East or west, September is the best
Be it the mountains of the north, lush valleys of the south and east, or the deserts of the west, this is the time when they’re all at their balmy best and free of the year-end tourist hordes. Here are some recommendations: Jaipur: This big city in Rajasthan has chaotic traffic but also plenty of heritage sightseeing, and the weather is good for loafing around the famed Johri Bazaar. Manali: This hill station in Himachal Pradesh is a honeymooners’ favourite, trekking paradise, a hippie hangout, and perfect for the sport of paragliding.
Ziro: You’ll get only mild rainfall at this place in Arunachal Pradesh during this month. The Ziro music festival (Sept 27-30 this year) is a top attraction.
Leh: A road trip to Leh, in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, makes for a memorable experience. Diu: This is a tiny beach city in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. This serene spot is the best alternative to Goa, thanks to cheap drinks, beach shacks, and seafood. The town has a Portuguese colonial-era fortress.