October is an important month in the calendar as Durga Puja is celebrated all over the world. Durga Puja festival is celebrated for a duration of almost 10 days, running parallel with Navratri. Navaratri is a cultural and social festival which marks family time, along with the celebration of various performance arts like dancing. During puja vacation, bangalees often go out for a trip to spend quality time with family members. North-East India and South India have earned much popularity for being among the favourite tourist attractions during Sharodiya. You can visit some wonderful places during Puja vacation like Jammu-Kashmir, Mysore, Andaman Islands, Nainital, Jodhpur, Goa, Shillong, Munnar-Aleppey.
Let’s start our discussion with Hawaii of India – Andaman Islands
Most importantly known for its pristine beaches and Hollywood styled beach vacation, Andaman is a wonderful destination to visit during October. As the rainy season is just over, the lagoons are filled with water, the water sports will be available throughout the month and most importantly, the climate is pleasant. Main activities to enjoy in this month are sightseeing, lagoon swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, beach picnic etc.
Best time to visit Andaman
The tourist season starts generally from October and extends until Mid-June. Plus the island is lit up in a festive manner at various temples and specific Pandals are created in the islands during this time.
Some famous locations to visit
Most importantly boat rides to Ross Island, North Bay Island, Jolly Bouy Island and Baratang Island will all be operational and can be experienced. In Port Blair, you must visit Cellular Jail, Chidiatapu, City Museums and Corbyn Cove Beach. In Neil Island, you may cover Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach and Natural Rock Formation. In Havelock Island, one should cover all the major three attractions Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach and Elephant Beach. Its coastline, cobalt waters, white sand and evergreen forests assure you a remarkable holiday. Newly married couples come to this place for enjoying honeymoon and candlelight dinner. However, the distinct species of wildlife and migratory birds is an ultimate aspect of this zone and are well pronounced at Chidiya Tapu. Elephant swimming is a famous activity in Andaman. What are you waiting for? Go out to explore the sea in this year.
Goa
Goa is located in West India in the area known as the Konkan, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations with its beautiful beaches and historic sites. This awesome place serving as the hot spot for tourists from everywhere , Goa is basically all in all a place for the party animals & solace seekers alike. From the ravishing nightlife pubs to the ever wonderful beaches there is something for everyone. Apart from this, one must not miss the Goan churches which not only cater to ultimate serenity but also display the architecture of the colonial period. You can also try hands-on scuba diving on the Grand Island and experience the scenic view from Aguada fort.
Some famous locations to visit
Most importantly, Baga Beach is famous for its beach and delicious seafood. The nightlife at Baga Beach is much more thrilling than its days. Some of the best nightclubs are often crowded with dance freaks, including Tito’s and Mambos.
Mackie’s Saturday Night Bazaar offers amazing items for the shopper. Basilica of Bom Jesus is the first Minor Basilica in India and is regarded as one of the best examples of baroque architecture. Aguada Fort is another attractive spot of Goa. Near this fort, a central jail and a lighthouse constructed during the 19th century are also located.
Shri Mangeshi temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It belongs to the traditional architectural Goan Hindu temple style. A spacious courtyard enclosed by the temple itself and rooms for weddings and visitors are part of the temple complex. The temple has a big water tank as well. The “Deepastambha” is an eye-catching structure and is an octagonal seven-storey lamp tower.
Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar is a vivacious city in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The canopied Shikara boats, plush houseboats, snowy mountains and the sparkling water of Dal and Nigeen Lake increase the beauty of this spot. This city is a paradise with all its green floating vegetable market, beautiful flora and fauna and divinity of Shankar Acharya temple.
Most importantly Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is natural reserve forest. Here is only one road that runs 10 km. Via the Numbal Beat in Lower Dachigam inside the park. It is partly metalled, the rest of it being a kuccha jeep track. The Hangul Deer is an endangered red deer species that is one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most popular wildlife. Musk deer, leopard, hog deer, Himalayan black and brown bear, jackal, hill fox, wagtail, marmot, babbler, griffon vulture are special attractions of this place.
India’s Own Moonland Leh Ladakh is also situated here. Right from gompas to the sensational momos makes this city heaven on earth. Thanks to its magnificent monasteries, picturesque places, and amazing market areas, “Leh” is a wonderful tourist attraction. Places to visit in Leh are Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Zanskar valley etc. Vaishnodevi, Gulmarg are wonderful places of Kashmir.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is popularly known as The Sun City. Also Known as the “Gateway to Thar”, it is famous for its Mehrangarh fort, blue houses, temples, delicious sweets and snacks. Jodhpur is one of the most enticing cities of Rajasthan, with its mighty Mehrangarh Fort. Most importantly, an architectural masterpiece in itself, Mehrangarh Fort is a grand fort and is among one of the largest forts in Rajasthan. The city is called the Blue City, as it is completely blue in colour from an aerial point of view due to its blue walls and blue buildings. People from all over the world are visiting Jodhpur to buy the handicrafts that it is famous for. Nothing can cross Rajasthan when it comes enjoying the desert safari, enjoying the Jeep Safari, Camel Safari. Most importantly no one wants to miss Jaisalmer Fort, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Bada Bagh, Gadisar Lake, Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Thar Heritage Museum.
Munnar Alleppey
Munnar is 1600 Meter above sea level. Distance between Munnar and Alleppey is 172 km. Tea museum, The Blossom International Park, Mattupetty Dam are the famous attraction of this place. Alleppey is a town on the coast of the Laccadive Sea in the state of Kerala. The name of the city comes from 19th-century Alappuzha Lighthouse which is used as modern GPS for the ships arriving at its shore.
Srikrishna temple complex is huge which is to accommodate the many elephants that the temple has.
Mount Carmel Church is located on a hilltop & oversees the whole of the city, like a guardian angel.
Mullakkal temple is dedicated to one main deity. The temple complex also houses many other gods like Hanuman, Ganapathi, Subramanya, Nagaraja, Navagraha, Sree Krishna and Ayyappa.
Most importantly Kerala is known for its beautiful backwaters, Vembanad is the second largest lagoon in India which makes this place popular among tourists. Hiring a shikhara and a going for a long boat ride in the backwaters of Kerala is the best thing to do. In fact Kundala Lake, Echo Point, Rajamalai are best places of Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park is one of the best places to visit in Munnar. You may watch the Nilgiri thaws (rare species of mountain goats) and can see a rare tropical plant called Neelakurinji which blooms only once in 12 years.
Mysore
In the month of October, while everyone is busy with puja plans, you may go for a change by visiting Mysore, in the state of Karnataka. However, Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal, Jagmohan Palace, Karanji Lake, Melody World Wax Museum, Railway Museum, St. Philomena Church, Chamundi Hills And Chamundeshwari Temple, Sri Nandi Temple, Brindavan Gardens are main attractions of this place. Mysore palace consists of pavilions, large halls & shrines. In the evening, when lighted by 98000 light bulbs, it is a marvellous sight worth capturing in your minds for forever. Lalitha Mahal is located at the foot of Chamundi Hills.
Nainital
It is a city of lakes in the states of Uttarakhand. There are Saat Tal, Bhimtal, Mallital, Noukuchiyatal, Eco cave gardens, Naina Devi Temple, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Snow View Point, Dorothy’s seat, Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, Governor’s House etc. This city is filled with exquisite scenery of hills, panoramic view of lakes, spectacular zoo. Tourists start shopping in Tibetan Market, Mall bazaar and buy scented candles, jewellery, handicrafts etc. This city has aerial ropeway that connects the town with the snow viewpoint.
Shillong
It is situated in Meghalaya. Meghalaya means abode of clouds. Travellers are attracted to this place for its wonderful view of GARO, KHASI hills, natural landscape, green environment and amazing waterfalls. MAWLYNNONG is a place where one can get lost in the beauty of a single root bridge.
Asia’s cleanest village is also there, thus enhancing the beauty of this place. Sohra or Cherrapunjee is famous for abundant rainfall and Khasi tribal community. People visit Ramkrishna Mission for watching the collection of water pots, wooden basket, ivory finger ring, Garo necklace, Manipuri garments, wall mats, traditional costumes, models of Garo house, fishing equipment, rock stones of India, Garo Ruan etc. Travellers often feel mesmerized by the beauty of this tourist spot.
To sum up I must say that India is far ahead than any other countries in the world in terms of exquisite places and amazing tribal culture. Foreigners even adore this country for its natural beauty and scenic beauty. During puja vacation, tourists and adventure lovers can explore these places. It will make their trip a memorable one.
