October in India marks the arrival of autumn – a time when the heavy monsoon rains are gone, the skies are crystal clear, and a pleasant nip fills the air. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, making it perfect for outdoor adventures, cultural explorations, and long road trips. This is also the beginning of the festive season, with celebrations like Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali adding colour and joy to every corner of the country.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, wildlife, spirituality, or just relaxation, October has something for every kind of traveller. And the best part? Most of these destinations are well connected by bus, making road travel affordable, scenic, and convenient. From luxury Volvos to budget sleeper coaches, buses let you enjoy the journey as much as the destination. 🤩🚍
So, if you’re planning your next getaway, here’s a carefully curated list of the 10 best destinations to visit in India in October, along with detailed guides on what to do there and how to reach each place by bus.
Top Destinations to Visit in India in October
1. Jaipur, Rajasthan – The Pink City 🌇
What to Do in Jaipur 👇
- Amer Fort: Explore the grand fort with its intricate carvings, Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), and elephant rides up the ramparts.
- Hawa Mahal: Capture pictures of this honeycomb-shaped palace, best viewed in morning light.
- City Palace & Jantar Mantar: Walk through royal courtyards and astronomical instruments.
- Shopping: Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are famous for jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts.
- Cuisine: Try Dal Baati Churma, Ghevar, and spicy kachoris.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
RSRTC and private operators run frequent buses from Delhi, Agra, and Udaipur. Volvo and sleeper buses from Delhi take about 6–7 hours (260 km).
2. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – Yoga Capital & Adventure Hub 🧘♂️
What to Do in Rishikesh 👇
- River Rafting: Experience Grade II–IV rapids on the Ganga, a must for adventure seekers.
- Yoga Retreats: Join classes or multi-day retreats at world-famous ashrams.
- Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula: Walk across suspension bridges offering stunning river views.
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: A mesmerising evening ritual with chants, diyas, and bells.
- Trekking & Camping: Short treks to waterfalls like Neer Garh and riverside camps.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
Uttarakhand Roadways and private Volvos connect Rishikesh to Delhi (6–7 hours). From Dehradun, frequent buses (1.5 hours) are available.
3. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – Land of Monasteries ❄️
What to Do in Spiti Valley 👇
- Key Monastery: Visit this ancient monastery perched high above Kaza.
- Chandratal Lake: A high-altitude lake known for its turquoise water and camping experiences.
- Tabo Monastery: Often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” for its murals and history.
- Pin Valley National Park: Trek through snow leopard’s habitat and alpine landscapes.
- Village Homestays: Stay in remote villages like Langza and Komik for authentic experiences.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
HRTC runs buses from Shimla to Kaza via Reckong Peo (12-14 hours). Seasonal buses also operate from Manali (via Rohtang and Kunzum Pass), if roads are open.
4. Udaipur, Rajasthan – City of Lakes 🚣♂️
What to Do in Udaipur 👇
- City Palace: Explore royal courtyards, museums, and panoramic views of the lake.
- Lake Pichola Boat Ride: Sunset cruises are unforgettable, with Jag Mandir and Lake Palace views.
- Fateh Sagar Lake: Relax with pedal boats and lakeside cafes.
- Saheliyon Ki Bari: Visit this garden with fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions.
- Local Markets: Shop for miniature paintings, silver jewellery, and Rajasthani handicrafts.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
From Jaipur (8 hours), Ahmedabad (6 hours), and Jodhpur (5 hours), RSRTC and private Volvos run overnight buses.
5. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat – The White Desert 🤩
What to Do in Rann of Kutch 👇
- Salt Desert Walks: Experience the vast expanse of white salt plains under the moonlight.
- Cultural Encounters: Visit Dhordo for handicrafts, embroidery, and Kutchi folk music.
- Kalo Dungar (Black Hill): View the desert panorama from the highest point in Kutch.
- Mandvi Beach: Relax on this quiet beach with camel rides and sunset views.
- Wildlife Tours: Spot flamingos and desert foxes in the nearby sanctuary.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
GSRTC runs buses from Ahmedabad to Bhuj (8-9 hours). From Bhuj, take local buses or jeeps to Dhordo (80 km).
6. Goa – Beaches, Music & Culture 🏖️
What to Do in Goa 👇
- Beaches: Relax at Baga, Palolem, Vagator, and Colva. Each beach has its own vibe.
- Water Sports: Try parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.
- Old Goa: Explore UNESCO churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
- Forts & Views: Visit Aguada and Chapora Fort for sunset views.
- Nightlife: Beach shacks, clubs, and flea markets keep Goa lively after dark.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
Private operators like VRL, KSRTC, and Kadamba Transport run Volvos from Mumbai (12 hours), Pune (10 hours), and Bangalore (10 hours).
7. Mysuru, Karnataka – The Royal City
What to Do in Mysuru 👇
- Mysore Palace: Witness the palace illuminated at night during Dasara.
- Dasara Festival: Attend the grand procession of decorated elephants and cultural shows.
- Chamundi Hills: Climb 1,000 steps to the temple for sweeping city views.
- Brindavan Gardens: Famous for its musical fountain shows.
- Local Shopping: Buy Mysore silk sarees and sandalwood products.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
KSRTC operates luxury buses from Bangalore (150 km, 3-4 hours). Overnight buses also run from Chennai (8 hours) and Hyderabad (12 hours).
8. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh – Tiger Territory 🐅
What to Do in Bandhavgarh 👇
- Safari Rides: Open-jeep safaris offer high chances of spotting tigers.
- Bandhavgarh Fort: Explore ruins inside the park, offering panoramic views.
- Birdwatching: Spot over 250 bird species, including eagles and owls.
- Photography: Capture animals, landscapes, and sunrises over the jungle.
- Cultural Tours: Visit nearby tribal villages and markets.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
Umaria is the nearest town, connected by buses from Jabalpur (100 km), Katni, and Satna. From Umaria, jeeps transfer tourists to lodges inside the park.
9. Darjeeling, West Bengal – Queen of the Hills ⛰️
What to Do in Darjeeling 👇
- Toy Train Ride: Experience the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
- Tiger Hill Sunrise: Witness golden views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest (on clear days).
- Tea Gardens: Walk through lush estates and taste freshly brewed tea.
- Batasia Loop: A scenic train loop with gardens and a war memorial.
- Monasteries & Markets: Visit Ghoom Monastery and shop at Chowrasta.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
From Kolkata, buses run to Siliguri (12 hours). From Siliguri, shared jeeps and buses take you to Darjeeling (3 hours, 65 km uphill).
10. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh – Satpura’s Hidden Gem 🌅
What to Do in Pachmarhi 👇
- Bee Falls & Duchess Falls: Trek to refreshing waterfalls surrounded by forests.
- Jata Shankar Caves: Explore caves with religious significance and natural formations.
- Pandav Caves: Visit ancient caves believed to have housed the Pandavas.
- Viewpoints: Dhoopgarh and Handi Khoh offer stunning sunset and valley views.
- Stargazing & Relaxation: Enjoy quiet nights in this peaceful hill station.
How to Reach by Bus 🚍
Madhya Pradesh State Transport buses connect Pachmarhi with Bhopal (200 km, 6 hours) and Indore (350 km, 9 hours). From Hoshangabad, shared jeeps climb up to Pachmarhi.
Why Travel by Bus in October?
- Buses are budget-friendly and connect even remote towns.
- Road journeys let you witness landscapes change with the season – green hills, desert sunsets, and coastal drives.
- With festival travel peaking in October, booking buses early ensures hassle-free journeys.
Conclusion 👇
October is the golden month to travel across India. From Jaipur’s forts and Mysuru’s royal festivities to Goa’s fresh beaches and the surreal Rann of Kutch, each destination offers a different flavour of India.
Add in the wildlife of Bandhavgarh, the serenity of Pachmarhi, or the Himalayan adventures in Spiti and Darjeeling, and you have endless options.
By choosing bus travel, you make your journey not just about the destination but about the landscapes and experiences along the way. Affordable, scenic, and widely connected, buses open up India like no other mode of travel.
So, get ready, book your tickets, and let October be the month you discover the magic of India.
