The month of September is a transition period. It marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the autumn season. There is lush greenery all around, and the weather is cool. The whole country, India, looks fresh and witnesses a fewer crowd. So, it is an ideal time to explore any parts of this country.
If you are new or are visiting India for the first time, you might have a query in mind where to go. This blog post on the best places to visit in India in September is a good read. In this post, you learn about top places to visit with their key attractions and how to access them on your trip to India.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty is officially known as Udhagamandalam and lies at an altitude of 2,240 metres in the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu. It is famous as the Switzerland of India and Queen of Hill Stations. In September, it has pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C. However, you can easily explore it throughout the year.
Key Attractions in Ooty
- Doddabetta Peak
- Wenlock Downs
- Ooty Lake
- Pykara Lake & Falls
- Avalanchi Lake
- Government Botanical Garden
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway
- Government Rose Garden
How to Reach Ooty
You can take a flight to Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 90 km from Ooty and has good air connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. For a rail journey, you can board a direct/connecting train to Mettupalayam Railway Station. The station is around 40 km from this hill station. You can use NH 181 and NH 275 for a road trip from nearby cities like Mysore, Coimbatore, and Bangalore.
Alleppey, Kerala
Alleppey is also known as Alappuzha. It is a favourite backwater destination in Kerala and famous as the Venice of the East and the Rice Bowl of Kerala. September brings respite from high humidity and gives a chance to late-season traditional boat regattas. Its post-monsoon lush greenery and Alleppey backwaters make it one of the best places to visit in September in India.
Key Attractions in Alleppey
- Alappuzha Beach
- Alappuzha Lighthouse
- Vembanad Lake
- Alleppey Backwaters
- Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
- Pathiramanal Island
- Marari Beach
- Krishnapuram Palace
How to Reach Alleppey
You can fly to Cochin International Airport to reach Alleppey by air. This airport is about 75 km from Alappuzha. You can board a train to Alappuzha Railway Station, which has good rail connectivity to Kochi (Ernakulam), Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, and Delhi. After arriving at the airport or railway station, you can use a private car for a smooth drive to Alleppey.
Coorg, Karnata
Coorg has a local official name, Kodagu. It is famous as the Coffee Bowl of India, Kashmir of the South, and Scotland of India. September leaves its coffee plantations lush green, waterfalls roaring, and weather pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C. In September, you can explore Coorg at your own pace without any rush.
Key Attractions in Coorg
- Abbey Falls
- Mallalli Falls
- Mandalpatti Peak
- Namdroling Monastery
- Talacauvery
- Raja’s Seat
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Madikeri Fort
How to Reach Coorg
You can take a flight to Mangalore International Airport, Kannur International Airport, or Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore). These airports are about 120, 135, and 250 kilometres from Coorg. You can board a train to Mysore Junction or Mangalore Central/Junction if you love travelling by train. Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, you can use a car rental service or app-based cab to reach Coorg smoothly.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry, also Puducherry, offers the right combination of South Indian culture and French colonial heritage. It has nicknames as the French Riviera of the East and the French Capital of India. In September, it features lush green surroundings and pleasant humidity retreats. It offers relaxed sightseeing and luxury travel at a lower cost. Therefore, Puducherry is among the best places to travel in September in India.
Key Attractions in Pondicherry
- White Town
- Auroville
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Promenade Beach
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
- Paradise Beach
- Serenity Beach
How to Reach Pondicherry
You can either land at Chennai International Airport or Pondicherry Airport to reach Puducherry. For a rail journey, you can board a direct/connecting train to Puducherry Railway Station, which receives daily trains from Chennai, Tirupati, Mumbai, Bangalore, and New Delhi.
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Srinagar is famous as the Heaven on Earth, City of the Sun, and Land of Lakes and Gardens. It lies on the bank of the Jhelum River. Srinagar is a world-renowned tourist destination in India. September brings pleasant autumn weather in Srinagar with golden Chinar leaves and clear skies. The month is ideal for Srinagar tourism.
Key Attractions in Srinagar
- Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh)
- Dal Lake for shikara rides
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Nigeen Lake
- Chashme Shahi
- Pari Mahal
- Hazratbal Shrine
How to Reach Srinagar
You can take a direct flight to Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bangalore. Otherwise, you can board a train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station (271 km away) or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is famous as the Summer Capital of British India and a popular hill station. Its Himalayan backdrops, colonial architecture, and cool, pleasant weather make it a favourite destination for domestic and international tourists. September marks the end of monsoon showers and offers clearer skies and budget-friendly travel. Therefore, it is among the most favourite tourist places to visit in India in September.
Key Attractions in Shimla
- Mall Road
- The Ridge
- The grand statue at Jakhoo Temple
- Historical Viceregal Lodge
- Christ Church
- Kufri
- Jhakhu Hill
- Green Valley
How to Reach Shimla
You can either fly to Jubbarhatti Airport or Chandigarh Airport to reach Shimla. These airports are approximately 22 km and 120 km from Shimla. For a rail journey, you can board a direct/connecting train to Kalka Railway Station. You can use NH 5 and NH 44 for a road journey from Chandigarh and Delhi respectively.
Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar is a spiritual and historical hub in Punjab. It is famous as the Spiritual Capital of Punjab and delicious Punjabi food. September brings retreating humidity and temperatures ranging from 23°C to 35°C. It offers budget-friendly travel and allows you to enjoy luxury at lower prices before the beginning of the peak season from October.
Key Attractions in Amritsar
- Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
- Jallianwala Bagh
- Bagha Border
- Partition Museum
- Gobindgarh Fort
- Durgiana Temple
- Hall Bazaar
- Sadda Pind
How to Reach Amritsar
You can take a direct/connecting flight to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar. The airport is just about 11 km from the city and has good air connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bangalore. For a comfortable rail journey, you can board a direct or connecting train to Amritsar Junction. You can use a private car/taxi or shared bus to reach the city.
Goa
Goa is the smallest but most popular coastal state in India. It has several nicknames like the Pearl of the Orient, Tourist Paradise, Rome of the East, and Fun Capital of India. September marks the end of monsoon rains here and offers lush greenery, lower travel prices, and fewer crowds. That is why it is among the best places to visit in September in India.
Key Attractions in Goa
- Famous beaches: Arjuna, Baga, Canalgate, and Palolem
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Fort Aguada
- Dudhsagar Falls
- Grand Island
- Fontains
How to Reach Goa
You can either fly to Dabolim International Airport (GOI) or Manohar International Airport (GOX) to reach Goa. For a rail journey, you can board a train to Madgaon Junction. These airports and the railway station have good air and rail connectivity to major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. You can use prepaid taxis, car rental services, or shuttle bus services from the airport or railway station.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is famous as a holy city on the Ganga River and the Yoga Capital of the World. It has other nicknames such as the Adventure Capital of India and the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. September brings the post-monsoon greenery, fewer footfalls, and pleasant weather that make it ideal for nature lovers and peace seekers.
Key Attractions in Rishikesh
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
- Ram Jhoola
- Lakshman Jhoola
- Beatles Ashram
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram
- Neer Garh Waterfall
- River Rafting at the Ganges River
- Kunjapuri Temple
How to Reach Rishikesh
You can either fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun or board a train to Haridawar Junction. The Dehradun Airport has daily domestic flights from Delhi Airport while Haridwar Junction has good rail connectivity to major rail hubs like Delhi. You can use NH 58 for a scenic road drive to Rishikesh from Delhi if you land at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is a highly popular hill station in West Bengal, India. It lies at an altitude of 2,045 metres and is famous as the Land of Thunderbolt. In September, it has fewer crowds and features clear skies, lush green landscapes, and panoramic mountain views. So, it is one of the best places to visit in India in September.
Key Attractions in Darjeeling
- Tiger Hill
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
- Batasia Loop
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Chowrasta Mall Road
- Ghoom Monastery
How to Reach Darjeeling
You can either land at the Bagdogra Airport or board a train to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Both the airport and the railway station are approximately 70 km from Darjeeling and have good air and rail connectivity to major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati. You can use a private cab to smoothly reach Darjeeling after arriving at the airport or railway station.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and lies in the northeastern part of India. It is famous as the Rock Capital of India and the Scotland of the East. The post-monsoon season, in September, brings the strongest waterfalls, lush greenery, and fewer footfalls. It is an off-season for tourism in Shillong, Meghalaya. Therefore, you can get huge discounts on luxury hotel bookings and activities at its key places.
Key Attractions in Shillong
- Elephant Falls
- Umiam Lake
- Shillong Peak
- Ward’s Lake
- Laitlum Canyons
- Don Bosco Museum
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
- Police Bazar
How to Reach Shillong
You can either fly to Shillong Airport or Guwahati Airport. The Guwahati Airport has broad international and domestic air connectivity. The first one is about 35 km while the second is about 125 km away from the city centre. You can take a direct/connecting train to Guwahati Junction for a comfortable rail journey. Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, you can hire a taxi service for a smooth drive to Shillong.
Delhi
Delhi is called Dilli Dilwalon Ki, the Heart of India, City of Railies, and Dilwalon ki Dilli (the city with kind hearted people). It represents the perfect combination of ancient heritage and modern life. September makes the national capital city lush green and retreating. It has cool and pleasant weather with temperatures ranging 25°C to 34°C. Therefore, it is among the places to visit in September in India.
Key Attractions in Delhi
- Red Fort
- Lotus Temple
- Humayun Tomb
- Qutub Minar
- India Gate
- Akshardham Temple
- Jama Masjid
- Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
- Chandni Chowk
- Lodhi Garden
- National Zoological Park
How to Reach Delhi
You can land at Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is about 15 km from central New Delhi. For a rail journey, you can board a train to railway stations like New Delhi Junction, Old Delhi Junction, and Anand Vihar Terminus.
It has good interstate bus terminals (ISBTs) at Anand Vihar, Kashmiri Gate, and Sarai Kale Khan. You can ride a state- or private-run bus to any of these terminals for a road trip. To make your road journey smoother and more comfortable, you can hire a private car/taxi from nearby areas.
Majuli Island, Assam
Majuli Island has nicknames like the Cultural Capital of Assam, India’s First Island District, and World’s Largest River Island. It is the largest river island on the Brahmaputra River in the world. In September, the island witnesses a decrease in the river water level and features muddy terrain. However, you can access this island from the Nimati Ghat in the last of September and enjoy lush greenery and varied landscapes here.
Travellers who want to explore Majuli along with other destinations in Northeast India can consider a North East India tour package for a more convenient journey.
Key Attractions in Majuli Island
- Mishing Tribal Villages
- Brahmaputra Riverbanks
- Salmora Pottery Village
- Kamalabari, Auniati, Dakhinpat, and Samaguri Satras
How to Reach Majuli Island, Assam
You can take a direct/connecting flight to Jorhat Airport, which has good air connectivity to Guwahati Airport and is about 20 km from the island. For a rail journey, you can either board a train to Jorhat Town Railway Station or Mariani Junction. These railway stations have good rail connectivity to Guwahati Junction and allied regional railway stations. You can use a bus or private taxi from the airport, railway station or nearby bus stops to reach Majuli Island.
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Valley lies at an altitude of 1,500 metres from sea level and is a stunning hill station in Arunachal Pradesh. It has many nicknames, and some of them are the Music Capital of Northeast India and Lush Green Paradise. September brings mild weather to it and temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, which are ideal for exploration and outdoor activities. Therefore, it falls among the best places to visit in September in India. This valley hosts the Ziro Festival of Music every year.
Key Attractions in Ziro Valley
- Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kile Pakho
- Dolo Mando
- Ziro Putu
- Apatani Villages
- Tarin Fish Farm
- Midey
- Kardo Shiva Linga
How to Reach Ziro Valley
To reach Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, you can either take a flight to Guwahati Airport or Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar. The Itanagar Airport has limited air traffic while the Guwahati Airport has good connectivity to major air hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.
For a rail journey, you can board a train to Naharlagun Railway Station or North Lakhimpur Railway Station. These railway stations have good rail connectivity to Guwahati Junction and are about 110 km from the valley. You can take a direct bus to Ziro Valley from Guwahati or Itanagar.
Lonavala, Maharashtra
Lonavala has several nicknames, like the City of Caves and Twin Hill Station. In September, this hill station features lush greenery, misty plains, brimming dams, and waterfalls in their full strength. As the monsoon is close to ending, it has cool and wet weather. So, you can comfortably explore it at your own pace.
Key Attractions in Lonavala
- Tiger Point
- Lion Point
- Bhusi Dam
- Kune Waterfalls
- Lohagad Fort
- Rajmachi Fort
- Kalra Caves
- Bhaja Caves
- Della Adventure Park
How to Reach Lonavala
You can either fly to Pune Airport or Mumbai Airport. These airports are approximately 70 km and 90 km from Lonavala. For a rail journey, you can board a direct/connecting train to Lonavala Railway Station. This station lies on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. You can use a state or private-run bus to reach Lonavala if you are coming from neighbouring areas like Pune and Mumbai.
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FAQs
What are the best places to visit in September in India?
The best places to visit in India in September are Alleppey, Ooty, Coorg, Pondicherry, Srinagar, Shimla, Lonavala, and Rishikesh. These places have pleasant weather and beautiful landscapes to explore.
Which states are the best to visit in September in India?
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, etc. are the best to visit in India in September.
Should I visit hill stations in India in September?
Yes, you can visit hill stations in India in September. The monsoon starts to fade, and the hill stations feel fresh and offer clear views of everything around them.
What are the budget-friendly places to visit in September in India?
Goa, Shimla, Lonavala, and Coorg are the budget-friendly places to visit in September in India. Due to the off-season and less crowd, you can enjoy peace and luxury at lower prices.