Best Places To Visit In September In India For A Shoestring Trip!

-Mansi Senghar

September marks the start of fall, the most amazing time of the year! It’s the time when the leaves transform their hues and the days start to grow colder but don't freeze your bones. That's what we describe as the most romantic weather to explore the otherwise humid cities of India. Other than the weather, the added benefit of planning a trip in September is the lesser crowd, cheaper fares, and better deals on hotel bookings. In the hopes of inspiring you to extend those summer vibes into colder days of September, here’s a list of all the wonderful, worthwhile places to visit in September in India that you should not miss!

Amritsar, Punjab

Legends say that the best time to visit Amritsar is from November to March because the nights are colder and the season is festive during these months but is it really worth the hype? We think not, because since it’s the festive season the otherwise quiet and small town of Amritsar gets crowded, overwhelming, and extremely cold. So if you really want to experience the magnificence of this historic city then September is the best time to do so.

During this month the usual crowd heads back to school and leaves the place for you to explore in peace. You can sit in peace near the pristine water at Golden Temple and reconnect with your inner self. For an incredible trip to the golden city of India, make sure to witness the majestic show of pride at the Wagah Border, relish the flavorsome local dishes loaded with butter and desi ghee, and stay at Bloom hotels in Amritsar for a unique stay experience.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful hill stations in West Bengal, Darjeeling is known for its lush greenery and exhilarating view of the Kanchenjunga Peak. As the monsoon season starts to subside in the month of September, the valley looks refreshing and worth capturing, thus making it the perfect time to avoid the rush and soak in the aroma of fresh tea leaves, ready to harvest, as you enjoy a romantic walk while Darjeeling’s breathtaking views sweep you off your feet.

Along with the tea plantations and the toy train ride, some of the top attractions to cover in this worthwhile hill station are Padmaja Naidu zoo, Ghoom Monastery, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Tinchuley village, and others.

Lonavala, Maharashtra

Lonavala is famous for all the right reasons. It has some of the most magnificent green valleys, archaic caves, pristine lakes, and stunning waterfalls, set to astonish the tourists. Lonavala is the perfect escape from the maddening rush of the metropolis to put you in close affinity with nature and September is just the right time to plan this escape. During fall, most of the tourists usually get back to school and work around this time. As the weather gets pleasant around this time of year, taking a walk by the overflowing lakes and waterfalls feels therapeutic.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

The sky, the pine-clad hills, and Shimla as a whole save its charm for the month of September. As the rain washes away the pollution and crowd, the sky turns into a pristine blue, and the wildflowers blossom. The otherwise crowded destination, Shimla turns into a picturesque hill station straight out of a postcard in the month of September. With its colonial architecture and less to no traffic jams, the erstwhile capital of the British Raj charms its way into the hearts of tourists during the fall.

Some of the famous spots to cover during your trip to Shimla are Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens, The Ridge and the Mall Road for a fun shopping spree.

Tarkarli, Maharashtra

Tarkarli, a beautiful beach in Mumbai, known for its water sport and fine white sand is an untarnished vision that you must behold if you are a beach baby! The pristine water and white beach shrouded with Suru trees is just the therapy you need to relax while indulging in Malvani Cuisine. Apart from the beach, one of the most amazing things to do at Tarkarli is stargazing and September is just the perfect time to do so as the rain washes away the pollution and the sky is clearer than ever. Some of the other activities that are famous in Tarkarli are Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Dolphin Spotting, Boating, and planning a visit to Singhudurg, Maharashtra's popular sea fort.

Thirthahalli, Karnataka

Thirthahalli is a quaint little town located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Located on the banks of Tunga River where Rameshwaram is located, Thirthalli attracts a lot of pilgrims for the holy bath. Thirthahalli is a beautiful concoction of mythology and nature. Snuggled in the western ghat, this quaint town is often compared to Kashmir but without the snow. The magnetism of this untarnished place ensures quality time in the lap of nature. When here, visit the Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, Anandagiri Gudda, and Siddeshwara Gudda. While you plan a sojourn to Thirthahalli, be sure to add Jog falls & Kavaledurga Fort to your itinerary too.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

The last on the list is Ziro Valley. Ziro is a hypnotic little valley peppered with sprawling rice fields, verdant bamboo plantation, pine trees, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant flora. The scenic beauty of this place attracts a bevy of tourists for an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle into the woods and makes it one of the best places to visit in September, in India. But what makes this place truly magical is its people.

Home to the Apatani tribe, Ziro has one of the most amicable people that make your trip to this north eastern beauty an epic story for life. Shrouded with the Himalayan range, the weather is always pleasant but you can still expect showers and landslides during the monsoon season, which is why September is by far the best month to start your tour to the North East. Apart from the weather, one of the most important factors to consider while planning is the Ziro Festival of Music that's to be held this year from the 29th of September to the 2nd of October.

These were some of our top picks! So what are you waiting for? Pack your cutest fits, wear your shiniest travel shoes and get ready to explore these charming places at their best!