10 picturesque places in India worth visiting if you are looking for an alternative to Rishikesh and Mussoorie

October is considered the best month for travel because after the monsoon season, many previously inaccessible roads and places open up, doubling the enjoyment of the trip. This month is especially attractive due to the upcoming long weekend, when people plan trips with friends and family.

Since October 2nd falls on a Friday and is a national holiday, people are given a long weekend from October 2nd to 4th. You can take a bus from Delhi on Thursday evening and return by bus on Sunday evening, thus getting three full days to explore many wonderful places.

If you are also planning a trip during the long weekend in October, you can include these magnificent destinations in your list. These places do not require much travel time, allowing you to explore many ideal locations.

Attractive destinations for an October trip

Jaipur, Rajasthan

In October, the heat decreases, and cool winds make the weather pleasant. At this time, you can plan a trip to the capital of Rajasthan—Jaipur. If you want to go only with friends, Jaipur will be the perfect place for you. Here you can enjoy Rajasthani cuisine by visiting Jal Mahal, Bapu Bazaar, Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and City Palace. In Bapu Bazaar, girls can purchase skirts, bags, and shoes to adorn their Navratri celebrations.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Currently, solo travel is growing in popularity among people. If you want to escape the stressful office life and spend quiet moments alone, you can plan a trip to Rishikesh, which is only a six-hour drive from Delhi. There you can watch the Ganga Aarti in the evening, spending time on the banks of Triveni Ghat, observing the river's flow in solitude. Furthermore, people come from afar for Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, and rafting on the river is possible here, provided the river current is not too strong.

Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh

Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh is extremely beautiful, and people come from all over the country to admire the mountain landscapes. Despite its popularity, Jibhi is not overly crowded. Here you can spend quality time with friends, enjoying the mountains away from the crowds, and trying local Himachali cuisine, which will make your trip unforgettable. The journey from Delhi takes 10 to 12 hours, after which the captivating views of Jibhi await, capturing hearts.

Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

People often visit Nainital and Kempty Dham, but many miss the opportunity to visit a quiet place located 70 kilometers from Haldwani—Mukteshwar. You can go there with friends or family. The Mahadev temple in Mukteshwar is very famous and has connections to the Pandavas' time. Additionally, Choli Ki Jali and Balaugar waterfall are ideal spots for photography enthusiasts. From Delhi, you can reach Haldwani by bus, and then take a local Uttarakhand bus to Mukteshwar, where the scenery will bring you joy.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

During the long weekend, you can also plan a trip to Udaipur, where many amazing places await you. In Udaipur, you can walk around Pichola Lake, City Palace, and Jagdish Temple.

You can visit Udaipur with friends or a partner. Here you will have the opportunity to see Rajasthani culture up close and do some shopping.

However, before planning a mountain trip, be sure to check the weather forecast, as mountain weather can change at any moment.

Uttarakhand, situated in the picturesque valleys of the Himalayas, is globally renowned for its natural beauty, mountains, and religious sites. While places like Mussoorie, Nainital, and Rishikesh attract a large number of tourists, the state hosts numerous lesser-known destinations.

If you prefer solitude away from crowds and wish to visit a quiet and beautiful spot, you can include these offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand in your travel list. Here await magnificent mountain landscapes, dense forests, ancient temples, and an atmosphere of tranquility.

Lesser-Known Places in Uttarakhand:

One of the undeniable lesser-known spots in Uttarakhand is Munsiyari. This location is situated slightly off the main routes, and reaching it is not easy. Munsiyari is approximately 621 kilometers from Delhi, and the journey involves mountainous and winding roads. However, upon arrival, the magnificent Himalayan views and peaceful ambiance will erase any fatigue.

The Katarmal Sun Temple in Almora is another lesser-known but very special place in Uttarakhand. It is among the select temples in India dedicated to the Sun God. It is believed that the temple was built in the 9th century. The temple's architecture is distinguished by exceptional beauty, and it has been declared a national monument.

If you enjoy green meadows amidst the mountains and stunning views of high peaks, you will like Bedni Bugyal. Reaching this place requires challenging trekking, but the trails and views upon arrival fully justify the effort. Magnificent views of the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks open up from here. Trekking tourists often camp here.

Harsil Valley is an ideal place for those who want to spend time in seclusion, away from the hustle and bustle. While other parts of the country experience intense heat in the summer, the weather and calm atmosphere of Harsil attract people. Here, one can enjoy walks in nature, photography, and quiet relaxation. This place is also known for its apple orchards.

Chokori is famous for its beautiful mountain valleys and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. It offers a wonderful view of the Panchachuli peaks, with Nanda Devi peak being the main attraction. If you wish to spend some time in silence amidst nature, Chokori can be a good lesser-known destination.

The Jagneshwar Temple, located amidst the dense cedar forests of Kumaon, is among the special places of Uttarakhand. It houses a complex of about 125 ancient Hindu temples. Most of the temples are built of stone and display Nagara-style architecture. The atmosphere of the dense forests and ancient temples makes this place truly unique.

If you are looking for a quiet and uncrowded mountain spot, you should explore Sitail. This is a small and beautiful hill station located near the well-known Mukteshwar. Snowfall is also observed here in winter. Sitail is further adorned by numerous ancient guesthouses and old temples.

Uttarakhand is not limited to just Mussoorie, Nainital, and Rishikesh. The state has many such quiet and lesser-known places where one can spend time close to nature. If you love traveling away from the crowds, include places like Munsiyari, Harsil, Chokori, and Sitail in your travel list.

Kerala is known worldwide for its natural beauty, abundance of greenery, and tranquil atmosphere. Here, one can see both magnificent sea beaches and lush mountains, tea plantations, waterfalls, lakes, and inland waterways (backwaters). It is these features that attract travelers of all types to Kerala. If you are looking to spend time away from the hustle and bustle, amidst nature, Kerala will be a wonderful destination. During your trip, there is also an opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture and the simplicity of rural life. Those planning a trip to Kerala are recommended to include these beautiful places in their list.

Among the attractions of Kerala stands the Jatayu Earth’s Center in Kollam, which is famous for its enormous bird statue. This site is located on a large hill, offering picturesque views of the surroundings. Here, visitors can engage in active recreation and learn about elements related to nature and mythological stories.

For those seeking solitude, Kavvayi Island in Kannur is suitable. On this island, you can enjoy calm waters, backwaters, and greenery. The special charm of this place lies in kayaking and the beautiful sunset views.

It is impossible to talk about Kerala without mentioning the Alleppey backwaters. Water routes surrounded by coconut palms and gondola rides are very popular. A journey through the backwaters by gondola is considered one of the most memorable experiences of visiting Kerala.

Munnar is famous for its green hills and tea plantations. The vast tea fields, the mist enveloping the mountains, and the winding roads look incredible here. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

Near Kochi, there is a group of Kadamakkudy Islands. These small islands offer views of backwaters, paddy fields, and coconut trees. The beauty of this place is complemented by fishing boats in the morning and the setting sun in the evening.

Munro Island, located between Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River, is surrounded by water and greenery. Here, you can see small canals, mangrove swamps, and a peaceful rural setting. It is an excellent place for a detailed study of Kerala's natural beauty.

Varkala Beach differs from other coasts of Kerala. Here, you can admire majestic cliffs by the sea and the endless Arabian Sea. On the beach, you can relax in cafes, enjoying sunsets and the sound of waves.

Athirappilly Falls, located in Thrissur, are one of Kerala's most famous waterfalls. This waterfall is situated in the middle of dense forests on the Chalikudy River. Its view is especially magnificent during the rainy season, and the surrounding greenery makes it special for nature lovers.

Bekal Fort, located by the sea in Kasaragod, is among the main historical monuments of Kerala. This fort rises on a height, offering a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. A walk here allows one to combine learning about history with the beauty of the sea and greenery.

Meesapulimala in Idukki is one of Kerala's high mountain peaks and is very popular among trekking enthusiasts. During the ascent, one can observe green meadows, forests, and misty mountains. The summit offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

In Kerala, one can see the sea, mountains, waterfalls, backwaters, and historical sites within one state. If you want a different experience on your next trip, these locations are worth adding to your travel plan.