Key Takeaways
- November is dry and sunny across most of India: high 20s °C in Delhi and Rajasthan, around 32 °C in Kerala and Goa, and about 15 °C in the far north (Selective Asia).
- The strongest November picks are Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Varanasi, the Kerala backwaters and Goa.
- 2026 dates to plan: Diwali on 8 November, Pushkar Camel Fair from about 17 to 24 November, and Dev Deepawali in Varanasi on 24 November.
- British citizens need an e-Visa. One 2026 fee summary lists USD 25 for the 30-day version, plus a bank charge. Always confirm on the official portal.
- Delhi’s air quality often worsens in November, so keep your time there short and build slack into flights.
Why Is November a Good Time for UK Travellers to Visit India?
November combines good weather with a packed festival calendar. Humidity is low, the days are sunny, and sightseeing is comfortable in places that are punishing in summer. That is why the best India tour destinations in November range from the desert forts of Rajasthan to the palm-fringed coast of Goa. Selective Asia rates Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle as great in November, and says the Himalayan towns of Shimla, Manali and Dharamsala are also good.
There are practical advantages for Britons too. India is five and a half hours ahead of the UK once the clocks have gone back, so jet lag is mild. Direct flights run from London to Delhi and Mumbai. And Goa is at the start of its high season in November, with great weather but without the peak crowds of December, according to Outlook Traveller.
1. Jaipur and the Golden Triangle
The Pink City is the natural starting point for a first India tour. November’s cooler weather makes its forts and palaces much easier to enjoy, and Outlook Traveller names it a fantastic November destination. Amber Fort, the City Palace and Hawa Mahal are the headline sights.
If you are in Jaipur in Diwali week, the bazaars are among the most elaborately lit in India (StayVista). Start heritage visits early. The light is better and the crowds are thinner.
Jaipur usually forms part of the Delhi, Agra and Jaipur circuit, and November is a strong month for the Taj Mahal. We tailor these as private tours, with your own driver and guide. A word of caution on Delhi: see the air quality section below before you plan more than a night or two there.
2. Udaipur: The City of Lakes
Udaipur is at its best in November, when the weather is mild and sightseeing is easy (Outlook Traveller). Visit Jag Mandir Island and the Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens, with their fountains and lotus pools. The City Palace, the lakeside ghats and the craft markets fill the days nicely.
Evenings are made for rooftop dinners above the water. If you want to cover Rajasthan in style, we also arrange luxury train journeys, including Palace on Wheels, which link several of these cities in one trip.
3. Pushkar: The Camel Fair
Pushkar is the November highlight for travellers who like their culture loud and colourful. The Pushkar Camel Fair is announced for roughly 17 to 24 November 2026, with the main holy dip on Kartik Purnima, Tuesday 24 November (Hindutone). Tens of thousands of camels, horses and cattle change hands, and the programme includes camel races, a moustache contest and a hot-air balloon show.
The fair is also a pilgrimage. Devotees bathe in Pushkar Lake, which makes the final days the most atmospheric and the busiest. Local administrators set the exact programme each year, so treat the dates as indicative until confirmed.
Logistics matter here. Pushkar has no airport or railway station. The nearest station is Ajmer, about 14 km away, and Jaipur airport is roughly 145 to 154 km and about three hours by road (Pixidia). Book your hotel or camp well ahead.
4. Varanasi: Diwali and Dev Deepawali
Varanasi in November is a spiritual high point of any India tour. The weather is cooler, the evening Ganga Aarti is atmospheric, and the city celebrates two festivals of light. Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, and Dev Deepawali, the “Diwali of the Gods”, follows on Tuesday 24 November, when the ghats are lined with lamps (Hindutone).
The city becomes extremely crowded around Dev Deepawali. One guide advises booking a ghat-side boat about four weeks ahead rather than four days (StayVista). Go with a local guide, since the old city’s lanes are hard to read on a first visit.
5. Kerala Backwaters and Hill Country
After the monsoon, Kerala dries out and turns lush. November is the changeover to the drier months, and the calmer backwaters are good for houseboat cruises. Munnar’s tea plantations and the hills of Wayanad suit walkers (Outlook Traveller). Daytime temperatures run from about 23 to 32 °C (Pickyourtrail).
Kerala pairs well with a northern tour, because it gives you a slower, greener second week. If you extend into Tamil Nadu, expect some rain (Selective Asia).
6. Goa: Beaches Without the December Rush
Goa is the easy way to end a busy cultural tour. November opens the high season with excellent weather, and the beaches are less crowded than in December (Outlook Traveller). Try water sports, a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River or a visit to a spice plantation inland.
What Is Happening in India in November 2026?
- 8 November: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja). Nationwide; Jaipur and Varanasi are popular.
- About 17 to 24 November: Pushkar Camel Fair, Pushkar, Rajasthan.
- 24 November: Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali, in Pushkar and Varanasi.
Dates come from Hindutone’s November 2026 festival guide. Around Diwali itself, expect noise and crowds. Shops and banks are closed in most cities on the main day, and trains are packed the day before and after (Travel India Smart).
How Should You Combine the Best India Tour Destinations in November?
- Classic Rajasthan (10 to 12 days): Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur, with Pushkar added if you travel in the second half of the month.
- North and south (about 14 days): The Golden Triangle, then a flight to Kochi for the backwaters and Munnar, finishing on a Goa beach.
- Festival of lights: Jaipur for Diwali week, then Varanasi for the ghats, with time in Delhi kept to a minimum.
These are starting points rather than fixed packages. Our consultants adjust the pace, hotels and transport to suit your group. You can see ideas on our travel blog.
What Do UK Travellers Need to Know Before Booking?
Visa
British citizens need a visa for every visit, and there is no visa on arrival. Most apply for the e-Visa through the official government portal. One 2026 fee summary lists USD 25 for 30 days, USD 40 for one year and USD 484 for five years, plus a bank charge (visa-requirements.io). Your passport needs at least six months’ validity and two blank pages (Kael Tripton). One guide says processing typically takes about 72 hours, but applies well ahead. Always check current fees on indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Book early for festival weeks
Hotels in Jaipur, Udaipur and Varanasi fill quickly around Diwali and Pushkar. One guide recommends booking festival-week hotels up to six months ahead (Travel India Smart). If you are reading this close to the dates, ask us about availability now.
Safety and insurance
Check the FCDO’s India travel advice before you book, and take out travel insurance that covers your whole route. Pack layers, because mornings and evenings in Rajasthan and the north can be cool.
Plan Your November India Tour with Cal India Travel
Whether you want palaces and camels, temples and lamplit ghats, or backwaters and beaches, the best India tour destinations in November deliver comfortable weather and unforgettable festivals. Our team handles hotels, transport, guides and on-the-ground support, with a 24/7 helpline while you travel.
Contact Details:
Website: calindia.travel
Call/WhatsApp: +91 9837061405
Email: engage@calindia.travel
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is November a good month to visit India?
Yes. It is dry and sunny nationwide, with comfortable sightseeing temperatures in Rajasthan and warm beach weather in Goa and Kerala. It is also one of the busiest festival months, so book early.
2. Do UK citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. British citizens need a visa and cannot get one on arrival. Most travellers apply online for an e-Visa, so check the current fee and rules on the official portal before paying.
3.Which is better in November, Rajasthan or Kerala?
Choose Rajasthan for forts, palaces and festivals, and Kerala for backwaters, tea hills and a slower pace. Many UK travellers combine both on a two-week trip.
4. Is it worth visiting during Diwali?
It can be, if you are happy with crowds and noise. Cities like Jaipur and Varanasi look spectacular, but shops and banks close on the main day and transport is busy. Plan your route and hotels well in advance.
The keyword “best India tour destinations in November” now appears 5 times: the title, the intro, the “Why Is November a Good Time” section, the “How Should You Combine” heading and the closing section