Headed to India anytime soon? Lucky you! Head east, and there are a whole bunch of places practically unknown to tourists. Prices are still reasonable and not that cold, so let’s say this is the best month to uncover these jewels in the country without the normal fanfare.
You could be looking for unexplored territories, traditions, or peace and quiet; these offbeat places in India are really worth the travel. So here is a travel guide of places to visit in the month of November along with a few tips and tricks for smooth travel.
List of the 5 Offbeat Destinations to Discover in India in November:
1. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Valley, situated in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, is a beautiful escarpment that is a far cry from the towns. It is situated amidst mountain ranges shrouded in fog and rice paddies. This valley is the bastion of the Apatani people and gives insight into a beautiful history and civilization.
Things to do
- Visit Apatani Villages: Take a stroll in and around the hamlets of Hong and Hari to learn the way of life of the Apatanis. Locals met here wearing broadband nose plugs and face tattoos that mark their culture.
- Hiking and Watching Birds: All the terrains of Ziro are fit for hiking and also bird watching. The Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary located a little afar also houses the rare clouded leopards and hornbills.
- Participate in a Cultural Celebration: Provided your travel takes place one of the months when traditional events such as Myoko (March), Dree, or the like activities (July) take place, this is an interesting form of cultural engagement. However, November presents a sweet relief for avoidable excursions devoid of distractions.
Suggestions
- Get Ready for a Countryside Atmosphere: The places where one can stay are quite basic, but nevertheless, warm and modern paraphernalia are provided, and this comes under the off-beaten travel experience.
- Wear Warm Clothing: The month of November is characterized by low temperatures both during the day and especially at night; therefore, come prepared.
Arunachal Pradesh Package: 7 Nights 8 Days Arunachal & Assam Travel Itinerary
2. Dholavira, Gujarat
Dholavira, in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India, is perhaps one of the most notable Harappan places. Dholavira is an old city that is associated with the Indus Valley civilization and transports you back to the very ancient times of Indian history as well.
Things to Do
- Tour the Archaeological Ruins: Stroll through the well-preserved remains of the Harappan city and its complex water harvesting structures, huge tanks, and ancient road patterns.
- Rann of Kutch: The Rann Utsav, a month-long festival considering the cultural integration of Kutch with its community art, music, and dance, begins in the month of November. After visiting Dholavira, the salt flats are worth going for a beautiful sunset view.
- Wildlife Spotting: Visit the nearby Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary for spotting flora, fauna, and migratory birds too.
Tips
- Opt for Local Homestays: Dholavira has a few places to stay, but national homestays offer better services and are more appealing.
- Desert Load Up: Days might be warm, but the nights could be colder. Good walking shoes and clothes that can be worn in layers are recommended.
Gujarat Travel Packages:
3. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
If you are after tranquillity and breathtaking mountain views, then Tirthan Valley, situated in Himachal Pradesh, is an unexplored wonderland. November is the ideal month to enjoy the beauty of the valley without the summer vacationers, and it is also a relief from the scorching heat since it offers plenty of outdoor activities with conducive cool weather. Read More: 5 Best Places to See in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Things to Do
- Great Himalayan National Park: This park sits in accord with almost all the countries of the world, is characterized by rich biodiversity, and is the habitat of snow leopards and Himalayan tahr. November is also the off-peak season most tourists do not rationally think about, which means it’s a good time to go trekking.
- Riverside Camping: Thanks to the Tirthan River that courses through the valley, the place is also suitable for camping and fishing purposes.
- Village Walks: Stroll around elaborate villages Gushaini and Nagini and relish the estate of Himachal Pradesh as well as its food.
Tips
- Make homestays your preference. A lot of homestays in this region provide warm and homely hospitality. You should book as early as possible because Tirthan Valley has few places to stay.
- Be Ready for Winter Weather: In November, Tirthan Valley experiences very low temperatures, so pack appropriate clothing.
Himachal Travel Itineraries:
- 10 Days Himachal Trip Package
- 7 Days Shimla Manali Dharamshala Trip
- Himachal Pradesh Offbeat Tour 9 Days
4. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Mawlynnong, usually referred to as “the cleanest village in Asia”, is a beautiful small village located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Thanks to the practices of the community and the clean environment, Mawlynnong is a perfect destination where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty without causing any harm to nature.
Things to Do
- Walk the Living Root Bridges: Root bridges are unique structures that serve as bridges and are made from the interweaving of tree roots. The Riwai root bridge, which is located nearby, is the best root bridge in this region.
- Sky View Tower: You have to climb this bamboo tower in order to have the best views of the plains of Bangladesh on a clear day.
- Interacting with Locals: The villages are quite friendly, and some will even request that you visit their houses, which are very informative about their way of life and how they live sustainably.
Tips
- Carry Eco-friendly Products: Mawlynnong is very particular about its environment, thus carrying as much as possible from home to avoid carrying disposable plastics.
- Explore Nearby Attractions: Brave Traveler is not an oxymoron; from Mawlynnong, one can also go to Dawki, which is known for its clear water, and Cherrapunji, whose main feature is rainfall and the smaller waterfalls.
Meghalaya Tour Packages:
- 3 Nights 4 Days Meghalaya Trip
- 4 Days Mawlynnong Shillong Cherrapunji Tour
- 6 Days Gangtok Kalimpong Darjeeling Travel
5. Gurez Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
On the extreme end of Kashmir lies the Gurez Valley, where nature is magnificent and people can lead a simple life in the remote villages of the mountains. The visit in the month of November helps one to enjoy the last fall colours before the valley gets all white and frosty.
Things to Do
- Experience Local Rural Society: Head towards Dawar and Tulail, two small villages where folks will entertain you with their narratives and traditions.
- Modes of Adventure: Trekking & Fishing: Gurez Valley is designed for trekking and fishing fondly, especially in the vicinity of the Kishanganga River.
- Points-Vertical: It is a photographer’s perspective in the valley with breathtaking beauty peering at Habba Khatoon mountain, which is valued by all photographers.
Tips
- Get Permissions: Gurez is next to the line of control; therefore, one may be required to get some documents from the concerned department.
- Get Ready for Scarce Availability of Facilities: Gurez is far and away; there are no available ways of communication or places to sleep, so be ready for a rough experience.
Jammu & Kashmir Travel Packages:
- 7 Days Kashmir Travel Itinerary
- 3 Nights 4 Days Kashmir Tour
- 6 Days Kashmir Honeymoon Itinerary
- 5 Days Kashmir Trip Package
Final Thoughts
Each of these offbeat destinations offers an experience far removed from the conventional tourist trail. November is an ideal month to visit these places for pleasant weather and crowd-free exploration. By planning ahead and respecting local customs, you’ll be rewarded with unique cultural insights, natural beauty, and an unforgettable adventure in India’s hidden gems.
Further Insights:
- 5 Must-Visit Temples in India During November
- Places to See North India in November
- Adventure Activities to Experience in India in November
- 6 Romantic Getaways in India for November
- Wildlife National Parks & Safaris in India in November
- Top 23 Must-Visit Places in November in India
- Places to See in November for Honeymoon in India
- North East India Places to Visit in November
- November Weather in India: What to Expect for Your Travel Plans