When to Go in October | Autumn Travel Guide

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When to travel

October

Manta rays flock to the Maldives in October, an additional reason to explore the warm seas around these sun-drenched islands.

Sri Lanka in October

In Sri Lanka, the Maha monsoon brings lower prices and breaks of sunshine between rains, especially inland. If you are on a tight budget and enjoy tropical downpours, now is the time to go. Please take a look at our Sri Lanka Weather Guide for more information.

India in October

The dryer weather in India in October means this is a great time to travel, particularly to norther India. Peak season kicks off in Rajasthan with warm days, cooler nights, and the start of vibrant festivals. Central India is ideal for wildlife safaris and exploring ancient temples with dry, comfortable weather. Goa and Kerala’s beaches grow sunnier, though occasional showers may linger at this time. Check out our more detailed India Weather Guide for more information.

The Maldives in October

October also marks the start of manta ray season in the Maldives, drawing divers and snorkellers.

Bhutan in October

Autumn continues in Bhutan and this is an excellent time to travel. Take a look at our Bhutan Weather Guide for more detailed information about Bhutan’s weather.

Get inspired

Swap the guidebook for a good story

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What our travellers say

We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.

Roy Wood (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

Red Dot organised the most wonderful 3-week holiday for us. Samanthie built a trip around the amazing sights we had requested visiting, together with her own suggestions and a wide mix of hotels, which gave us the flavours of both traditional Sri Lanka and the sleek, stylish contemporary version of the country. Our Driver made the whole experience incredibly special for us.

Alie C (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor

I can’t thank Cherylle and the Red Dot team enough for their meticulous planning of our family holiday to India travelling through Rajasthan over Christmas. As a family of all adults, every suggestion from daily activities to hotel choices was simply perfect. We travelled through Delhi, Ranthambore (an unforgettable tiger safari!), Jaipur and Agra and I truly feel we experienced the very best of each destination while moving at a relaxed, well thought out pace

Daisy Stanton (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

My partner arranged a holiday trip at fairly short notice to Sri Lanka with Red Dot on a recommendation, Samanthie was so patient & helpful with her suggested itinerary which we followed with some minor amendments. On arrival at Colombo we met Manjula our chauffeur/guide who was absolutely brilliant!

Andrew S (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor

Dulmini and the Red Dot Team arranged a fantastic trip for us around Assam and North East India. Faultless service. I cannot recommend them more highly.

Martin Thomas (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

Wonderful company. Our holiday in Sri Lanka was perfect. Local knowledge made all the difference

Sandra Nicholson (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

We looked up, and communicated with umpteen tour operators. Though Red Dot seemed to have offices in Sri Lanka and the UK, they seemed to have the best reviews. We were fortunate enough to correspond with Cherylle, who not only assured us of the safety of our friend, but created a personalised, and flexible, itinerary which we could not have done ourselves.

Jayant Banerji (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

A 14-day tour with Red Dot Tours was the perfect antidote to the bleak UK winter. After a glowing recommendation from a friend, we contacted Red Dot Tours and were not disappointed. Our consultant, Lahiru, curated a seamless itinerary. Throughout the planning phase, Lahiru was incredibly responsive; the final itinerary—delivered via a user-friendly 'Guest Portal'—was impressively detailed, covering every hotel stay and excursion.

Phil Blair ( February 2026) Read the whole review here Google