and looks absolutely fresh and crisp while the autumn starts to set in and oh yes! you can still avail those off-season discounted rates on hotels and flights. The weather is favorable in most part of the country and what better way to bid adieu to the Indian monsoons than chasing the last few showers of the year? There are many places you can visit in India in September.

We have brought together for you a list of best places to visit in India in September, scroll down and find out yourself.  

1. Alleppey, Kerala - Home to the rustic Kerala backwaters

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Often called the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey is not to be missed. Located in the heart of the backwaters of Kerala, Alleppey has lines of coconut tress adorning the beautiful backwaters. Visit Alleppey in September when the rains have receded in most parts of Kerala making this place looks fresh with various shades of green and blue. One of the most popular accommodation options in Alleppey are the houseboats. These houseboats move along circuits so that you can have the most beautiful and enchanting views of the backwaters. 

Alleppey travel tips:

• Many short trips are available from Alleppey. You can explore places like Varkala, Periyar and Kovalam. 
• Alleppey is known for its good food. Some of the must try delicacies include Malabar Biryani and Toddy, a local alcoholic beverage.

How to reach Alleppey:

• By air: Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 55 kilometres. Taxis ply from Kochi Airport to Alleppey.
• By rail: Alleppey Railway Station has regular trains coming in from Kochi and Trivandrum. 
• By road: State run buses connects Alleppey to other major towns and cities of Kerala. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from Kochi or drive down yourself on National Highway 66

2. Deoriatal – Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand - A walk to experience the splendour of the majestic Himalayas

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

If you are an adventurous person, Deoriatal- Chandrashila trek is a must for you. On a clear day, this lake offers reflections of the mighty Himalayas. The trek is not very difficult and is spread over 4 to 5 days. The journey takes you through beautiful forests, meadows and valleys leading you to the Chandrashila peak. The trek can be a very liberating and an inspiring experience for many as you move around watching many birds, animals and plants in their most natural habitat, ultimately becoming one with the nature. The rains have withdrawn from the region by September and the surroundings look ungroomed yet absolutely fresh. As you embark on this trek, most nights are spent in tents. 

Deoriatal – Chandrashila Trek travel tips:

• The trek requires you to have optimum fitness levels as oxygen is sparse.
• Pack light, but carry light woollen clothes.
• Eat frequently and hydrate regularly.
• Carry a rain poncho.

How to reach:

Usually the trek starts and ends at Haridwar. It is a combination of driving, camping and walking. A few of the examples of the Deoriatal – Chandrashila Treks is as below:

• Haridwar- Sari – Deoriatal- Chopta- Haridwar
• Haridwar- Sari - Deoriatal - Rohini Bugyal – Burjgali- Chopta- Haridwar

Plan your Trip with TripHobo! Its fun, free and the best way to explore the destination of your choice, your way!

3. Darjeeling, West Bengal - A blend of contours of tea plantations and the mighty mountain ranges

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Darjeeling, one of India’s most loved hill station, was once a summer resort for the British Raj elite. Mt. Kanchenjunga overlooks this lovely town and the beautiful tea plantations surround the area. The town of Darjeeling gives you a very antique-y vibe with its many colonial era architecture. One of the most famous places to visit in Darjeeling is the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly called the Toy Train. Other attractions in the region include Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda and The Rock Garden among many others. There are many hotels available in Darjeeling. Some tea estate also offers stay options. 

Darjeeling travel tips:

• Do not miss the toy train. Book your tickets in advance
• Carry light woollen clothes as night time can get colder. 

How to reach Darjeeling:

• By air: The nearest airport is located at Bagdogra. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach Darjeeling from Bagdogra. Taxis are available from airport. 
• By rail: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station at the distance of 88 kilometres. From the New Jalpaiguri station, you can hire a taxi or take the toy train. The toy train takes about 7 hours to reach Darjeeling
• By road: Private and state run buses are available from Kolkata and Siliguri.

4. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand - Blue lakes, green terrace farms and many temples

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Located in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is popular hill station. Ranikhet houses the Kumaon Regiment and the Naga Regiment that is maintained by the Indian Army. The town is located at the height of 1869 meters above sea level and is blanketed by beautiful mountains. A few places that you can visit in and around Nainital include Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Orchards, Upat Kalika and Mankameshwar Temple. You will find many budget hotels in Ranikhet along with a few homestays which have started gaining popularity in recent times. 

Ranikhet travel tips:

Ranikhet is located at a high altitude, hence the night time temperatures can drop. It is advisable that you carry light woollen clothes. 

How to reach Ranikhet:

• By air: The nearest airport is located at Pantnagar. While the nearest international airport is located at New Delhi. Taxis, buses and trains are available from Delhi.
• By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest rail-head. Private taxis and state buses are available to reach Ranikhet from Kathgodam. 
• By road: Regular state run and private buses are available from Delhi. You can also drive down to Ranikhet. The journey through various mountains looks quite breath-taking. 

5. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu - A gateway to the Nilgiris

Image Source: Thangaraj Kumaravel/flickr.com

The town of Coonoor sits comfortably among the Nilgiris at the height of 6,000 feet above sea level. Coonoor is a paradise for wildflower and bird-watchers and the town offers beautiful views of the lush green Nilgiri hills, valleys and waterfalls. Coonor is also known for its aromatic tea plantations. One of the main attractions of Coonoor is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Other attractions include Sim's Park, Lambs Rock, Dolphins Nose, St. Catherine Falls and Law's fall. Bird watching is another favourite activity among the tourists here in Coonoor. Babblers, Larks, Cuckoos, and Robins are some of the birds seen here. There are many hotels and homestays available in Coonoor. 

Coonoor travel tips:

• Carry warm clothes as the night time temperatures may dip to single digit. 
• Visit tea plantations and learn the process of tea-making.

How to reach Coonoor:

• By air: The nearest airport is located at Coimbatore.
• By rail: Coonoor Railway Station is well connected to other towns and cities in Tamil Nadu. 
• By road: Regular state run and private buses are available from places like Ooty and Coimbatore.

6. Lachen, Sikkim - The "big pass"

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Lachen is a scenic mountain village located in the state of Sikkim in India. During the monsoon months, you will see the town is painted with lush green trees and beautiful flowers. Lachen is located in the lap of the mountain ranges and offers stunning views of snow-clad mountains, lakes, and valleys. There are many fairs and festivals celebrated here thought out the year. Trekking trial to the world’s third highest mountain, Mt. Kangchenjunga, starts at Lachen. Some of the attractions here are Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta Valley, and many other Buddhist monasteries. There are a few tourist lodges available at Lachen. 

Lachen travel tips:

• It is advisable to always travel with a guide.
• Do not wander off into unmarked territories as the vegetation in the area is extremely fragile.
• When visiting a monastery, it is customary to leave a small donation. 

How to reach Lachen:

• By air: The nearest Domestic Airport is Bagdogra Airport at a distance of 200 kilometres. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach Lachen. 
• By rail: Darjeeling Railway Station is the nearest railway station. 
• By road: Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation buses run between Lachen and other towns of Sikkim. 

7. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh - Ancient forts, mosques and palaces

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Mandu, or Mandavgad, is an ancient ruined city located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This 6th century city is surrounded with stone walls dotted that feature many darwazas (doors). Apart from the ruins, Mandu has many extravagant lakes and palaces. Mandu has been a strategic military and defence site for many kingdoms in the past. The stone structures look stunning against the lush green vegetation brought by fresh rains of September. Visit Mandu and chance upon visiting many of its palaces, mosques, Jain and Hindu temples. A few of them include Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Mandu Fort (India’s biggest fort) and Hoshang Shah's Tomb. 

Mandu travel tips:

• It is advisable to hire a guide as you move around in the town.

How to reach Mandu:

• By air: The nearest airport is located at Indore at a distance of 100 kilometres. Buses and taxis are available from Indore to reach Mandu.
• By rail: Indore Railway Station is the nearest railway station. 
• By road: Private and state run buses are available from Indore and other cities of Madhya Pradesh.  

Check Out: Heritage Places in Madhya Pradesh

8. Majuli, Assam - A quaint little river island

Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Majuli is located on the river Brahmaputra and is world’s biggest river island. Majuli is perfect for you if you want to disconnect from the world and spend a few days amidst the crystal-clear waters. The rains have receded by September and the whole town is bathed and looks crisp in various shades of greens. Here at Majuli, you will witness many migratory birds. Many festivals and events are celebrated at Majuli’s main village Naghmar since the 16th century and is a centre of Assamese culture. Majuli has many budget homestays available. 

Majuli travel tips:

• Do try Assamese delicacies like Khar, Laksa, and Tenga.

How to reach Majuli:

• By ferry: Regular ferries are available from Jorhat, Assam.  

9. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal - A mangrove reserve with enchanting wildlife

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Sundarbans is a large estuarine forest located in the Indian state of West Bengal and houses the famous Royal Bengal Tigers. Other main wildlife attractions include Wild Boar, Common Grey Mongoose, Fox and Chital. Spread over 1330 square kilometres, the Sundarbans National Park is covered with thick mangrove forests. The park has more than 50 crisscrossing island and various tributaries of River Ganga. Visit Sundarbans in September and be greeted by lush green vegetation and hundreds of species of reptiles, birds and mammals. A few jungle resorts are available around Sundarbans National Park. 

Sundarbans travel tips:

• To move through the park, one need to hire a boat.
• No jeep safaris are allowed in the park.
• It is not advisable to enter the water.
• Entrance Fee: INR 150 

How to reach Sundarbans:

• By air: The nearest airport is located at Kolkata at the distance if 140 kilometres. 
• By rail: Canning Railway Station is the nearest rail-head at 29 kilometres. 
• By road: Sundarbans is accessible by road. A few major cities near Sundarbans are Canning (45 km), Koikhali (83 km) and Godkhali Port (82 km) 

Check Out: Eco tourism Places in India

10. Udaipur, Rajasthan - A melange of lakes and royal palaces

Image Source: Pixabay.com

September is one of the best times to visit the lake city of Udaipur. The reasons? Cooler temperatures, lesser rains and much lesser crowds. Set around the shimmering Lake Pichola, Udaipur is a picturesque city with many palaces, temples, and havelis. You can spend a day absorbing the rich history of the bygone kingdoms and listening to its many stories as you walk around one of the palaces, or just go boating in a lake while marvelling the might Aravalli ranges. Attractions in Udaipur include City Palace, Lake Pichola, The Monsoon Palace, Jag Mandir and many more. Udaipur has many hotel options, from luxury lake resorts to affordable city hotels. 

Udaipur travel tips:

• A few attractions have discounted entry fees for students. Keep your student ID card handy.
• Travel local, make the best use of public transportation while in Udaipur. 

How to reach Udaipur:

• By air: Udaipur Airport is located at a distance of 20 kilometres from city centre. Taxis are available to reach the city.
• By rail: Udaipur is well connected to rest of the country through a vast rail network. 
• By road: Udaipur lies on National Highway 8 that connects Mumbai and Delhi. You can drive to Udaipur or hop on a state run bus to reach Udaipur.

11. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra - Misty mountains, waterfalls and strawberry farms

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A favourite weekend destination from Pune and Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is located at 4500 feet in the Sahayadri ranges of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Come September and the rains have receded in the area. The whole region becomes misty and gives rise to many spontanoues waterfalls. You can go on exploring the region on foot and witness many local flowers and plants. Mahabaleshwar is known for its mountains, waterfalls and strawberries. Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar include Venna lake, Pratapgad, Wilson Point, Arthur Seat point and many more. There are many resorts and affordable hotels available in Mahabaleshwar. 

Mahabaleshwar travel tips:

• Also visit the nearby town of Panchgani
• You can go strawberry picking in the local farms. 

How to reach Mahabaleshwar:

• By air: The nearest airport is located at Pune. Driving distance between Pune and Mahabaleshwar is 120 kilometres. Taxis and buses are available.
• By rail: While Wathar is the nearest railways station located at the distance of 60 kilometres. 
• By road: Mahabaleshwar is well connected by road to Pune, Mumbai and Satara. Taxis, private buses and state run buses regularly move between these towns. 

Check Out: Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar

12. Dooars, West Bengal - Lush green stretches of landscapes right at the foothills of the Himalayas

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Dooars is an alluvial floodplain region that spread over 300 kilometres between the Teesta River in West Bengal and the Dhanshiri River in Assam. A few major cities in the Dooars region include Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, Kokrajhar and Phuentsholing in Bangladesh. The region is blessed with great views of the Eastern Himalayas overlooking the lush forests and rich species of flora & fauna along with many waterbodies. Often called the “Gateway to Bhutan”, this place has many tea estates. Places to visit in Dooars include: Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary, Chapra Wildlife Sanctuary, Sumsing, Suntalekhola and Latpanchore. 

Dooars travel tips:

• Carry light warm clothes.
• Always carry an umbrella and rain ponchos if visiting during monsoons.
• Carry an insect repellent. 

How to reach Dooars:

• By air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport at 83 kilometres.
• By rail: Dhupguri railway station is the nearest railway station located at a distance of 26 kilometres. 

13. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu - A holistic town with many stone carved monuments

Image Source: Senthil Kumar/flickr.com

Want to head out to some place that offers you fantastic beach experience along with a dash of rich history and culture? Mahabalipuram is the place for you. This little town off the coast of the mighty Bay of Bengal is a treasure trove of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit Mahabalipuram in September and be enchanted by the beauty of the rain-washed historical sites. Places to see in Mahabalipuram include Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Cave Temples, Mahabalipuram Beach and many more. A few basic tourist lodges are available in Mahabalipuram. 

Mahabalipuram travel tips:

• It is advisable to hire a guide while visiting the World Heritage Sites.
• The entry ticket to the Shore Temple costs Rs. 500 for foreigners and Rs.30 for Indian citizens. This ticket also covers the entry to Pancha Rathas.

How to reach Mahabalipuram:

• By air: The nearest international airport is located at Chennai. Private taxis are available from Chennai airport. 
• By rail: Chengalpattu Junction is the nearest railway station. Chengalpattu is well connected to other major towns and cities in India. Local trains also run between Chengalpattu and Chennai. You can take a state transport bus from Chengalpattu to reach Mahabalipuram. 
• By road: Mahabalipuram is connected to Chennai by the East Coast Road. It takes hour and a half to reach Mahabalipuram.

14. Pune, Maharashtra - Celebrate Ganpati Bappa with much pomp and euphoria

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Pune celebrates one of its most dear festivals during the month of September and what better time to visit Pune than during the Ganpati festival. The preparations begin much in advance and this ten-day festival is celebrated with grandeur. City streets are lined with Ganpati pandals and showcase different lights, decorations and theme in various colours. The city dances to Ganpati songs for 10 days and exchange greetings and sweets. The Ganesh Visarjan is quite an event in itself when people come down on the streets to bid farewell to their favourite God. Visit Pune in September and immerse yourself in a ten-day long celebration. Many hotel options are available in Pune. 

Pune travel tips:

• Keep your belongings in the hotel locker while visiting pandals.
• The best time to go pandal-hopping is at night between 08:00 PM and midnight.
• Carry light snacks and a bottle of water as most eateries are closed during night time.

How to reach Pune:

• By air: Pune has an international airport and is well-connected to other cities in India. 
• By rail: Pune Railway Station is connected to various towns and cities across Maharashtra and India.
• By road: Pune has an excellent road connectivity and is connected to various town by National and State Highways. 

15. Aranmula, Kerala - Legends, celebrations and a river boat fiesta 

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Aranmula is famous for the traditional snake boat ride that takes place over the Pamba River here every year during the Onam festival. These snake boats are called Palliyodams that each have 4 helmsmen and many rowers and singers. The boats are decorated with golden lace, flowers, flags and ornaments. The whole atmosphere during the snake boast rides is very electric as crowds gather along the banks of rivers and cheer the rowers. The tradition has evolved as an offering to Lord Parthasarathy in the form of a snake boat race. You will find a few tourist lodges and homestays in Aranmula. 

Aranmula travel tips:

• Take care of your belongings as the place gets very crowded during the race. 

How to reach Aranmula:

• By air: Nearest airport is located at Kochi at a distance of 110 kilometres.
• By rail: The nearest railhead is located at Chengannur. You can hire a taxi from Chengannur Railway Station to reach Aranmula.
• By road: State run buses ply between Aranmula and other major towns and cities of Kerala. 

Feeling inspired to travel to those gorgeous places? Head out and embark on an unforgettable off season destinations!