The Magic of Fall

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year to explore the world. The changing colours of the leaves and the crisp, cool breeze usher in new and rejuvenating experiences to refresh the weary soul from summer’s exhaustive heat.

Granted, not all places in the world are suitable for a visit in the fall, some lands are more appropriate than others for exploring temperate climates and harvesting nature’s bounty. If you would like to pick a few budget-friendly destinations to explore this fall, we rounded up some of the most enticing spots this season.

Japan
Japan has long fascinated travellers from all over the world during the fall. History has it that Japan’s fascination with the changing colour of the leaves has an ancient heritage dating back to the 8th century. For many Japanese, fall is a season that is often celebrated festively. From the changing colour of the leaves to the cherry blossoms, the Japanese have some of the best autumn festivals in the world. Maple leaves are so ingrained in Japanese culture that many words typically feature them in Japanese proverbs.

Although Tokyo is renowned for its shrines, you must stop by Kyoto if you want to experience the joys of fall. Kyoto is filled with spots to see the changing colour of the leaves; one of the most popular is the Shinyodo Temple. The temple grounds are home to giant maple and Ginko trees that turn bright yellow in October and November. Not to be missed is the Imperial Palace Park, which, although huge in size, doesn’t feel crowded regardless of the masses.

Switzerland
No other place in the world allows you to explore the wonders of nature like Switzerland. From its pristine lakes to its stunning picturesque mountains and epic hiking trails, this country certainly has it all. Undoubtedly, there is more to Switzerland than Swiss cheese, chocolates, and skiing; that’s why, during fall, Switzerland comes alive with a bountiful harvest of chestnuts, pumpkins, truffles, walnuts, and more.

If you really want to experience nature’s stunning metamorphosis, stop by Engadine. This picturesque town has fascinating lakes, mountains, valleys, and trails dripping with a slew of trees, shrubs, and foliage. A simple bike ride allows you to explore all this and much more. Engadine has a 400-kilometer bike route specifically designed for bikers, allowing you to explore the nearby mountains and lakes at high speeds while enjoying fresh air from the nearby valleys.

Other exciting places include Zermatt, which transitions itself in the fall into a haven of orange and yellow as the surrounding trees change colour ushering in a unique ambience that emphasises nature’s beauty. One of the best ways to explore Zermatt is by hiking or climbing the nearby Matterhorn Mountain, which is a must-do fall ritual that allows you to see glaciers, lakes, and colorful alpine farms.

India
The post-monsoon season ushers in cooler temperatures that are much more tolerable than the blistering summer months. During winter, the national parks are awash with morning fog, which provides the perfect setting for wild animals to roam freely in the green pastures. Parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Ranthambhore, and others provide the ideal setting for viewing wild animals. While the hills tell a different story of their own, thanks to the snow-capped mountain tops peaks in towns like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, which stay open for skiing and other winter sports, adding to the allure of your trip to a country like India.

Indian festivals come to life in the fall and winter since this is also the season for wedding ceremonies. All eyes beam on Delhi during the fall and winter as the capital braces itself for several festivals like Taj Mahotsav, a 10-day carnival of culture, cuisine, and crafts featuring 400 artisans from all over India. Other festivals of interest include Holi, Desert Festival, Ajmer, and Haridwar, each paying homage to a distinct celebration.

If festivals are not on your radar, you can stop by the Taj Mahal, which is considered the iconic symbol of India. Legend has it that emperor Shah Jahan built it specifically for the love of his life, Mumtaz, to house her tomb. Rumor has it that the emperor wanted to ensure that no one replicates this colossal mausoleum; that’s why he supposedly gouged the eyes of the artisan and severed the hands of the craftsmen. Other worthwhile escapes include taking a boat ride on Kerala’s canals, exploring Kolkata’s old homes like Bhawanipur House, or tasting India’s exquisite Darjeeling tea in West Bengal state.

With only a few weeks left for fall, now is the time to plan your dream escape. After all, every trip has its impact, leaving an indelible mark on your memory with its restorative power. So, what are you waiting for?