For generations, May and June have been the go-to months for holidays in India. But that pattern is beginning to shift, with more travellers looking towards the post-monsoon months for their next getaway.
The trend has even picked up a name—fallcation, referring to holidays planned during autumn rather than the traditional summer break.
Why autumn holidays are gaining popularity
A fallcation generally covers the September to November period, when the monsoon has receded across much of the country. The weather becomes more comfortable, greenery is still visible in many regions and the festival season is approaching.
Travel data also points to growing interest in the season. According to luxury travel network Virtuoso, autumn travel bookings have risen 59 per cent year-on-year, while total sales have increased 69 per cent, reported Times Now.
September has emerged as a particularly strong month. Virtuoso reported a 77 per cent rise in sales compared with the previous year, with September effectively overtaking August as a preferred travel period.
Summer travel faces heat, crowds
The shift is also linked to the experience of travelling during India's peak summer months. May and June can bring intense heat, particularly across the plains, while popular hill destinations tend to become crowded during school holidays.
With large numbers of families travelling at the same time, demand can push up flight and hotel prices and make popular destinations busier.
Autumn, by comparison, offers travellers another window to plan their trips, potentially avoiding some of the peak-season rush.
Rajasthan, Kerala and Kashmir among autumn picks
The post-monsoon period also opens up a range of destinations. Rajasthan becomes more comfortable as temperatures ease, making cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer popular options.
Kerala's backwaters benefit from the monsoon, while destinations across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh can offer clearer mountain views. Kashmir's chinar trees take on red and golden hues during autumn.
Wildlife enthusiasts can also look towards national parks such as Ranthambore and Jim Corbett after the monsoon closure.
Summer vacations will remain important, particularly for families following school calendars. But the rise in autumn bookings suggests that September to November is increasingly becoming another significant holiday window for Indian travellers.