September is considered the best month to travel. There’s no summer or winter influx of families. Hotels and public transports aren’t overcrowded. It’s neither too hot nor too cold. And who doesn’t love treating their eyes with some post-monsoon glory? Convinced enough to pack your bags? Allow us to recommend some of the best places to visit in September.
Best places to visit in September in India
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Get someone to wake you up when September ends, because that’s when the Ziro Festival of Music is happening. One of the biggest music festivals in India, the Ziro Festival of Music will be held from September 28 to October 1, this year. Since the festival is coming to an end before a national holiday, it’s the perfect time for travellers to either extend their trip or get a day of rest after spending days dancing before resuming work.
If you would like a vacation that’s high on picturesque beauty and higher on some unadulterated fun, book yourself tickets to the festival and let Arunachal Pradesh bowl you over. Home to the Apatani tribe, Ziro Valley is nestled in the Lower Subansiri district. Expect verdant hills embellished with bamboo and pine trees, lush paddy fields, pleasant climes, and friendly peeps.
How to reach:
By air: LilaBari Airport is the closest airport, 122 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station to reach Ziro is Naharlagun. Guwahati to Naharlagun train takes nearly 8 hours to cover the distance. After which it is a 4-hour drive to reach Ziro.
Shop the best travel experiences here
Book your stay at Kasa Resort in Ziro Valley on Booking.com
Book your stay at Kasa Resort in Ziro Valley on Agoda.com
Ranchi, Jharkhand
Ranchi has to be one of the most underrated destinations in India. The capital city of Jharkhand will leave you smitten with its incredibly charming natural beauty. The city makes for a great base to explore the many enchanting waterfalls that bless the Chota Nagpur plateau. By the time it’s September, the waterfalls near Ranchi will cascade in their post-monsoon beauty.
Spend a day in Ranchi and visit top spots like Tagore Hill, Pahari Mandir, and Tribal Museum. Start the next day early and make a day trip to Hundru, Jonha, and Sita falls. Your itinerary for the remaining trip must include Dassam Falls, Lodh Falls, Deori Temple, and a meal at Ajam Emba — Ranchi’s first slow food restaurant.
How to reach:
By air: Birsa Munda Airport is the busiest airport.
By train: Ranchi Junction railway station is within the city.
Book your stay at Le Lac Sarovar Portico in Ranchi on Booking.com
Book your stay at Le Lac Sarovar Portico in Ranchi on Agoda.com
Mumbai, Maharashtra
If you wish to make the most of the festive month, plan a trip to Mumbai. Famous for its Ganpati festival all over the world, Mumbai offers an unparalleled experience in September. The Ganesh Visarjan held here on Ananth Chaturdashi has been drawing photographers and travellers from around the world for decades now. It’s time you witnessed it up close and personal. Ananth Chaturdashi is on September 28 this year. Book your tickets for the Maximum City right away. Once there, go all touristy and visit quintessential places. (Read Gateway of India and Juhu Beach!)
How to reach:
By air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is within the city
By train: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is the busiest railway station in the city.
Book your stay at Trident Nariman Point in Mumbai on Booking.com
Book your stay at Trident Nariman Point in Mumbai on Agoda.com
Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
This September, ditch Nainital for its quieter sibling Bhimtal. Named after the Pandava brother Bhima, this quaint hill station is every bit delightful. The centerpiece for Bhimtal is its namesake lake. Encompassing the Bhimtal Lake are the magnificent Himalayas of Kumaon, swaying oak trees, high-end luxury hotels, and cute little tourist markets.
Bhimtal serves as a paragliding haven and attracts daredevils from far and wide. Enjoy refreshing boat rides in the lake, pay obeisance at Hanuman Garhi, explore the aquarium at the centre of the lake, unwind at Victoria Dam, and shop for wooden handicrafts. Plan a birding and kayaking trip to Sattal and Naukuchiatal and you have the perfect mountain holiday.
How to reach:
By air: Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport, 54.4 km away.
By train: Kathgodam Railway Station is the closest, 21.5 km away.
Book your stay at the Fishermen's Lodge by Leisure Hotels in Bhimtal on Booking.com
Book your stay at the Fishermen's Lodge by Leisure Hotels in Bhimtal on Agoda.com
Thirthahalli, Karnataka
Those who have quietude high on the agenda may plan a sojour to Thirthahalli. Stationed at the banks of River Tunga in the Shimoga district, Thirthahalli is a fascinating mix of mythology and nature. Legend has it that Sage Parashurama had installed a shivalinga at the Rameshwara temple here. Thirthahalli is also where eminent Kannada poet Kuvempu was born.
The quaint town is snuggled amidst the Western Ghats and holds the promise of a back-to-nature holiday. When here, visit the Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, Anandagiri Gudda, and Siddeshwara Gudda. Include day trips to the Jog Falls and the Kaveledurga Fort in your itinerary too.
How to reach:
By air: Kuvempu Airport is the closest, 61.5 km away.
By train: Arasalu Railway Station is the closest, 48.8 km away.
Book your stay at Forest Edge Resort in Thirthahalli on Agoda.com
Lachen-Lachung, North Sikkim
These postcard-perfect twin towns of North Sikkim are everything discerning travellers yearn for. Lachen serves as the gateway to the utterly magnificent Gurudongmar Lake. Lachung is best known for Zero Point — the last civilian outpost before the Indo-China border. Start with Lachen. Here, you will have to acclimatise at 9,000 feet before you visit Gurudongmar Lake. Perched at an altitude of 17,800 feet, the lake is one of the highest in India. From Lachung, visit Zero Point, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and Yumthang Valley. Other spots that should make it to your itinerary in Lachen-Lachung include Phensang Monastery, Kabi Longstok, Phodong Monastery, and Munsithang.
How to reach:
By air: Bagdogra Airport is the closest, 204.3 km away.
By train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest, 234.5 km away.
Book your stay at Apple Orchard Resort in Lachen on Agoda.com
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla and September are a match made in paradise. The Himachali capital struggle with overcrowding during summers and winters. September is the best month of the shoulder season to visit Shimla. The skies are stunningly blue and the rains fade off leaving the pine-clad hills washed. And most importantly, there are no traffic jams. The erstwhile summer capital of British India continues to charm visitors with its colonial heritage and stunning vistas. All-time favourite spots of tourists include Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens, and The Ridge. The real joy lies in embarking on a shopping spree on the Mall Road though.
How to reach:
By air: Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport is the closest, 124.5 km away.
By train: Kalka Railway Station is within the city.
Book your stay at The Oberoi Cecil in Shimla on Booking.com
Book your stay at The Oberoi Cecil in Shimla on Agoda.com
Kodaikanal
Marking the end of the monsoon season, September is the apt time to be in Kodaikanal. The backdrop of mist-covered Palani Hills and gorgeous lakes such as Berijam Lake and Kodaikanal Lake make the perfect setting for an escape from city life.
Famously known as ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, this destination is mostly frequented by honeymooners. Spend your days sitting by the lake carrying picnic baskets — relishing baked goodies from your homestays, trekking in the valleys, bathing in Kumbakarai Falls waterfall or just lying on the green grass to admire the natural beauty of the destination in the pleasant weather.
How to reach:
By air: Madurai Airport is the closest, 134 km away.
By train: Palani Railway Station is the closest, 66 km away.
Book your stay at Dvara Luxury Resort in Kodaikanal on Booking.com
Book your stay at Dvara Luxury Resort in Kodaikanal on Agoda.com
Coorg
Although this charming hill station can be visited all year round, September is the best month to explore it without any umbrellas or raincoats. As the monsoon season ends, witness misty mountains, lush greenery and plan for a trek this month. Explore the famous trails of Tadiandamol, Kumara Parvatha, and Brahmagiri during your trip. Coffee lovers can go on various trails tasting unique coffee blends that are on offer.
How to reach:
By air: Mangalore International Airport is the closest, 156.2 km away.
By train: Mysore Railway Station is the closest, 105.9 km away.
Book your stay at The Tamara in Coorg on Booking.com
Book your stay at The Tamara in Coorg on Agoda.com
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
For snorkelling enthusiasts and travellers looking to escape the crowds, September is the ideal time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Dive into the calm waters, to observe the colourful marine mammals or go island hopping on the almost ‘private’ beaches during this time. You can also take certified diving courses during your stay here.
How to reach:
By air: Veer Savarkar Airport is the busiest airport.
By ferry: Port Blair is the closest port.
Book your stay at Sea Shell Neil in Andaman Islands on Booking.com
Book your stay at Sea Shell Neil in Andaman Islands on Agoda.com
Ladakh
One can never get enough of the spectacular scenery of Ladakh which entails frozen lakes and mountain ranges. Pangong Lake often tops the wish list of places to visit following the release and popularity of the film 3 Idiots. After completing your wishlist, participate in the Himalayan adventures, the Markha Valley trek, in September. Trek through the scenic valleys for eight days, passing by Buddhist monasteries and quaint villages during your journey to Ganda La and Kongmaru La Pass.
How to reach:
By air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the closest, 8 km away.
By train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the closest, 673 km away.
Book your stay at Ladakh Residency on Booking.com
Book your stay at Ladakh Residency on Agoda.com
Pondicherry
Immerse yourself in spirituality and tranquillity, as you take a trip to Pondicherry. The city with quaint cafes has architecture dating back to the French colonial rule. Spend a day or two around the Auroville Ashram by visiting the Matrimandir, sampling organic food, shopping at the local boutiques, lazing at the peaceful Auroville beach or by registering as a volunteer at the ashram. Another reason to visit Pondicherry in September is to attend the Pondy Lit Festival which is commencing on the 15th. For more information visit here.
How to reach:
By air: Although Pondicherry has its own airport, there are fewer commercial flights operating on the route; therefore, the best option is to fly to the Chennai International Airport, which is 145 km from Pondicherry.
By train: Villupuram Railway Station is the closest, 45 km away.
Book your stay at La Villa in Ponchicherry on Booking.com
Book your stay at La Villa in Ponchicherry on Agoda.com
(Hero and feature image credit: Prabhav Kashyap Godavarthy/Unsplash)
Related: Wanderlusts! Take Note Of These Top Places To Visit In August
Karan Kaushik and Ayushi Anand
Most popular
Most popular
