Planning a memorable autumn getaway in India can feel quite overwhelming. As the Monsoons end, giving a gentle push to the upcoming festivities, from the aagman of Ganpati in late August to Navratri at the end of September, followed by Dussehra and the prosperity of Diwali, it all moves so fast.
Yet this month has always been perfect for travel, thanks to festive holidays and pleasant weather across most parts of the country. So, as a festive treat, our experienced travel bloggers have scouted the best places to visit in September in India, striking the ideal balance of weather, celebrations, and budget crunch!
Read on to discover where to go, how to get there, and most importantly, how to save while you trot the map.
Best Places to Visit in September in India 2025 – At a Glance!
| Region | Places to Explore | Offers & Deals |
| Western Coasts | Goa & Coorg | Up to 13% OFF using MakeMyTrip Vouchers |
| Himalayan Foothills | Rishikesh & Mussoorie | Up to 13% OFF using MakeMyTrip Vouchers |
| Rajasthani Culture & Heritage | Jaipur & Udaipur | Up to 13% OFF using MakeMyTrip Vouchers |
| South Central | Hampi & Badami | Up to 13% OFF using MakeMyTrip Vouchers |
| Island Escapes | Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep | Up to 13% OFF using MakeMyTrip Vouchers |
Western Coasts: Best Places to Visit in September & October 2025
Goa in September: A Tropical Retreat
Something is so magical about Goa in September. The air is still fresh from the monsoon, the rivers are full of crystal water, and the coast has thinned out just enough to recapture its serenity. A complete package of nature, making it one of the best places to visit in September. Goa climate in September is truly pleasant, with little to no hint of humidity with the approaching colder waves. You’ll see fishermen again throwing nets before sunrise, marking the best time to witness the magic of spice plantations when they’re at their greenest, whilst sipping Feni under tamarind trees without having to elbow past crowds. Apart from iconic Goa tourist places, Ganesh Chaturthi processions also take place in late September, with music, floral floats, and riverfront immersion ceremonies that are both magnificent and divine. By October, beach shacks are reopening, kites are flying, and the sunset tour has an ethereal glow. With fewer tourists than in December, but all of the laid-back vibes that define Goa make it one of the best places to visit in September. It’s the perfect time to capture the real beauty of Goan traditions and life, just before the tourist rush kicks in at the end of the year.
Why Visit During this Time?
Truly a monsoon retreat, lush greenery, off-peak rates, and a temperature around 24 to 33 degrees.
What to Book?
Book flights in early September, secure boutique properties, and explore package tours.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 6.5% discount using MakeMyTrip Vouchers from GyFTR.
Coorg in September: Brewing with Serenity
Coorg in September and early October is like literally entering into an oil painting. Magnificent hills covered in coffee bushes become so ethereal after monsoon showers that they will definitely secure a place in your special memory lane. Mist envelopes the old temples and waterfalls, as the Kodava community prepares for Navaratri celebrations with folk dances and home-cooked meals. It’s the time of year when local homestays are full of freshly roasted beans, and you may join growers for an early-morning picking session. Temperatures range between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for hikes, treks, and wildlife tours. So many experiences in the lap of nature make it one of the best places to visit in September. Amongst the best places to visit in Coorg are hiking to Tadiandamol peak or exploring the routes to Abbey and Iruppu Falls. Luxury resorts and quaint cottages alike offer season-end specials, allowing you to share stories around a log fire before embarking on a morning trek into the Western Ghats. Coorg weather during pre-winter months serves as the perfect time to unwind, sip coffee, and reminisce about life with your loved ones.
Why Visit During this Time?
Cool misty mornings, fewer crowds, daytime temperature is between 18 to 25 degrees.
What to Book?
Book homestays mid-September, coffee estate tours, and trekking packages.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using MakeMyTrip Vouchers from GyFTR.
Himalayan Foothills: Best Places to Visit in September & October 2025
Rishikesh In September: Raft, Meditate, & Unwind!
Rishikesh weather in September to late October feels like a total refresh. The river roars clean, adventure operators dust off kayaks, and temples light up with oil lamps for Navaratri. White river rafting in Rishikesh is at its best; the flow of the sacred river Ganges is perfect to indulge in the rapid thrills without getting battered by the summer heat and humidity. Beyond the rush of adrenaline, there are yoga shalas to relax, riverfront cafes serving fresh tea to unwind, and Beatles-era ashram grounds blanketed in golden foliage. Due to the off-season, tourist places in Rishikesh like Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, and more are also less crowded. As evening comes, you can join the Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat, with incense drifting through marigold garlands, blissed with cooler nights that are perfect for little bonfires and storytelling under the Himalayan skies. Hotels in Rishikesh during this time are less crowded and are also available at great deals. The amalgamation of rafting, meditation, and local cuisine makes Rishikesh one of the best places to visit in September.
Why Visit During this Time?
Optimal river levels, mild days with 17 to 33 degrees, clear skies.
What to Book?
Book rafting and yoga sessions in advance. Secure good homestays near serene Ghats.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using MakeMyTrip Voucher from GyFTR.
Mussoorie in September: Perfect Mountain Escape
During the pre-winter times, Mussoories weather in September is nothing but pure bliss. The clouds are clear to show magnificent Himalayan landscapes blending beautifully with the urban charm of Mall Road, which stays vibrant with autumn energy. Post-monsoon leaves pine forests with a deep green silhouette, and cool evenings invite, serving as a perfect time to relish hot Uttarakhand Garhwali cuisine Thalis and chai. Dussehra celebrations spread to local schools and temples, with folk dances and puppet shows under a starlit sky. Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius, making them ideal for taking the cable car to Gun Hill or exploring Kempty Falls before the winter frost. The best places to visit in Mussoorie during this time are Camel’s Back Road, Company Garden, and a scenic drive to Dhanaulti. Mussoorie hotels lower their rates before the year-end rush, while local bakers begin baking fresh rusks that go perfectly with corner-shop tea. Cool weather and endless greenery make Mussoorie one of the best places to visit in September.
Why Visit During this Time?
Clear mountain views, cooler days with 15 to 22 degrees, and little to no rainfall.
What to Book?
Book good boutique hillside homestays, cable car, and guided tours.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using a MakeMyTrip Voucher from GyFTR.
Rajasthani Culture & Heritage: Best Places to Visit in September & October 2025
Jaipur in September: Rajasthani Pre-Festive Vibes
Post monsoon season in Jaipur is something you’ll remember. The City Palace courtyards are filled with Navratri Jaipur dancers, while Amber Fort glows amidst pre-Jaipur festival vibes. Markets are brimming with block-printed textiles and hand-painted pottery, while heritage hotels host special cultural evenings featuring puppet shows, folk music, and rooftop feasts under magnificent lights. Jaipur’s temperature in September during the daytime ranges from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius, making city tours enjoyable. Before the peak wedding season, you can get heritage hotels in Jaipur upgrades or private guide packages for a fraction of the price. It’s your chance to walk around the Jal Mahal‘s serene view with a backdrop of forts or watch craftspeople at Jaipur’s blue-pottery workshops without being jolted by heavy crowds. Lose yourself in the cultural beauty of Jaipur, one of the best places to visit in September.
Why Visit During this Time?
Mild day temperatures 20 to 32 degrees, avail up to 20 to 30 % OFF on heritage stays.
What to Book?
Book heritage stays early to secure good packaged deals.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using MakeMyTrip Voucher from GyFTR.
Udaipur in September: Sunsets & Serene Lakes
Udaipur weather in September and October is brisk and a little colder; one can sense the arrival of winter during this time. The lakes reflect jade hills and the City Palace Udaipur’s charm, and Diwali preparations illuminate the ghats with strings of diyas. Early-morning boat trips to Udaipur tourist places like Lake Pichola feature mist floating over Jag Mandir, while rooftop cafes turn up outdoor hubs for sunset dinners. Temperatures hover between 18 and 31 degrees Celsius, ideal for poolside cocktails or temple explorations without drenched and humid afternoons. Udaipur Hotels near Lake Fateh Sagar offer package deals that include heritage walks and folk dance performances beneath royal balconies. You’ll see local artists crafting miniature artworks before festival parades fill the city streets with peacock feathers and marigold garlands. The views of beautiful lakes at this time of the year make Udaipur one of the best places to visit in September.
Why Visit During this Time?
Calm lakes, lesser humidity, brisk air, fewer crowds.
What to Book?
Book heritage stays early, booting expeditions, and the light and sound show of Kumbalgarh.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using a MakeMyTrip Voucher from GyFTR.
South Central: Places to Visit in September & October 2025
Hampi in September: A Spiritual Getaway
Hampi weather in September and October feels like the monsoon showers have polished granite boulders (Hampi’s unique architecture), causing the sunlit ruins to shine deeper. Places to visit in Hampi include ancient Vijayanagara temples, with steam rising from the Tungabhadra River before the day ends. Hampi Dance Utsav features classical dance and music performances among historic pillars, bringing a vibrant tradition to centuries-old art. Celebrations like this make Hampi one of the best places to visit in September. Daytime temperatures range from 19 to 33 degrees Celsius, which is warm but comfortable for early morning tours. Guesthouses and heritage hotels in Hampi provide pre-Diwali discounts on guided tours and rock-climbing expeditions over gigantic stones. Off-season means less trail traction concerns, and you may have the Virupaksha Temple to yourself at sunrise, making Hampi one of the best places to visit in September.
Why Visit During this Time
Post monsoon greenery, guided tours, and fewer crowds.
What to Book
Book sunrise trek and guided tours during early September
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using MakeMyTrip Voucher from GyFTR.
Badami in September: Explore Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples gleam their best in the October light. After the monsoons, the red sandstone facade gleams, and Agastya Lake reflects swirl-painted carvings. Badami weather in September settles between 29 and 22 degrees Celsius, ideal for temple walks without midday tiredness, making it one of the best places to visit in September. Pre-Dussehra fairs showcase Karnataka’s traditional dances and folk music on courtyard stages. Local homestays and boutique hotels in Badami in town offer reduced rates ahead of the November crowds. You may easily organize pottery-making courses in medieval alleyways or take an evening coracle ride on the lake. Badami feels intimate, away from the tourist crowds, but filled with pre-festival enthusiasm, making it one of the best places to visit in September.
Why Visit During this Time?
Clear skies and lower humidity.
What to Book?
Book heritage stays, pottery workshops, and other cultural events.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using MakeMyTrip Voucher from GyFTR.
North Plains: Best Places to Visit in September & October 2025
Amritsar in September: Golden Temple & Serenity
When you arrive in Amritsar, you will see the Golden Temple drenched in golden illumination, with pilgrims flowing across marble platforms under October skies. Amritsar weather in September to late October ranges from 18 to 34 degrees Celsius, providing relief from Punjab’s summer heat. Navratri and Dussehra combine into nightly kirtan performances, while langars move outside, giving free meals to thousands in the scented fall air. Before the Diwali crowd arrives, you can book heritage havelis and hotels in Amritsar. Don’t forget to savor Amritsari Kulchas and Jalebis at hidden-away gems in narrow streets surrounding the temple. A visit to Amritsar is a deep, spiritually rich journey filled with a festive zeal, making it one of the best places to visit in September.
Why Visit During this Time
Festive aura, good food, and great offers on hotels and flights.
What to Book
Book heritage stays, havelis, and experience real Punjab!
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using MakeMyTrip Voucher from GyFTR.
Varanasi in September: Boat Rides & Gana Aarti
Varanasi weather in September and late October has a unique flair. It’s not humid but not entirely cold, perfect for unwinding on ghats and sipping chai. The most popular Dashawamedh Ghat is packed with people for Ganga aarti in Varanasi, and the river shore glows orange with floating diyas. It’s best if you reach the ghat by 5:30 pm to get the best glimpse of the serene aarti. Early mornings temperature is usually 21 degrees Celsius, which rises to 30 degrees Celsius during the day. These calm temperatures make Varanasi one of the best places to visit in september. You can explore package offerings that include boat cruises, heritage walks down narrow streets, and classical music performances in centuries-old haveli courtyards. Before Diwali, you’ll find good deals on hotels in Varanasi. Varanasi during this time is a festival-fueled immersion in India’s oldest living city, making it one of the best places to visit in September.
Why Visit During this Time?
Spiritual festivals, pleasant weather, river boat tours, and more.
What to Book?
Book heritage stays, guided rituals, and aartis.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using MakeMyTrip Voucher from GyFTR.
Island Escapes: Places to Visit in September & October 2025
Andaman in September: Suba Diving & Sea Breeze
October brings underwater visibility back to 15-20 meters, making snorkeling and diving wrecks enticing. Daytime Andaman weather in September ranges from 24 to 31 degrees Celsius, humidity decreases, and the monsoon eventually dissipates. Tribal festivities feature unique boat racing and elder dance performances, making it one of the best places to visit in September. At the end of October & November, Kali Puja is also celebrated on the island with utmost devotion. Havelock Island‘s coral reefs restore their vibrant hues, while Neil Island’s beaches become silent once more. Pre-Diwali discounts apply to scuba packages and beach hut stays. You’ll dive with clownfish, paddle through mangroves, and end the day with fresh seafood under starry skies, all without paying peak-season prices. So many adventures without the heavy crowd make Andaman one of the best places to visit in September. If you are travelling with family, it’s best to pre-book an Andaman tour package that includes everything from flight tickets to stays and meals.
Why Visit During this Time
Clear seas, dive and underwater packages at discounts.
What to Book
Book scuba tours, beach hut stays, and more.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using MakeMyTrip Holiday Voucher from GyFTR.
Lakshwadeep in September: Island Hopping & Delicious Sea Food
By mid-September, Lakshadweep Island emerges from the monsoon clouds to reveal green lagoons. Water temperatures range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, ideal for glass-bottom boat cruises and coral reef snorkeling. The Kolam Onam (September) celebration brings life to coconut-thatched communities through boat racing, floral art, and traditional drumming. Resorts and guesthouses offer off-season packages that include a great discount on water activities and guided island-hopping tours. Sunrise paddleboarding past limestone cliffs and sunset beach bonfires feels entirely private. With few tourists around, Lakshadweep becomes one of the best places to visit in September, where you’ll discover a location where each wave silences the world behind you. Don’t forget to explore the Lakshadweep tour package to have the best time of your island life.
Why Visit During this Time
Lagoons are clear, and water sports and resorts at massive discounts.
What to Book
Book resort and scuba packages.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% discount using MakeMyTrip Holiday Voucher from GyFTR.
Travel During Festive Holidays: Tips to Save on the Best Places to Visit in September – October 2025
Smart festive travel begins with proper planning and budget management. Most tourists wait until the last minute to book, only to find that rates have risen just as they need to. Here is the thing: Flight and hotel prices drop in places to visit in September and October ahead of the Diwali rush, but only if you know how to book them early.
Fare calendars show the cheapest days to fly within your travel dates. Set price alerts on portals that can help compare prices to monitor route-specific decreases. This essentially means letting algorithms perform the heavy lifting while you focus on planning. Most booking sites display price trends for 30-60 days, indicating when rates normally reduce for your preferred destination. To prevent last-minute surges in September and October, book domestic flights 1-3 months in advance and foreign routes 2-8 months in advance. Price alerts notify you when fares drop 15-20% below the average, providing you with the ideal booking window.
GyFTR travel Gift Cards are delivered instantaneously via WhatsApp, SMS, or email, with no waiting and no delays. You can get up to 14% OFF ticket and hotel bookings, effectively prepaying for vacation at today’s rates while locking in further savings. The platform includes major travel brands such as MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, and Uber, offering you options for planes, lodging, and ground transportation. Purchasing Gift Cards during special promotions, GyFTR frequently runs festival-season discounts.
1. Book Early to Secure the Best Deals
September marks the beginning of the festive travel window in India, and while it still counts as a shoulder season, demand for flights and hotels, especially on popular routes like Delhi to Goa flights or flights to Andaman, starts to pick up quickly due to festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Dussehra. Booking early is crucial for both flights and hotels to avoid last-minute price hikes and availability issues.
- Domestic Flights: Aim to book flights 1 to 3 months in advance, especially on popular routes like Delhi to Goa, Mumbai to Coorg, and Bangalore to Andaman. Airlines often launch early bird offers and flash sales during this window.
- Hotels and Resorts: Best places to visit in September, like Mussoorie, Jaipur, and Udaipur, offer festival-season packages and discounted rates early in the season. Boutique homestays in Coorg and heritage hotels in Rajasthan often provide off-peak pricing with special amenities if booked ahead.
Setting fare alerts on travel portals such as MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, and Yatra can notify you of sudden fare drops or promotional offers, helping you time your bookings perfectly for flights and hotels in Rishikesh, Jaipur, or Lakshadweep.
2. Use Travel Gift Cards for Additional Discounts
One of the most effective ways to save on your bookings is by leveraging travel gift cards like those offered by GyFTR. These digital gift cards provide instant discounts on major travel platforms, adding another layer of savings on top of existing deals across hotels in Coorg, flights to Goa, and holiday packages in Andaman and Lakshadweep.
- How It Works: Purchase GyFTR Gift Cards instantly via WhatsApp, SMS, or email with no waiting time. These can be redeemed on platforms like MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, and others for flights, hotels, and holiday packages.
- Discount Range: GyFTR regularly offers up to 13% OFF on hotel bookings and similar discounts on flight tickets, which can significantly reduce your travel expenses during peak festive times.
- Payment Flexibility: Gift cards can be combined with credit/debit cards, wallets, or other payment methods, allowing you to split payments smartly and maximize your savings through bank and wallet offers.
Using gift cards also helps you lock in today’s prices in advance, which is beneficial as fares often rise closer to festival dates for popular routes like Delhi to Goa or for hotels in Mussoorie.
3. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Pricing and Shoulder Season Benefits
While September sees the start of festival travel, many destinations still offer off-peak or shoulder season pricing, especially early in the month. This is your chance to enjoy high-quality stays and activities at lower rates in the best places to visit in September, like Coorg, Jaipur, and Andaman.
- Accommodation Deals: Many hotels and resorts lower their prices before the huge Diwali rush that begins in late October or November. This includes heritage properties in Rajasthan, hill resorts in Mussoorie, and beach resorts in Goa and Andaman.
- Package Tours and Activities: Adventure tours like rafting in Rishikesh, wildlife safaris near Coorg, and diving experiences in Lakshadweep often offer discounted package prices in September.
Booking during this window not only saves money but also helps you avoid crowded tourist spots such as tourist places in Rishikesh, heritage resorts in Hampi, and beaches in Andaman, giving you a more intimate and authentic travel experience.
4. Use Fare Calendars and Price Comparison Tools
Monitoring flight prices across a flexible range of dates can reveal more affordable travel options that you might miss by booking for fixed dates.
- Fare Calendars: Travel portals show monthly fare calendars that highlight the cheapest days to fly. For example, flying midweek is often cheaper than weekend travel, and some dates in early September may be much less expensive than late September when festivals begin.
- Price Alerts and Trackers: Websites and apps allow you to set alerts for specific routes, such as Delhi to Goa flights, notifying you when prices drop within your travel window.
- Multiple Booking Platforms: Compare prices not only on aggregator sites like MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip but also on airline websites, as sometimes exclusive deals or promo codes are available directly.
5. Plan Travel Around Local Festivals for Discounts and Deals
While festivals are a highlight for cultural immersion, they can also be a time when prices surge due to high demand. Strategically planning your travel dates can help you both enjoy the festivities and avoid inflated costs.
- Early or Late Travel Windows: Arriving a few days before the festival or a few days after can secure you lower rates while still allowing you to experience the event vibe.
- Book Festival Packages: Some hotels and tour operators offer packages that include festival events, meals, and guided tours at a fixed discounted price. These can provide better value than booking everything separately.
- Local Transport: During festivals, public transport and taxis can be booked in advance or arranged through hotel partnerships to avoid last-minute surcharges.
6. Optimize Payment Methods for Maximum Savings
Many banks and digital wallets tie up with travel platforms to offer additional cashback, discounts, or reward points on bookings.
- Bank Offers: Check for credit card or debit card offers on MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, or airline websites. These can include 10-15% cashback or exclusive deals during festive seasons.
- Digital Wallets: Using wallets like Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay in combination with gift cards can unlock layered discounts.
- Split Payments: You can use travel gift cards to cover most of your booking and pay any balance with a card that earns reward points or provides statement credits—maximizing both upfront discounts and future benefits.
7. Flexibility is Your Friend
Being flexible with your travel plans can significantly improve your chances of saving money.
- Adjust Your Dates: Sometimes shifting your trip by a day or two can reduce flight and hotel prices drastically.
- Alternate Airports and Routes: Consider flying into nearby airports or combining train travel with flights to lower costs.
- Explore Lesser-Known Destinations: Emerging destinations like Badami, Hampi, and Lakshadweep offer unique experiences often at lower costs compared to well-trodden spots.
FAQs About the Best Places to Visit in September – October 2025
Why is September and October considered one of the best times to travel in India?
September and October mark the transition from monsoon to autumn, offering pleasant weather across most regions, lush green landscapes, and vibrant festivals.
What festivals can travelers experience if they visit India in September and October?
Travelers can witness a rich tapestry of celebrations, including Ganesh Chaturthi starting in late August, Navratri festivities in September, the grand Dussehra in October, and preparations leading up to Diwali.
How can I find the best travel deals for flights and hotels during this festive period?
Use fare calendars to track rate drops. Booking domestic flights 1-3 months in advance and international flights 2-8 months ahead helps avoid last-minute price surges common during the season.
What role do GyFTR travel Gift Cards play in saving on festive travel?
Air India Gift Cards from GyFTR offer additional discounts of up to 8.5% on flights. For hotels, use MakeMyTrip Gift Cards offering 13% OFF.
Are there any bank offers or coupons that work well during festival travel bookings?
Yes, several banks offer an additional 10-15% discount on flight and hotel bookings when using their credit cards.
What is the best way to split payments using Gift Cards and cards or wallets for festival trips?
Splitting payments by using Gift Cards to cover most of the booking and paying the remainder with a credit card that earns rewards maximizes savings and points.
Which regions in India offer the most authentic festive experiences in September and October?
Regions like Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur) showcase grand Navratri and Dussehra events, the Western Ghats (Goa, Coorg) offer unique Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations amidst lush landscapes, and the Himalayan foothills (Rishikesh, Mussoorie) provide spiritual and adventure activities aligned to the season.
How does the weather vary across India in September and October?
While most of India enjoys pleasant, mild weather post-monsoon, coastal areas like Goa experience transitioning from wet to dry, hill stations have crisp, cool air, and northern plains cool down significantly.
Can I find off-season discounts on accommodations and tours during this period?
Yes, many hotels and tour operators offer 15-30% discounts in the shoulder season before the festival and holiday rush of late October and November. This is a strategic time to book heritage stays, adventure packages, and cultural tours at lower rates.
How do I plan my travel itinerary around multiple festivals during this period?
Plan backward from fixed festival dates like Dussehra and Navratri, factoring in travel time and booking windows.
Conclusion
As the festive season unfolds across India in September and October, the perfect blend of culture, weather, and savings awaits! With careful planning, smart bookings, and GyFTR Gift Cards in hand, your autumn getaway can be both memorable and affordable. Pack your bags, it’s time to explore India’s vibrant festivities and most pleasant season.
