Autumn in India: Best Places to Visit

Autumn, or ‘Sharad Ritu’ as it is known in India, is a season of transition and beauty that brings out the unique charm of various regions across the country.

While the country waits for cool winter mornings to soothe the soul after harsh monsoons and a wave of October heat, there’s a touch of autumn magic to enjoy in between. 

The hills, plains, and valleys of Northern India, in particular, take on a mesmerising beauty, with entire landscapes bathed in golden, orange, and red shades. 

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or simply someone looking for tranquility, autumn in India offers a perfect backdrop. 

Here’s our top places to visit during this spectacular season…

1. Wayanad, Kerala

2. Leh, Ladakh

Known for its rugged beauty and high-altitude desert landscape, Leh, Ladakh, takes on a softer, golden glow during autumn in India. This striking region, famed for its barren beauty and towering peaks, transforms as the poplar and willow trees turn shades of gold. 

Autumn also marks the beginning of the harvest season in Ladakh, with villages celebrating by reaping crops of barley and wheat. Visitors can witness locals drying apricots and preserving seasonal produce as they prepare for the harsh winter ahead. With bright blue skies offering a stunning contrast to the golden-yellow trees, autumn is an ideal time for photography, exploration, and experiencing the unique charm of Ladakh in this season.

3. Thar Desert, Rajasthan

Autumn in India welcomes a dramatic change to the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, as the scorching summer heat gives way to cooler, more comfortable temperatures. The desert, often considered barren, becomes surprisingly colourful with the bloom of the Kair shrub, which adds a pop of red to the landscape. The Kair shrub is a resilient plant that thrives in the arid desert climate and produces vibrant red flowers that contrast beautifully against the golden sands of the Thar.

As the weather becomes more pleasant, autumn is also the perfect time to explore the Thar Desert on camel safaris or visit the historical forts and palaces of Rajasthan. The cool autumn breeze along with the bright blue skies makes for a magical experience. 

4. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

The charming hill station of Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, becomes even more enchanting during autumn in India. October marks the start of the strawberry season, filling the air with the sweet fragrance of fresh berries. Mahabaleshwar’s mild autumn weather and lush green surroundings create the perfect conditions for these juicy strawberries to flourish.

Beyond its bountiful, Mahabaleshwar offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills, which are covered in mist during early mornings and late evenings. The region’s various waterfalls, such as the Lingmala and Dhobi Falls, flow with renewed vigor after the monsoon, adding to the scenic beauty. 

5. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

A visit to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand during autumn in India is a magical experience for any nature lover. As the monsoons season retreats, this UNESCO World Heritage Site comes alive with vibrant blue poppies, yellow saxifrage blooms, and stunning red spider lilies carpeting the valley. The seasonal change brings out a kaleidoscope of colours, with over 300 species of wildflowers blooming against the backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks.

The crisp autumn air and clear skies make trekking through this valley a delightful experience. While the Valley of Flowers is famous for its summer blooms, autumn offers a quieter, more serene version of the landscape, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the region. It is also a spiritual place for many, with flowers like the Brahma Kamal, considered sacred, blooming during this time.