Travel Guides & Articles
Places To Visit In India In September 2025: Explore The Diverse Charms
As the festive season in India begins in earnest in September, it’s the perfect time to plan a quick solo trip, a family vacation, or a getaway with friends. September is an excellent month for travel, as most destinations are still cool and misty due to the receding monsoons, offering thinner crowds and a wide range of outdoor activities. From spiritual sites and beach hotspots to misty hills, our list of the best places to visit in India in September has something for everyone. This guide will help you choose the ideal destination and discover the top things to see and do there. Keep reading to find the perfect fit for your travel plans.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our story on monastery towns in India that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Top places to visit in India this September
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Cloudy skies, fewer crowds, and the River Ganga flowing past in full force make Varanasi one of the best places to visit in India in September. Varanasi is a heady experience, from the local food to the winding streets and sacred ghats to the spiritual air that permeates every interaction in the city. Famed as India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities so that you can imagine the rich cultural atmosphere of the city. There is plenty to see and do here, and you can even take short day trips to places nearby, such as Bodh Gaya and Sarnath. Remember to explore local eateries for famous dishes such as jaleba, tamatar chaat, kachori sabzi, thandai, and paan, among others.
Check out our celebrity-inspired travel guide to Varanasi to plan your sightseeing spree better.
Places to visit: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.
How to reach
By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is located within the city.
By train: Varanasi Junction Railway Station is located within the city.
Daman, Daman and Diu
Daman is a slice of heaven in September, with verdant vistas, thanks to the monsoons that breathed new life into the landscape. For those seeking a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, Daman offers remote beaches, the chance for exploration with fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and light rain showers that bring down the temperatures considerably. With its scenic beaches, historic spots, Portuguese architecture, nature trails and wildlife, local eateries with the freshest seafood and a multitude of water sports, Daman caters to people from all walks of life.
Places to visit: Jampore Beach, Moti Daman Beach, Moti Daman Jetty Garden, Mirasol Lake Garden, Vanganga Garden, and St Jerome Fort.
How to reach
By air: Surat International Airport is approximately 128 km away.
By train: Vapi Railway Station is approximately 12 km away.
Kollam, Kerala
If you are a fan of soft drizzles, head over to Kollam towards the end of September. One of the best places to visit in India in September, Kollam in Kerala, offers stunning beaches to enjoy sunsets at, cruises on houseboats that take you across the sea, backwaters, and canals, as well as plenty of sightseeing gems that will leave you asking for more. It is the perfect spot for adventure lovers, thanks to plenty of water sports options and prehistoric cave temples to explore. Nature lovers can spend time at the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy the chance to spend time at Munroe Island. And for those looking to relax, Kollam offers the perfect environment.
Our guide to the best time to visit Kerala will help you plan your trip better.
Places to visit: Kollam Beach, Thangassery Lighthouse, Ashtamudi Lake, Jatayu Earth’s Centre, Thirumullavaram Beach, Palaruvi Waterfalls, and Sasthamcotta Lake.
How to reach
By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 65 km away.
By train: Kollam Junction Railway Station is located within the city.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai is one of the best places to visit in India in September, offering the chance to explore a vibrant metropolis full of bustling markets, delicious street food, iconic landmarks, and a blend of cultural and historical experiences. Add to that the chance of spotting your favourite Bollywood stars, and you have a clear winner on your hands! The perfect place for trips with family or friends, or even a solo vacation, Mumbai is where you can find rare books at a street market near Flora Fountains, attend a concert with thousands of others, watch stunning sunsets on the beach, enjoy a lively evening cruise on the sea, and even check out a religious spot or two.
Here’s our list of celebrity-owned restaurants in Mumbai that can be a part of your itinerary.
Places to visit: Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Elephanta Caves, Shri Mahalaxmi Devi Temple, Film City, Juhu Beach, Chowpatty, and Jehangir Art Gallery.
How to reach
By air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is located within the city.
By train: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai Central and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Railway Station are located within the city.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the state’s most alluring destinations, offering spectacular views, multiple trekking opportunities, rich cultural heritage, and festivals that celebrate not just dance or music, but sustainability as well. From lush, swaying rice fields to the towering pine hills and rolling meadows that seem to have been taken right out of a picture postcard, Ziro is everything a nature lover can dream of, and a culture buff can plan to take in. The breathtaking beauty of the Ziro Valley in September, with a slight nip in the air and mist-laden mornings, promises an enchanting vacation. And let’s not forget that one of the most popular music fests of India, Ziro Music Festival, is scheduled from September 25 to 28, 2025.
Here’s our list of more tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh to explore on your trip to Ziro.
Places to visit: Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Siikhe Lake, KIle Pakho Ridge, Tarin Fish Farm, and Tipi Orchid Research Centre.
How to reach
By air: Jorhat Airport is approximately 188 km away.
By train: Naharlagun Railway Station is approximately 89 km away.
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
For mountain lovers, Dehradun is the ideal destination, offering a charming blend of natural beauty, historical attractions, cultural gems, and, of course, a pleasant climate. One of the best places to visit in India in September, the weather remains pleasant with the rains giving a new life to the surroundings. With beautiful meadows, viewpoints, and waterfalls, as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, from cakes to dumplings, the hill station is the perfect escape for a few days spent in the embrace of a lovely vacation.
Places to visit: Rajaji National Park, Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, Sahastradhara, Forest Research Institute, and the Mindrolling Monastery.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport is located within the city.
By train: Dehradun Railway Station is located within the city.
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
If your vacations feel incomplete without the views of snow-capped mountains in the distance, Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh is an ideal retreat. Expect pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of adventure sports, such as paragliding, along with unbeatable scenic beauty when visiting in September. With loads to see and do, this hill station is famed for its colonial-era architecture, verdant meadows, dense forests with striking viewpoints, a slew of natural wonders, and plenty of historical spots. It is also a popular base for a wide range of trekking routes, with options catering to novices as well as experts. It is probably one of the only places where you can roam around in summer attire during the day and enjoy a bonfire (and drape a shawl) at night.
Our Dalhousie travel guide is the perfect companion when planning a vacation to the hill station.
Places to visit: Panchpula, Chamera Lake, Satdhara Falls, Gandhi Chowk, Dainkund Peak, Beeji’s Park, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, and St. Francis Church.
How to reach
By air: Kangra Airport is approximately 106 km away.
By train: Pathankot Junction Railway Station is approximately 88 km away.
Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Beach destinations have a way of relieving stress, almost as if the sea itself is washing away your fatigue. If you, too, are a fan of beachy vibes, Tarkarli in Maharashtra is one of the best bets for you. In September, the destination offers a mix of pleasant weather, scenic locales, and the chances of indulging in water sports of various kinds such as jet skiing, parasailing, snorkelling and scuba diving. With several beaches, some crowded while some are almost deserted, to spend your days at, followed by evenings spent enjoying delicious Konkani cuisine and exploring age-old temples and other spots, Tarkarli is the place to blow off some steam before going back to face the work week. Did you know that this is also where you can swim right up to a coral garden and watch the gorgeous natural wonders from up close?
Places to visit: Sindhudurg Fort, Devbagh, Tsunami Island, Kolamb Beach, Karli River backwaters, and Rock Garden.
How to reach
By air: Dabolim International Airport is approximately 132 km away.
By train: Kudal Railway Station is approximately 50 km away.
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Insider tips for exploring India in September
- Even though the monsoon season is receding in most parts of India, keeping an umbrella and some rain covers handy is a good idea.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast when planning outdoor activities.
- Bring sunscreen, scarves, a wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent handy.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Opt for lightweight and breathable apparel.
- Keep your footwear comfy and light when planning sightseeing tours.
- When travelling to hill stations, keep a couple of light jackets or shawls ready to combat potentially chilly evenings.
- To beat the crowds, plan your visits to popular city spots towards the morning.
- Do taste local dishes, but remember to avoid pre-cut fruits and vegetables from street stalls.
- Plan your bookings and tickets in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.
(Feature image credit: Siddharthgharat, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related | Best Places In India To Go On A Trip With Friends
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, September is a good time to visit most parts of India, especially those where the monsoon season is receding or has receded.
Ziro Valley, Dehradun, Dalhousie, and Lansdowne are a few of the hill stations that are ideal for a visit in India in September.
Places such as Daman and Diu, Bakkhali, and Ziro Valley are a few of the best offbeat destinations that are worth exploring in India in September.
South India, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are a few of the top monsoon destinations in India for September travel.
Yes, you can visit Goa in September for monsoon vibes and beach fun.
Some hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, are some of the best places in North India for a visit in September.
Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam are a couple of the popular cultural festivals in India during September. The Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh is also generally held in September.
Yes, Ladakh is generally considered safe and accessible in September.
Apart from keeping an eye out on the weather and the road conditions, always keep rain covers and an umbrella handy, and ensure that you stay away from risky activities such as swimming in rivers or venturing out alone in isolated areas during heavy rain.
Tarkarli, Dalhousie, Kollam, Daman, Manali, Coorg, and Darjeeling are a few of the most romantic getaways suitable for September travel.
Yes, you can go trekking in India in September, especially if you are travelling to South, West, or Central India.
Dehradun, Kollam, Mumbai, Ziro Valley, and Varanasi are a few of the most family-friendly destinations in India in September.
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Eight in ten Indians now say they plan their trips around cultural experiences, be it grand festivals, local traditions, or ancient heritage, says report.
From Kerala’s backwaters and Ayurveda to the Northeast’s tribal festivals, travellers are weaving deeper meaning into their journeys
For decades, Indian holidays often meant quick getaways, famous monuments, or beaches with family. But 2025 is bringing a different mood to the way India travels. According to Skyscanner’s latest Cultural Tourism report, culture has shifted from being a backdrop to becoming the very purpose of a journey. Eight in ten Indians now say they plan their trips around cultural experiences, be it grand festivals, local traditions, or ancient heritage.
Festivals as the New Compass
More than half of Indian travellers (55%) have attended cultural festivals or fairs, and a staggering 76% have even altered travel plans just to witness a cultural spectacle. This year, Durga Puja in Kolkata (53%), Lathmar Holi in Barsana (51%), and Onam in Kerala (35%) top the must-see list. Beyond festivals, historical cities like Jaipur and Varanasi, and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hampi and the Taj Mahal, continue to pull in culture-curious Indians. Skyscanner data even shows that searches for Varanasi have increased by 76% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Hidden Gems Take Centre Stage
It’s not just the big names that are drawing attention. An overwhelming 93% of travellers said they would consider lesser-known destinations if they offered authentic cultural experiences. This reflects a growing appetite for hidden gems: villages, towns, and communities where traditions thrive away from crowded tourist trails. One way to explore these hidden treasures is by using Skyscanner’s ‘Explore Everywhere’ search feature, with filter options like ‘underrated destinations’ and ‘art and culture’ to make it easier than ever to find the perfect spot for a unique tradition-rich escape.
Travel for Connection And Meaning
“Indian travellers are moving beyond holidays taken only for leisure. The growing quest for depth has given rise to a new archetype, the culture-curious traveller, one who seeks knowledge, connection, and fulfilment,” said Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert. “For them, success is measured in stories carried home that deepen their sense of people and place. Interestingly, our report also highlights that 71% prefer to travel with family, followed by 62% with friends, and 56% with a partner or spouse. This shows travel today is shifting from sights seen, to connections deepened and Skyscanner’s all-in-one app makes it easier and more affordable to plan those meaningful journeys.”
From Observing to Immersing
The new cultural traveller doesn’t want to just watch; they want to participate. Four in ten want to explore heritage villages or eco-cultural communities, while 38% are keen on culinary trails that reveal the roots of local cuisines. As Dr. Aditi Rawat of Pahle India Foundation puts it, “Cultural tourism is fast becoming a defining lens through which Indian travellers experience their country and the world. The trend is moving towards combining cultural discovery with comfort, luxury, and leisure, a blend that encourages longer stays and deeper engagement. Catalysed by rising accessibility, robust infrastructure, and digital connectivity, it is reshaping travel from passive sightseeing to immersive storytelling, where visitors engage with living heritage, traditions, and narratives that define each destination.”
Safety, Planning, and Smart Hacks
Practicality, of course, remains key. Safety ranks as the top consideration (45%) when choosing a cultural trip, followed by authenticity (33%) and seasonality (31%). Most travellers start planning one to two months in advance, leaning on social media (45%), friends and family (39%), and apps like Skyscanner (27%) for inspiration. And when it comes to booking, value matters! 60% say knowing the cheapest time to fly during a festival is their most helpful hack.
To further assist Indians in charting their journeys, Neel Ghose added, “For travellers seeking inspiration, describing your ideal getaway on Skyscanner’s app-only AI feature, Savvy Search can help uncover temple cities, native lands, royal palaces, and more. The tool curates a list of destinations based on the prompts, directing you to Skyscanner’s flight search, letting you compare the best prices. And, when it comes to planning, for those looking to make the most of their holiday around a festival, a simple hack is to use the ‘Whole Month’ view to spot the cheapest days to fly around the date! Smart planning choices like these can help unlock cultural experiences without breaking the bank, letting you create memories and returning home with learnings that last a lifetime.”
A Cultural Wave Shaping Tourism’s Future
What’s clear is that cultural curiosity isn’t just a passing trend; it’s reshaping Indian tourism itself. From Kerala’s backwaters and Ayurveda to the Northeast’s tribal festivals, travellers are weaving deeper meaning into their journeys. Supported by government initiatives such as Dekho Apna Desh and Swadesh Darshan 2.0, cultural tourism is becoming both an economic driver and a custodian of India’s diverse identity. As Dr. Aditi Rawat notes, “It is revitalising economies, positioning diversity as a global asset, and turning sites and practices into hubs that attract global visitors, empower local communities, and shape the future of India’s tourism economy.”
Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi…Read More
Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi… Read More
The new age of travelling is shifting landscapes one trip at a time. It’s beyond just regular sightseeing. Today, it’s staycations, wellness retreats, luxury escapes, and right now it’s all about soaking in culture. Why? Because experience value has found its place at the core.
Cultural tourism is making strides and Indian travellers are totally on board. Around 82 per cent of Indian travellers are looking for destinations that offer authentic local heritage, traditions, and experiences, according to the latest Cultural Tourism Report by Skyscanner.
In today’s era, people are not only keeping a travel budget aside but also curating itineraries specifically around the festive seasons. In fact, seven in ten travellers say they are open to exploring both local and international cultural diversity.
“Indian travellers are moving beyond holidays taken only for leisure. The growing quest for depth has given rise to a new archetype – the culture-curious traveller – one who seeks knowledge, connection and fulfilment,” says Neel Ghose, Skyscanner travel trends and destinations expert.
Festive first travel
Celebrating festivals is no longer a side activity. It’s becoming the main travel plan.
76 per cent of Indian travellers have altered their plans to attend a cultural event. And the hottest draws? Kolkata’s Durga Puja (53 per cent), Lathmar Holi in Barsana (51 per cent), and Onam in Kerala (35 per cent). For younger travellers, it’s about dancing, feasting, celebrating rather than just being passive observers.
Almost 55 per cent of Indian travellers have attended local festivals, fairs, or cultural events, the survey shows. And where is the bandwagon heading? Varanasi secures the top spot.
Interestingly, heritage cities are seeing renewed love. Kashi or Varanasi, one of the oldest Indian cities that brims with culture, heritage and traditions, has witnessed a 76 per cent jump in searches for 2025, followed by Jaipur, Agra, and Hampi.
Another growing category is the intrigue of the offbeat. A striking 93 per cent of travellers want to explore underrated destinations – tea festivals in Assam, tribal gatherings in Arunachal, or local heritage in Kerala. These offbeat spots are where authenticity thrives away from the commercialised masses.
Who are the trendsetters?
There are no brownie points for guessing who is leading this change – Millennials (84 per cent) followed by Gen Z (80 per cent).
At a time when travel trends are changing at lightening speed, solo travel is lowkey last season! It may have been the hype once, but family-first is back (fam jams for the win). 71 per cent prefer travelling with family, 62 per cent with friends, and 56 per cent with a partner.
And as this cultural wave builds, patterns are clear. Nearly four in ten want to explore heritage villages or eco-cultural communities, while 38 per cent are drawn to culinary trails revealing the historic roots of local cuisines. Dr. Aditi Rawat, associate fellow, Pahle India Foundation, explains that cultural tourism is evolving into “immersive storytelling,” blending comfort and discovery for longer, more meaningful stays.
Experience value remains the marker of success and 39 per cent of travellers consider a trip meaningful only if they return home having learnt something new about the place or its people.
Gathering anecdotes and lifetime experiences is all good, but before that comes the important yet boring part – planning. And the survey emphasises how this digitally driven age holds safety and smart planning at the centre.
Safety ranks as the top priority for 45 per cent of cultural tourists, followed by authenticity and timing. Most travellers start planning one to two months in advance, inspired by social media, family recommendations, and apps too.
Travel in 2025 is changing. While films like Zindagei Na Milegi Dobara gave us La Tomatina dreams, Millennials and Gen Z are all set to check off the bucket list with festivals and heritage closer to home.
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