It’s October, It’s autumn and It’s the Diwali season! Could life be any better? Yes, it totally could! You ask how? We will tell you not only one, but 7 good reasons why! Confused much? Okay let us explain it to you better.
Diwali is just at the door and it’s a four day long weekend. If you want to go out and celebrate Diwali a little differently this year, you have the perfect opportunity to plan a quick getaway. Get your travelling bags out, get packed and Bon voyage! There are a number of places to visit during this time of the year. The beautiful October sky coupled with the holiday season is equivalent to the most favorable time to travel. Here goes:
1. The erstwhile British summer resort of “Munnar”
Munnar is an idyllic little hill station located in Kerala. It’s a perfect little place for a romantic outing. 1,600m above sea level, the place was one of the summer resorts during the British raj in India. Famous for its tree plantations, the place is full of resorts and lodges that fit all budgets. The highest peak in South India, Anamundi which is 2,479m is also located here. You can totally escape the shor of the cities by taking a short vacation here.
Major attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Anamundi peak, Mattupetty dam, Tea museum
2. The land of Kodavas “Coorg”
Coorg is a beautiful hill station located in the misty hills of Karnataka. Full of coffee and spice plantations, the place is a paradise for all nature lovers. The culture and people are a major part of the attraction here. The local clan called the Kodavas excel in martial arts. Another thing for which the Kodavas are famous for is their warm hospitality. You can go to Coorg and enjoy not only sight sightseeing but also outdoor activities like trekking, angling and white water rafting.
Major attractions: Abbey falls, Talacauvery, Raja’s seat, Dubare
3. Madhya pradesh at its best with “Pachmarhi”
Famous as the “Queen of Satpura” ranges, Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. The town is a part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve and is home to hundreds of leopards and bisons. Along with all this, the place is famous as a religious tourist spot as the pandavas stayed here during exile. With the weather becoming conducive, it’s one of the best places to visit in october. All in all, a perfect weekend getaway place for friends and families.
Major attractions: Raja Pratap falls, Pandava caves, Jata Shankar caves, Satpura national park, Dhoopgarh
4. The archipelago of “Andaman Nicobar islands”
Famous for its blue waters and pristine beaches, Andaman is a must-visit place in October. This picturesque heaven is situated around 1,400 kms off the coast of mainland. With the serene vibe of Andaman, you can scuba dive or just laze around on the beach. Explore around for photography and visit Port Blair to get a glimpse of the rich culture. Travel solo or with friends/family and you won’t regret it!
Main attractions: Havelock island, cellular jail, Ross island, Neil island
5. Ditch the urban life with an escape to the natural lands of “Wayanad”
Wayanad is a small hill station located in the western ghats of Kerala. Laced with spice plantations, the cool climate of Wayanad offers respite to millions of tourists round the year. The place is known for its waterfalls, caves and comfortable homestays and resorts. Along with everything else, Wayanad is also famous for its wildlife reserves with the Nilgiri biosphere located peacefully amongst the hills of Western ghats.
Main attractions: Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Edakkal caves, Chembra peak, Banasura dam
6. The sun-kissed islands of “Lakshadweep”
Lakshadweep literally translates into a “hundred thousand islands”. It is a group of 36 islands with lush greenery and sun kissed beaches. The place requires special tourist permit to visit it even if you are an Indian. The terrain is a bit remote and that is what attracts most tourists to this destination. Famous for its adventure tourism, the place is becoming a favourite for tourists when they want to surf, scuba dive or snorkel.
Main attractions: Agatti islands, Minicoy islands, Bangaram island, Kavaratti islands
7. The Scotland of the east “Shillong”
With the beautiful view and the cool climate, Shillong is one of the best places to visit in the North east. The regular drizzle and the pine trees add charm to the Shillong’s already scenic landscape. The mountain peaks, waterfalls and the clear blue lakes are the main reason why people visit Shillong. The place is full of cultural heritage with the locals giving out a very westernized vibe. Oftentimes called the music capital of India, the place has an amazing lineup of music festivals too.
Main attractions: Umiam lake, Elephant falls, Mawlynnong, Shillong peak
Have fun exploring these places this Diwali weekend. Wishing you a very happy Diwali!
