Winter is right around the corner and there are residual monsoon here and there--in short, it's October! We also associate this month as the perfect time to visit some of the best offbeat destinations in India. Some may not come under conventional offbeat destinations but they are here because they are just perfect for October.

 

Baiguney, Sikkim
Skip Gangtok for a change and head to Baiguney, an offbeat hillside hamlet in West Sikkim, with some of the best experiences one can have with nature. There are a wide variety of activities to choose from including paragliding, river rafting, mountain camping, village trekking, birdwatching, just to name a few. October is the best time to be in Baiguney when the weather is not piercing cold. Club Mahindra Baiguney is a very good option if you have fun and adventure in mind.

 

Kanha, Madhya Pradesh
The Kanha Tiger Reserve is home to a wide range of exotic wildlife - from the royal Bengal tiger to many species of plants, birds, insects and reptiles. Even though tiger is the main attraction here, it is also one of the best birding destinations in India and a must-visit place for every nature and wildlife enthusiast. There are many stay options to choose from when at Kanha, but we suggest Club Mahindra Kanha resort, which will give you not only a luxurious stay but also a wholesome wildlife experience.

 

Kutch, Gujarat
When in Kutch district, one must visit Rann of Kutch. In October the otherwise marshy salt flats dries u and turns snow white salt desert. Daytime can still be very hot during this time but during night it gets pleasant and the salt plains looks fabulous under the moonlight. The villages around Rann of Kutch are rich in culture; one must visit these villages to get to know various nomadic and artisan communities.

 

 

Mysore Dasara is a very good reason to visit the city in October. The festival will begin on October 10 and will go on till October 19. The 10-day festival is also the state festival. The main attraction of the festival is the magnificent view of the Mysore Palace, lit up on all festival days from 7pm to 10pm. The front of the palace is where various cultural programs take place. Another popular attraction is the procession of decorated elephants on Vijayadashami. The procession is locally known as Jumbo Savari. Why not be a part of the celebration?

Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Speak of Ziro and we get a mental picture of lush green hills and picturesque paddy fields. At this time of the year there will be a nip in the air and greenery everywhere you look. Right after the heavy monsoon season, with residual monsoon here and there, Ziro turns into a sunny yet pleasant, crisp and breezy pre-winter destination. Ziro is home to the Apatani tribe, with very interesting traditional practices. From tattooed faces to houses constructed in a certain way, everything in Ziro has a very interesting story to tell. There are budget guest houses and hotels in the town area.