India is one of those iconic travel bucket list destinations that everyone should visit in their lifetime, even though it can definitely be an intimidating country for foreigners. Fall is a lovely time to visit, so these are my recommendations on the best places to visit in India in November.
November is an excellent time to plan a trip to India since weather conditions are ideal for exploring the country’s historic cities and stunning landscapes.
Book activities for the best places to visit in India in November below through GetYourGuide
From ancient temples to wildlife sanctuaries and everything in between, there’s no shortage of unique things to see and do in India.
If you’re planning a trip to India in November and need some ideas of where to visit, I’ve got you covered with this India travel guide!
12 Best Places to Visit in India in November
1. Varanasi
One of the best places to visit in India in November is the town of Varanasi, considered the spiritual capital of India.
Situated in Uttar Pradesh, a state in northeast India, Varanasi is a bustling city with deep ties to religion and history.
Thousands of temples line the streets of Varanasi, and many travelers make the pilgrimage to this area to bathe in the sacred Ganges River.
During your visit to Varanasi, make sure to reserve some time to attend Ganga aarti, a nightly ritual of spiritual offerings led by priests.
Walking the streets of Varanasi, it’s impossible not to feel connected to the rich culture intertwined with every aspect of life in this vibrant city.
A great way to experience Varanasi is by embarking on a boat ride or guided walking tour, which you can book through GetYourGuide.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
While visiting Varanasi, I highly recommend touring Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a famous landmark located on the banks of the Ganges.
This Hindu temple holds great significance for followers of Lord Shiva who travel there for spiritual events and the opportunity to worship.
Often referred to as the golden temple, Kashi Vishwanath is an opulent structure that’s existed in one form or another for hundreds of years.
Every day, thousands of local and international visitors flock to this sacred site which is instantly recognizable for its striking architecture, featuring domes and spires made of pure gold.
3. Kaziranga National Park
November in India is known for dry conditions and warm temperatures, making outdoor adventure activities a must during your trip.
To get a taste of India’s wild side, visit Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can be found in the state of Assam.
This national park is notable for being home to two-thirds of the world’s population of Indian rhinoceroses, and the experience of witnessing these magnificent creatures in person is unforgettable.
There’s a huge variety of native plants and wildlife to be discovered at Kaziranga National Park, including elephants and water buffalo.
4. Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in India in November to attend the Pushkar Camel Fair.
This multi-day livestock fair and cultural festival takes place every year during the Kartik Purnima full moon and draws hundreds of thousands of annual visitors.
From exciting camel races to hilarious competitions for the longest mustache, there’s no shortage of fun at the Pushkar Camel Fair.
Of course, there are also a ton of camels that you can meet and take pictures with during this beloved local event.
If you want to explore the town of Pushkar further, there are several guided tour options available through GetYourGuide, like this Pushkar Lake Private Day Trip.
5. Sariska Tiger Reserve
For an experience like no other, visit Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
The reserve comprises over 300 square miles of forests and grasslands home to at least 20 Bengal tigers.
If you’re lucky enough, you might also catch glimpses of incredible wildlife like bears, leopards, and hyenas.
This renowned park is a must-visit during a trip to India in November when weather conditions make it ideal for exploring the country’s beautiful natural landscapes.
6. Keoladeo National Park
Another amazing place to visit in India in November is Keoladeo National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This national park is also located in Rajasthan, so you can easily visit both the park and Sariska Tiger Reserve on one excursion.
Keoladeo National Park is home to thousands of bird species that migrate to the sanctuary during the winter months.
The park’s grass and wetlands teem with wildlife, making this an excellent spot for animal lovers and bird watchers.
7. Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, is an incredible destination in India.
This Hindu temple, dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, actually lies in the southernmost chain of the Himalayan mountains.
Thanks to the temple’s location atop the Sivalik Hills, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the Ganges River and the holy city of Haridwar during your visit.
You can reach the temple by taking a train to the nearest railway station (Haridwar) or Kathgodam railway station which is also located in Uttarakhand.
Accessing the temple is an adventure as you can only get there via a hiking path or gondola-type ropeway.
8. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
In Arunachal Pradesh, you can find Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected wilderness area of over 100 miles.
Among the rolling forests of Talley Valley lie exotic creatures like clouded leopards and Malayan giant squirrels that call this area home.
There’s an endless amount of biodiversity to witness at this wildlife sanctuary, including over 15 species of endangered plants.
Keep your eyes peeled as you tour the sanctuary and you might be lucky enough to spot a majestic black eagle or adorable Asian palm civet.
9. Meghna Cave Temple
After exploring Talley Valley, visit the nearby Meghna Cave Temple, a fascinating site of spirituality.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 5000-year-old temple is full of ancient carvings and magnificent architecture.
Meghna Cave Temple is one of India’s top attractions where tourists can learn about local history and culture firsthand.
From the temple, you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rivers.
10. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory is a tropical oasis that’s easily one of the best places to visit in India in November.
Situated near the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, this territory consists of over 550 islands, though less than 40 are inhabited.
With miles of tranquil coastline and lush jungles, there’s much to explore among the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, making them one of India’s top tourist places.
The best way to explore these picturesque islands is by booking a Nicobar and Andaman tour package that will highlight the best sights and activities.
11. Sri Harmandir Sahib
The stunning golden temple of Sri Harmandir Sahib is a magnificent landmark that can’t be missed.
Located in Punjab, this gleaming temple is considered the holiest shrine of Sikhism, though the house of worship is open to followers of all faiths and backgrounds.
Sri Harmandir Sahib has an incredibly rich history, dating all the way back to 1577 when the temple’s man-made pool was first created.
Though the temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years, it has remained a culturally and spiritually significant site for the people of India.
Many walking tours of the city of Amritsar highlight the history of the golden temple and lead visitors through the holy sanctum.
12. Kerala
My last recommendation for this list of the best places to visit in India in November is the state of Kerala, in south India.
This gorgeous region is located on India’s Malabar Coast, which overlooks the Arabian Sea.
Beaches and canals lined with lush palm trees are a trademark of Kerala, earning its reputation as one of the world’s top tropical paradises. If you’ve ever wondered what is India famous for, this region is definitely something India is known for!
If you need help planning your travels to Kerala, check out the trip options available through Kerala Tour Packages and GetYourGuide.
There you have my ultimate list of the best places to visit in India in November!
If you plan a trip to any of these gorgeous destinations, make sure to tag me on Insta (@wtfab).
Find more travel guides and recommendations here.
What to Wear to an Indian Wedding
FAQs
Yes, November is a great time to visit India for mild weather and minimal crowds.
The weather in India in November tends to be dry with cool to warm temperatures.
I recommend taking a guided walking tour of Varanasi or going on a Pushkar Lake Private Day Trip to explore the Camel Fair.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.