5 Places to explore in September

Sadly, for most travelers, September marks the end of travel season. It’s back-to-school, back-to-work, back-to-reality drudgery. But if you can buck the trend, you’ll find that September is when those with the savvy and the means pack their bags and embark on an adventure.

McLeodganj

McLeodganj is the epitome of hospitable locals. Nestled in the Himalayas, McLeodganj is a small village located on a peak.  The tranquillity of this place is unmatched for and the narrow winding roads are a real beauty. The place in September will have lesser crowd and

Inside fact – You can treat yourself to delicious pastas and lasagnes in the homey cafés of McLeodganj.

You can read our tryst with this little Tibet here.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh found its highlight when the Beatles arrived here to the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and since then, it has been a preferred destination for those seeking spiritual salvation. So while mornings are spent in yoga, evenings in Hrishikesh are spent watching the nightly Ganga aarti, and you can try your hand at a sitar or tabla while you wait for the aarti to start, or even try some crystal healing. If you are an adrenaline junkie though, Rishikesh will not disappoint – it is a popular white water rafting and trekking center and backpackers come by the dozen to try out these activities.The water in September is more calm and serene after the monsoon gods have poured enough.

Our experience at this holy place has always been graciously joyful, read our story here.

Inside Fact : Digideroo workshop is a great way to learn about an old music instrument.

Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers is a high-altitude Himalayan valley that is known for its colourful endemic flowers. It has been recognised internationally for over a century, and finds mention in the Hindu scriptures. Some of the flora recorded here are not even found in the adjoining Nanda Devi National Park, and the diversity of threatened plants, medicinal or otherwise is the highest in any other Indian Himalayan protected areas.

One of the best rated treks, September marks the full bloom of the flowers in the region. Before it gets closed this season, add this to your bucket list.

Insider Fact :  A photographer’s paradise, you will come across a lyrically flowing stream, the legend of sleepy hollow, a working class bee exploited by its monarch and pine tree fruits look alike.

Jim Corbett National Park

Named after the legendary hunter Jim Corbett, who famously wrote the book The Man-Eaters of Kumaon, about the man-eating tigers he shot through the years in the area, Corbett National Park was India’s first such park established in 1936. Today, while tiger sightings may be difficult here (the 200-odd tiger population is neither tracked, nor baited), late-season sightings are possible.

Tourists who want to avoid the crowd and enjoy the greenery offered by monsoon in Jim Corbett can plan the tour.

Inside Fact : Sometimes you get lucky , as the Tiger feels no one is watching him.

Kausani

Kausani is a picturesque hill station located in the Bageswar district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 1890 m, Kausani overlooks the Someswar Valley, Garur, and Baijnath Katyuri Valley. This sleepy hill town presents its visitors with spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas including the peaks of Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Panchchuli. The tea gardens, temples, and the Gandhi Ashram are the other attractions in town.

Inside Fact : Reminder of the simpler times, I found it easy to put my thoughts to paper there because of the surrounding serenity.

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