8 Indian cities and hill stations to visit over the holiday weekend in honor of World Tourism Day 2023

 8 Indian cities and hill stations to visit over the holiday weekend in honor of World Tourism Day 2023

These Indian locations are ideal for a brief break because they feature great weather and interesting activities.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, Ooty Lake, St. Stephen's Church, Government Botanical Garden, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Nilgiri Library, and Ootacamund Gymkhana Club while you're at Ooty. Trek to Doddabetta, the highest mountain peak in the Nilgiris, as well. (Unsplash photo credit: Abdullah Ahmad)

Due to the Gandhi Jayanthi holiday this Monday, we will have a long weekend, therefore we had to look into the greatest retreats in India for a short trip. You've come to the right place if, like us, you're seeking for last-minute getaway ideas for the next long weekend. We have put together a list of the top places in India to travel to in October. These locations provide distinctive landmarks, alluring natural scenery, and tranquility. This selection of weekend getaways includes lovely seaside towns and charming hill settlements, so there's something for every mood.

First, Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi, a city in central Karnataka, served as the Vijayanagara Empire's capital. The Deccan Muslim Confederacy captured it in 1565, plundered it for six months, and then abandoned it. It is currently in ruins and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is under protection. It is still breathtaking to see the remains of the Dravidian temples, palaces, and forts that the emperors of the Vijayanagara Empire constructed.

Visit Hampi in October for the best weather. There is little danger of rain, and the weather is warm. It's a fantastic time to visit the ruins because it's not too humid.

The Shivavilas Palace Heritage Hotel and Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace are two places to stay. Eat at Tuluva, Bahmani Restaurant, and Laughing Buddha.

2. Maharashtra's Pune 

Pune serves as Maharashtra's cultural and academic hub. This thriving city, which is about a three-hour drive from Mumbai, is well-known for its scenic surroundings and famous attractions.

Pune enjoys pleasant weather all year long. But given the wonderful weather, October is an especially fantastic time to travel.

Visit the Aga Khan Palace, a museum that includes a collection of artifacts from Gandhi ji's life, the Sinhagad Fort, a hilltop fort with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, and Shaniwar Wada, a Maratha fort from the 17th century.

Numerous lavish lodging options can be found in this city, including Conrad Pune, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, and Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences.

Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, third

The Himalayan foothills are home to the hill town of Bhimtal. It is adored for its pleasant climate, picturesque lake, lush trees, and peaceful ambiance. In Bhimtal, October temperatures typically range from 20 to 31 degrees Celsius. Typically, the weather is warm and bright with little chance of rain.

Visit the Folk Culture Museum, the Bhimeshwar Temple, and the adjoining Naukuchiatal Lake by boat. Bhimtal Lake is also a good place to go boating.

Additionally, this hill hamlet is surrounded by stunning natural scenery that is perfect for hikes and nature walks. Hidimba Parvat, which gives breathtaking views of the Bhimtal Lake and the surrounding mountains and valleys, is the writer's favorite climb.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu, No. 4

Ooty or Udhagamandalam is a charming hill town in the Nilgiris that was originally built as a summer retreat for the British Raj.

The hill station, known for its verdant green tea plantations, features many tourist destinations. Visit the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, the Nilgiri Library, the Ootacamund Gymkhana Club, the Government Botanical Garden, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, the Ooty Lake, St. Stephen's Church, and the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line. Trek to Doddabetta, the highest mountain peak in the Nilgiris, as well. Around the mountain, there is a beautiful conserved forest area.

IHCL Selections, WelcomHeritage, Savoy, Ooty Good lodging choices include Fernhills Royal Palace, King's Cliff, and Willow Hill by Nature Resorts.

5. Maharashtra's Gokarna

A little coastal village in Maharashtra called Gokarna is home to beautiful beaches and eye-catching temples. Gokarna's main beach, Om Beach, is named after the Om sign. Both locals and visitors come to this spotless beach to swim, sunbathe, and practice yoga. Also worth seeing are Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach.

Check out SwaSwara, a luxurious wellness retreat, for lodging alternatives. This beachfront hotel offers 24 Konkan villas, yoga and culinary lessons, bird-watching paths, and nature treks.

6. Uttarakhand's Mussoorie

Winter (October to March) and summer (April to June) are the ideal seasons to visit Mussoorie. With typical October temperatures in Mussoorie ranging from 13 to 24 degrees Celsius, the climate is comfortable.

The Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Landour, and Mussoorie Lake should not be missed while in Mussoorie. Many historic churches, bungalows, and colonial structures may be seen in Landour.

All types of travelers can find lodging in Mussoorie. If you want to splurge, the hill station also features historic buildings like the Kasmanda Palace.

7. Kerala's Kochi

Due to its comfortable temperature, Kochi is a fantastic place to visit in October. It is a popular travel destination because of its fascinating past, vibrant present, and stunning scenery.

Must-see locations include Marine Drive, Vypin Island, Fort Kochi, and the Mattancherry Palace.

Kochi also offers a wide selection of homestays and boutique hotels. These establishments provide considerate assistance and individualized experiences. Try the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa in Cochin or the Malabar House, Brunton Boatyard - CGH Earth.

8. West Bengal's Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans National Park is accessible from Kolkata by car in around four hours. This national park in West Bengal is a tiger reserve and a biosphere reserve, and it is situated in the Ganga delta. The largest mangrove forest in the world and a diversity of animals, including dolphins, Indian crocodiles, and Royal Bengal tigers, may be found in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The month of October is a great time to visit Sundarbans National Park. The park is less crowded, the weather is pleasant, and the animals are more animated. Visit the national park on a boat safari to see the diverse animals in its natural setting.