When autumn arrives in India, the hills come alive in a way that feels almost magical. The rains wash the mountains clean, the skies turn bright blue, and the trees dress up in shades of gold, orange, and red. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in autumn, a road trip to the hills is the perfect choice. Traveling by car gives you the freedom to stop anywhere, take in the views, and soak up the beauty that you might miss if you just fly or take a train.
From the snowy peaks of the north to the tea gardens of the south, India’s best hill stations to visit in October offer something for everyone. And you’re not alone—latest travel data shows 71% of all trips in 2025 are under two days, up from 66% two years earlier, pointing to a big rise in weekend and short road trips.
For those planning their escapes, knowing the best routes to hill stations by car can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. And with Savaari Car Rentals, India’s pioneer in road trips for nearly 20 years, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Our professional and expert chauffeurs drive you safely, sharing interesting anecdotes along the way.
Table of Contents
- Why is Autumn Perfect for Hill Station Car Travel?
- Best places to visit in Autumn: Scenic Routes and Destinations
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why is Autumn Perfect for Hill Station Car Travel?
The autumn season in India stretches from September to November, and it is hands down the best time for hill station travel. The heavy rains are gone, and the mountains feel fresh and alive. Daytime temperatures usually stay between 10°C and 25°C, which means you can drive comfortably during the day and enjoy cool, pleasant evenings. Clear skies are one of the biggest perks of traveling now.
After the monsoon, visibility improves, and you can see faraway peaks and valleys that often stay hidden behind clouds. This makes post-monsoon car trips extra special because every turn on the road comes with a breathtaking view. Unlike monsoon, when landslides can block roads, or winter, when passes like Rohtang close down, autumn is safe and reliable, the sweet spot for road trips.
Think of the golden chinar leaves in Kashmir, the blooming valleys of Uttarakhand, or the misty tea gardens in Kerala. These make for the most photogenic autumn foliage drives India has to offer. As undergrowth thins, chances improve for wildlife sightings along designated corridors—early mornings may reward you with birds on migration routes or grazing ungulates on sunlit slopes. Add to this the charm of festival seasons.
Durga Puja in the east, Diwali in the north, and harvest celebrations across the hills make the experience more vibrant. Imagine combining a scenic drive with colorful bazaars and festive lights—it’s a memory waiting to be made. Fresh mountain air is another reason why visit hills in fall. It feels cleaner and cooler, perfect for light hikes, yoga, or just breathing deeply while soaking in nature. No extreme cold, no heavy rains—just a balanced, peaceful environment. That’s why autumn road trips to hill stations aren’t just scenic, but also the healthiest and happiest way to travel.
Best places to visit in Autumn: 12 Scenic Routes and Destinations
Autumn is the perfect season for scenic road trips in India. With improved road conditions across the country, it’s now easier than ever to explore vibrant hill stations, valleys, and coastal routes. Whether you’re after a short weekend escape or a week-long adventure, these holiday destinations India promise amazing views and comfortable travel:
- In the North, visit Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, or Uttarakhand for golden valleys, pine forests, and crisp mountain air.
- The South offers misty Western Ghats, the Nilgiris, and Kerala’s tea plantations for some of the most scenic car drives India can offer.
- The West is home to hill forts like Mount Abu and Mahabaleshwar, while the East features Darjeeling, Meghalaya, and Assam’s hills as the perfect autumn getaways to visit.
- The North-East promises post-monsoon clarity on Shillong–Cherrapunji’s limestone cliffs, Guwahati–Kaziranga’s grasslands, and Bhalukpong–Tawang.
For the best autumn road trips, keep them green. Avoid littering, switch off the AC when not needed, carry refillable bottles and reusable cutlery, respect wildlife, and stick to marked trails. Small actions like these help keep these scenic spots beautiful for everyone. With clear skies, fresh air, and amazing scenery, autumn is ready to give you road trips full of memories you’ll cherish forever.
Manali
Manali is a dreamy autumn escape where snow-capped peaks meet lush valleys and winding rivers. A road trip from Delhi to Manali via Delhi-Multan Road or Chandigarh to Manali via NH-205 lets you stop wherever you like, click photos, and soak in the scenery.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~500 km from Delhi, ~270 km from Chandigarh
- Drive Time: 10–11 hrs from Delhi, 6–7 hrs from Chandigarh
- Road Type: Mix of highways and winding mountain roads
Must-See Stops
- Kullu for riverside views and local markets
- Naggar Castle for photography and history
- Solang Valley for adventure sports
- Hadimba Temple for local culture
Practical Tips
Mobile signals drop at higher altitudes. Steep roads need cautious driving. Carry warm clothes, snacks, and fuel for stretches with few petrol stations.
Ladakh
Ladakh is the ultimate destination for those who love adventure and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you choose the Srinagar-Leh Highway or the Manali-Leh Highway, driving here in autumn means turquoise lakes and stunning mountain passes.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~420 km from Srinagar, ~430 km from Manali
- Drive Time: 9–10 hrs from Srinagar, 10-11 hrs from Manali
- Road Type: High-altitude roads, steep climbs, rough patches
Must-See Stops
- Pangong Lake at sunrise and sunset
- Nubra Valley via Khardung La
- Magnetic Hill for fun
- Hemis Monastery for culture
- Tso Moriri for photography
Practical Tips
Mobile signals are intermittent. Carry permits, water, snacks, and warm clothes. Take it slow on steep sections to avoid altitude sickness.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is perfect for a quick autumn getaway, just a few hours from Delhi to Mussoorie by car via NH-709AD. A drive from Delhi to Mussoorie via Haridwar offers winding roads, green valleys, and plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the views.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~320 km from Delhi
- Drive Time: 6–7 hrs from Delhi
- Road Type: National highways followed by hilly curves
Must-See Stops
- Haridwar for a spiritual detour
- Dehradun cafés and markets
- Camel’s Back Road for strolling
- Kempty Falls for photos
- Gun Hill for panoramic views
Practical Tips
Signals are strong in towns but patchy uphill. Steep curves need careful driving. Carry water, snacks, and cash for local shops.
Chaukori
Chaukori is a serene little hill station in Uttarakhand, ideal for travelers who want peace, fresh air, and autumn colors. Driving from Delhi to Chaukori via NH-9 is an adventure in itself, with winding roads, pine forests, and Himalayan panoramas at every turn.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~490 km from Delhi
- Drive Time: 12–13 hrs from Delhi
- Road Type: Highways followed by hilly mountain roads
Must-See Stops
- Pithoragarh for local culture
- Madkot viewpoints for Himalayan panoramas
- Birthi Falls for nature photography
- Thal Kedar temple for a spiritual touch
Practical Tips
Mobile coverage is limited in remote stretches. Steep climbs require careful driving. Carry warm clothes and snacks for long drives.
Ooty
Ooty, the Queen of the Nilgiris, turns into a misty autumn paradise that’s perfect for a relaxed road trip. Whether you’re thinking of a Coimbatore to Ooty road trip via NH-181, a Bangalore to Ooty road trip via NH-275, or a Chennai to Ooty road trip via NH-79, the drive itself is part of the magic.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~270 km from Bangalore, ~87 km from Coimbatore, ~560 km from Chennai
- Drive Time: 5–6 hrs from Bangalore, 2–3 hrs from Coimbatore, 11-12 hrs from Chennai
- Road Type: Highways transitioning to steep mountain roads
Must-See Stops
- Coonoor for tea gardens
- Doddabetta Peak for panoramic views
- Ooty Lake for boating
- Botanical Gardens for colorful flora
Practical Tips
Mobile signals are spotty in the hills. Roads are steep in patches—drive carefully. Carry water and light jackets for chilly mornings.
Hire a cab service from Bangalore to Ooty with Savaari and embark on a joyful ride to the enchanting hill station, soaking in the scenic beauty of the route.
Munnar
Munnar is a tea lover’s dream come true, and is one of the best places to visit in autumn. Driving from Kochi to Munnar by car via NH-85 or planning a Bangalore to Munnar road trip via NH-44 takes you through lush plantations, winding hills, and sparkling waterfalls.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~130 km from Kochi, ~440 km from Bangalore
- Drive Time: 3–4 hrs from Kochi, 10–11 hrs from Bangalore
- Road Type: Highway followed by ghat roads
Must-See Stops
- Tea estates for scenic walks
- Mattupetty Dam for boating
- Attukal Waterfalls for photos
- Top Station for panoramic views
Practical Tips
Mobile connectivity is patchy in remote areas. Roads are winding; take care on steep curves. Carry light jackets and snacks.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a charming South Indian hill station that feels magical in autumn. Whether you’re doing a Madurai to Kodaikanal road trip via Laws Ghat Road, Bangalore to Kodaikanal road trip via NH-44, or going from Coimbatore to Kodaikanal by car via NH-83, the drive through winding roads and misty hills is a treat in itself.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~120 km from Madurai, ~470 km from Bangalore, 165 km from Coimbatore
- Drive Time: 3–4 hrs from Madurai & Coimbatore, 9–10 hrs from Bangalore
- Road Type: Highways to hilly roads
Must-See Stops
- Kodai Lake for boating
- Coaker’s Walk for panoramic views
- Bryant Park for flora photography
- Pillar Rocks for dramatic scenery
Practical Tips
Mobile coverage drops in the hills. Roads are steep; drive cautiously. Carry water, snacks, and warm clothing.
Book an outstation cab from Bangalore to Kodaikanal with Savaari Car Rentals for a convenient and comfortable journey.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a favorite autumn getaway in Maharashtra. A Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar road trip via NH-66 or a Pune to Mahabaleshwar road trip via NH-48 gives you a chance to enjoy winding ghats, lush valleys, and breathtaking viewpoints along the way.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~215 km from Mumbai, ~130 km from Pune
- Drive Time: 4–5 hrs from Mumbai, 3–4 hrs from Pune
- Road Type: Highway followed by ghats with curves
Must-See Stops
- Venna Lake for boating
- Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views
- Mapro Garden for strawberries and snacks
- Pratapgad Fort for history and scenery
Practical Tips
Mobile signals are patchy in ghats. Steep curves need careful driving. Carry water, snacks, and light jackets.
Pelling
One of the best places to visit in autumn, Pelling in Sikkim, is a perfect choice for those seeking calm, scenic drives. Whether it’s a Gangtok to Pelling road trip via NH-510 or a Siliguri to Pelling road trip via NH-10, the journey passes through forests, monasteries, and hills with amazing Himalayan views.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~110 km from Gangtok, ~130 km from Siliguri & Bagdogra
- Drive Time: 4–5 hrs from Gangtok, Siliguri, & Bagdogra
- Road Type: Mountain roads with hairpin bends
Must-See Stops
- Pemayangtse Monastery for culture
- Kanchenjunga viewpoint for photos
- Rabdentse Ruins for history
- Singshore Bridge for panoramic shots
Practical Tips
Mobile connectivity varies. Roads are steep; cautious driving is essential. Carry warm clothing and snacks.
Hire a car rental in Guwahati with Savaari and travel safely to Pelling in chauffeur-driven cabs. Soak in the picturesque views outside while our expert and professional driver takes you to your destination.
Haflong
One of the best places to visit in autumn, Haflong, known as the “Switzerland of Assam,” is a hidden gem for autumn road trips. Driving from Guwahati to Haflong via NH-27 or from Shillong via NH-627 takes you through gentle hills, lakes, and serene villages, perfect for those who love peaceful escapes. Read this guide to know more about the top things to do in Haflong.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~330 km from Guwahati, 240 km from Shillong
- Drive Time: 7–8 hrs from Guwahati & Shillong
- Road Type: Highway with hilly stretches
Must-See Stops
- Jatinga for birdwatching
- Haflong Lake for scenic walks
- Panimur for culture
- Maibong Hilltop for views
Practical Tips
Mobile signals are intermittent. Roads are hilly—drive carefully. Carry water and snacks for the journey.
Book a cab service in Guwahati with Savaari to visit the mesmerising Haflong, enjoying a comfortable and safe ride with our reliable drivers.
Saputara
Saputara in Gujarat is an easy autumn escape, ideal for short road trips from Surat via NH-53, Mumbai via Samruddhi Mahamarg, or Pune via NH-60. Rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, and calm lakes make every drive scenic and fun. The scenic beauty and panoramic views with clear skies and cool climes make Saputara one of the best places to visit in autumn in India.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~160 km from Surat, ~280 km from Mumbai, ~300 km from Pune
- Drive Time: 3–4 hrs from Surat, 5–6 hrs from Mumbai, 6-7 hrs from Pune
- Road Type: Highway with hilly curves
Must-See Stops
- Saputara Lake for boating
- Sunset Point for photography
- Artist Village for local crafts
- Gira Waterfalls for nature
Practical Tips
Mobile connectivity is good in town but weak in remote areas. Steep roads need careful driving. Carry water and light jackets.
Hire a car rental in Pune with Savaari and travel stress-free in chauffeur-driven cabs, enjoying the scenic routes and a comfortable drive.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills, is especially enchanting in autumn. Driving from Siliguri via NH-110, Kolkata via Dalkhola – Bakkhali Road, or Bagdogra via Matigara – Kurseong Road offers winding roads, tea gardens, and panoramic Himalayan vistas.
Route at a Glance
- Distance: ~60 km from Siliguri, ~625 km from Kolkata, ~68 km from Bagdogra
- Drive Time: 2-3 hrs from Siliguri, 14–15 hrs from Kolkata, 2-3 hrs from Bagdogra
- Road Type: Mountain roads with curves and hairpins
Must-See Stops
- Tiger Hill for sunrise views
- Batasia Loop for train photography
- Peace Pagoda for serenity
- Tea Gardens for scenic walks
Practical Tips
Mobile signals drop in remote areas. Roads are steep and winding—drive cautiously. Carry water, snacks, and warm clothes.
Conclusion
Autumn’s cool skies, lighter traffic, and blazing foliage make it ideal for hill station travel. Key benefits of autumn hill station car travel include flexible stops, scenic routes, and quick detours for nearby road trips linking viewpoints and cafés. Plan smartly: check weather, brakes, and tires; carry warm layers, water, and a compact first-aid kit; use lower gears on hairpins and avoid night descents. So, start shortlisting the best places to visit in autumn and chart your autumn road trips now.
Download Savaari’s cab booking app for a seamless and easy booking experience, and travel to any destination of your choice comfortably.
FAQs
What are the best hill stations to visit by car in autumn in India?
Some of the best hill stations to visit in autumn in India include Manali, Ladakh, Mussoorie, Chaukori, Ooty, Munnar, Kodaikanal, Mahabaleshwar, Pelling, Haflong, Saputara, and Darjeeling. These destinations combine scenic drives, autumn-friendly weather, and easy accessibility by car.
Can I combine multiple hill stations in a single road trip?
Yes! A single road trip can include multiple destinations depending on distance and travel time. For example, Delhi to Mussoorie and onward to Chaukori, or Bangalore to Ooty and Munnar in a week-long trip. Planning your route carefully ensures comfortable drives and enough time to explore each location.
What is the weather like in Indian hill stations during autumn?
The weather in hill stations during autumn (September to November) is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The skies are clear, rainfall is minimal, and the climate is ideal for driving, sightseeing, and photography.
What precautions should I take when driving in hilly areas?
Always check brakes and tires, avoid speeding on curves, keep headlights on during fog, and carry emergency supplies. Mobile connectivity may be weak, so keep offline maps handy.
What are the best viewpoints and photography spots along the way?
Each hill station offers stunning spots: Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, Top Station in Munnar, Doddabetta Peak in Ooty, Rohtang Pass near Manali, and Pemayangtse Monastery in Pelling. Stop often on scenic routes for sunrise, sunset, and autumn foliage photography.
Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by blogadmin
