World Tourism Day | Offbeat Indian getaways for a long weekend before Diwali crowds arrive

October opens an ideal shoulder-season travel window ahead of the peak Diwali holiday crush in early November. With two prime holiday opportunities—the three-day Gandhi Jayanti weekend (Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4) and an extended break around Dussehra (Tuesday, October 20)—travellers can take advantage of clear autumn skies and mild weather. Before holiday tariffs spike, these six lesser-explored destinations offer a quiet escape for a long weekend.