September is one of the most underrated months to travel in India. The monsoon begins to retreat; the air is fresher, lush greenery is at its peak, and
the festive season slowly starts to stir. It is the perfect time for a long weekend, road trips, and scenic getaways before the rush of winter.
Alleppey, Kerala: God’s Own Country
If you have never been to Kerala in September, you are missing out. September is also prime time for Kerala’s backwaters. Houseboats in Alleppey glide through serene canals surrounded by coconut trees and villages that feel like it is straight out of a painting. Here’s a pro tip: book an overnight cruise, it is the best way to soak it all in.
Coorg, Karnataka: The Coffee Magic
September in Coorg means coffee estates shining after the rains, misty mornings, and waterfalls that look straight out of a postcard. This is the kind of place where you just want to sit with a hot cup of filter coffee, maybe a steaming bowl of Maggi, and have nowhere to go.
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh: For Music Lovers
This is the month of the Ziro Music Festival, where indie bands perform against a beautiful backdrop of rice fields and mighty mountains. It is like nature and music blending into one vibe. Even if you are not into festivals, Ziro is breathtakingly beautiful this time of the year.
Lonavala and Khandala, Maharashtra: Quick Escapes
If you are in Mumbai or Pune, you already know these spots are classics. But September is even special, the greenery is still lush, waterfalls are flowing, and the weather is just right for treks or a lovely drive with friends.
Amritsar, Punjab: Golden Evenings
With the summer heat fading, September is a lovely time to visit the Golden Temple, and add in a food trail, fluffy, buttery kulchas, thick lassi, and loaded thalis, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate comfort trip.
Jaipur, Rajasthan: Colours of the Desert
The Pink City feels extra pretty in September. The rains leave Jaipur’s forts and palaces making them look clean and glowing, perfect for strolling through Amer Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal. Evenings are cooler, so you can actually enjoy the Instagram-famous rooftop cafes.
Shillong, Meghalaya: The Perfect Amount of Rain
The rains calm down in Shillong by September, but everything stays lush and green. It is also a great base for exploring Cherrapunji’s waterfalls or the crystal-clear waters of Dawki. Misty hills, music cafes, and cosy sweaters.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
If you have been dreaming about going to Spiti, September is the time to go before winter cuts it off. The skies are bright blue, the monasteries look almost unreal, and the entire valley glows golden as the autumn season creeps in.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Energy in the Air
Festivals start rolling in around September, and Varanasi’s ghats get extra lively. The evenings are spiritually charged by aartis on the riverside, and mornings with chai and kachoris set the tone for the day. It is intense, but in the best way possible.
Andaman Islands: Beaches Without Crowds
The rains finally ease up in the Andamans, leaving the beaches looking their best. It is also quieter, so you really get to enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, and the beaches without the peak-season rush.
