Marking the onset of winter, November is one of the best times to travel in India, perfect for exploring the country’s diverse beauty, from serene beaches and arid deserts to chilly hill stations and dense mangroves. If you are contemplating the best places to visit in India this November, our list is all you need!
Explore more with our selection of the best winter travel destinations according to your zodiac.
Best places in India to add to your travel bucket list for November
Garo Hills, Meghalaya
This region in Meghalaya is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in India, the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. A comparatively offbeat destination in Northeast India, the Garo Hills are known for their unspoilt beauty and various spectacular natural attractions. Due to the vibrant Wangala Festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival of Meghalaya, the Garo Hills is one of the must-visit places in India this November.
Celebrated by the Garo tribe to honour Saljong, the Sun God of fertility, this musical festival marks the end of autumn’s hard work and the beginning of relaxation before winter sets in. As Garo Hills is huge, it is divided into several sub-districts; hence, preparing a clear itinerary according to your preferences is advised.
Also, check out our copy on the best tourist places in Meghalaya.
Key attractions: Siju Caves, Tura Peak, Rongbangdare Waterfalls, Balpakram National Park, Pelga Falls, Nokrek National Park and Wari Chora
Average temperature in November: Minimum 10°C/ Maximum 20°C
Where to stay: Shamiyana Homestay Tura and Hotel Polo Orchid Tura
Where to eat: Selsella Orchid, Foodie’s World, and Meals N Memories
How to reach
By air: Guwahati Airport is approximately 200 km away
By train: Guwahati Railway Station is approximately 215 km away
By road: Garo Hills is approximately 304 km from Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital
Book your stay at Shamiyana Homestay Tura on Booking.com
Book your stay at Shamiyana Homestay Tura on Agoda
Gaya, Bihar
For multiple reasons, November is the best time to visit various places in Bihar. That includes festivals like Chhath and Sonepur Mela (one of Asia’s largest cattle fairs) in Sonpur. Also, as November promises pleasant weather across Bihar, it is one of the best times to explore Gaya, approximately 125 km from Sonepur.
Part of the ancient Magadha empire, Gaya is known for its rich history and Buddhist connection. From beautiful Hindu temples to peaceful Buddhist sites, especially the Bodhi Tree, Gaya is ideal for a November vacation for travellers seeking spirituality.
Key attractions: Panchpur, Vishnupad Temple, Bodhgaya (Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree and other iconic spots), Ratangarh, Baba Koteshwarnath Temple and Dungeshwari Temple
Average temperature in November: Minimum 14°C/ Maximum 29°C
Where to stay: Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya and Marasa Sarovar Premiere, Bodhgaya
Where to eat: Yuvraj restaurant, Coffee Roaster’s and Veg Plaza-Paprika Restaurant
How to reach
By air: Gaya Airport is approximately 9 km away from the city centre
By train: Gaya Railway Station is located within the city
By road: Gaya is approximately 100 km from Patna, Bihar’s capital
Book your stay at Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya on Booking.com
Book your stay at Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya on Agoda
Kutch, Gujarat
Set to begin in November 11, 2024, the Rann Utsav is an unmissable cultural event, making Kutch one of the best places to visit in India. Set across the arid Rann of Kutch, this vibrant festival reflects the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat. While enthusiastic travellers can partake in the festivities till March 15, 2025, planning a trip to this part of Gujarat on a full moon day promises a mesmerising sight at night. Additionally, Kutch boasts an array of iconic tourist places like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dholavira. For further insights about booking and package details for Rann Utsav, click here.
Key attractions: Kalo Dungar, Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve, Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Aina Mahal, Sharad Bagh Palace, Hamirsar Lake, Lakhpat Fort, Lyari Riverbed and Dholavira
Average temperature in November: Minimum 10°C/ Maximum 33°C
Where to stay: Kutch Classic Resort Camp and White Land Villagestay
Where to eat: Kake Di Hatti-Bhuj, Waves, and Rangoli Restaurant
How to reach
By air: Bhuj Airport is approximately 70 km away
By train: Bhuj Railway Station is approximately 68 km away
By road: Kutch is approximately 375 km from Gandhinagar, Gujarat’s capital
Book your stay at Kutch Classic Resort Camp on Booking.com
Book your stay at Kutch Classic Resort Camp on Agoda
Naggar, Himachal Pradesh
Travellers contemplating a trip to experience the winter chill, but at a destination away from the commercial humdrum should plan a visit to Naggar in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of Kullu Valley, this quaint town in India is one of the best places to visit in November. From reading a book at cosy cafes offering breathtaking views to savouring a plate of hot siddu (a local Himachali dish) by the river, Naggar is a haven for solo travellers seeking solitude.
Key attractions: Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery, Kais Monastery, Soyal Village, Tripura Sundari Mandir, and Jana Waterfall
Average temperature in November: Minimum -2°C/ Maximum 12°C
Where to stay: Art Village Naggar and North
Where to eat: Wool Cafe, Downtown Naggar, and Naggar Delight Café
How to reach
By air: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu-Manali is approximately 34 km away
By train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station is approximately 146 km away
By road: Naggar is approximately 254 km from Chandigarh
Book your stay at ArtVillage Naggar on Booking.com
Book your stay at ArtVillage Naggar on Agoda
Neil Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
A picturesque beach destination in India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a perfect early winter escapade. One of its popular islands, Neil, now known as Shaheed Dweep is one of the most tranquil places to visit in India in November. From luxurious beachside resorts to adventurous activities and watersports alongside endless sea views and natural rock formations, Neil Island is a serene and fun-filled destination for vacationers, especially honeymoon couples.
Also, check out our ultimate guide to watersports in the Andamans.
Key attractions: Beaches including Laxmanpur, Bharatpur, and Sitapur
Average temperature in November: Minimum 24°C/ Maximum 30°C
Where to stay: Sea Shell Neil and Sea Shell Samssara
Where to eat: Vibes and Dives, The Island Spices Restaurant and Avisa
How to reach: Neil Island is accessible only by boat from Port Blair, now known as Sri Vijaya Puram, approximately 50 km away (distance via sea).
Book your stay at Sea Shell Neil on Booking.com
Book your stay at Sea Shell Neil on Agoda
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Rajasthan qualifies as the ultimate place in India for a November exploration due to the various cultural festivals including the Matsya Festival, Kabir Festival, Bundi Festival and Camel Festival apart from pleasant weather, of course. Held annually in Pushkar in November, the colourful Camel Festival stands out of these. Expected to take place from November 9-15, 2024, the Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar Cattle Fair attracts lakhs of tourists annually. From skilled performers and artisans to beautifully decked-up camels, this unique fair deserves all the attention it gets! Additionally, the Pushkar Lake, one of the most sacred lakes in Rajasthan, adds to its timeless charm.
Key attractions: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Savitri Mata Temple, Varaha Temple, and Rangji Temple
Average temperature in November: Minimum 15°C/ Maximum 28°C
Where to stay: The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa and Gulaab Niwaas Palace
Where to eat: Amigo Mango Garden Restaurant, Desert Rose Cafe and The Sixth Sense
How to reach
By air: Kishangarh Airport is approximately 38 km away
By train: Ajmer Railway Station is approximately 15 km away
By road: Pushkar is approximately 142 km from Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital
Book your stay at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa on Booking.com
Book your stay at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa on Agoda
Sundarban National Park, West Bengal
Part of the Sundarbans, the dense low-lying lands across India and Bangladesh, the Sundarban National Park in West Bengal is an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. A mangrove forest home to the majestic royal Bengal tiger, Sundarban National Park is perfect for a November visit.
A paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, it is extremely rich in biodiversity and tourists can spot rare flora and fauna here, including 78 varieties of mangroves. Apart from tigers and crocodiles, some of the wildlife here include fishing cats, macaques, leopard cats, Indian grey mongoose, wild boar, flying fox, pangolin, chital deer and rhesus monkeys alongside beautiful migratory birds. Explore our Sundarbans forest guide to plan your travel.
Key attractions: Sajnekhali Watch Tower, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, Bhagatpur Crocodile Project, Halliday Island, Piyali town, Bono Bini Temple, and Mangrove Interpretation Centre
Average temperature in November: Minimum 24°C/ Maximum 28°C
Where to stay: Hotel Sonar Bangla Sundarban and Sunderban Tiger Camp
Where to eat: Most hotels, resorts, cruise ships or houseboats provide meals
How to reach
By air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is approximately 100 km away
By train: Canning Railway Station is approximately 48 km away
By road: The national park is approximately 96 km from Kolkata, West Bengal’s capital. However, the Sundarbans can be best explored by boats or cruise ships
Book your stay at Hotel Sonar Bangla Sundarban on Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Sonar Bangla Sundarban on Agoda
(Feature image credit: Ashique Anan Abir/Unsplash)
Related | 15 Best Places To Visit In India, According To Travel Experts
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Naggar in Himachal Pradesh and Amritsar in Punjab are some of the best places to visit in November in North India.
Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, Coorg in Karnataka and Munnar in Kerala are some of the best places to visit in November in South India.
The beaches around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as those in Pondicherry and Odisha are best to explore in November.
Trekking, hiking and skiing are some of the best adventure activities to do in November in India.
Garo Hills and Shillong in Meghalaya are some of the best destinations in the Northeast to visit in November in India.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa and Kerala are some of the best honeymoon destinations to visit in November in India.
Naggar and Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh are perfect for solo trips in November in India.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express ..Read More
