September is bringing plenty of reasons to step out and explore, whether you’re planning a festive trip, a quick international escape, or simply looking for somewhere new to discover closer to home. This week, we’re looking at travel ideas across budgets, seasons and experiences — from Maharashtra’s grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to a Sri Lanka trip.
We start with a guide to planning a Maharashtra getaway around Ganesh Chaturthi, followed by why September could be a particularly good time to visit Sri Lanka. If you’re dreaming of an overseas holiday without spending too much, we’ve also rounded up affordable international destinations from India. And if a long weekend is on your calendar, here’s how a little flexibility can help you find better airfares.
Closer home, we look at destinations worth considering for a September escape, along with places where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye and high-altitude spots where clouds seem to stretch out beneath you. There’s also a lesser-known lotus-filled getaway near Indore and a forgotten Kakatiya-era temple near Ramappa that has just received national heritage status.
And for your weekend plans, Mirzapur: The Movie brings Kaleen Bhaiya, Guddu and Munna to the big screen, with familiar faces, bigger stakes and enough chaos to make the theatrical outing worth considering.
Settle in, and let’s get into it!
Turn Ganesh Chaturthi into a Maharashtra getaway
Ganesh Chaturthi brings 10 days of colour, music, elaborate pandals and grand visarjan processions across Maharashtra. If you’re planning to experience the festival in Mumbai or Pune this year, a little planning can help you navigate the crowds, pick the best days to visit and make room for festive favourites like modak. Here’s how to plan your Maharashtra trip around Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, from the must-see pandals to getting around and what to eat.
Thinking of Sri Lanka in September? Here’s why it could be the sweet spot
Sri Lanka’s September shoulder season brings fewer crowds, lower hotel rates and affordable airfares, while different parts of the island offer everything from sunny beaches and surf breaks to misty tea country and ancient ruins. For Indian travellers, there’s another draw: a free 30-day tourist ETA. Here’s what to know before planning a September trip.
Affordable international getaways from India
Dreaming of an overseas holiday without a huge travel bill? From Southeast Asia and the Himalayas to Central Asia and the Indian Ocean, these destinations offer relatively affordable stays, food and local travel, with several also offering easy or visa-free entry for Indian travellers.
Planning a long weekend? Here’s when to book your flight
Long weekends can send airfares soaring as demand picks up, but a little flexibility can help you avoid paying a premium. From the best time to book and shifting your travel dates to using price alerts and comparing the total cost of a ticket, here’s how to find a better airfare.
Planning a September getaway? These 10 Indian destinations are worth a look
September can be a great time to explore India, as the monsoon leaves behind lush landscapes, full waterfalls and greener hills. From Munnar and Coorg to Udaipur, Shillong and Shimla, here are 10 places to consider for a refreshing September escape.
Want to step into a real-life fantasy world?
From Meghalaya’s living root bridges and China’s misty mountain pillars to glowing caves in New Zealand and Bolivia’s endless salt flats, these incredible places look like they belong in a fantasy film. Here are 10 real-world destinations that don’t look quite real.
These Indian getaways come with a Milky Way show
Forget city skies washed out by light pollution. There are corners of India where the night is dark enough for the Milky Way to take centre stage. From remote Himalayan landscapes and high-altitude deserts to beaches and salt flats, here are spots worth travelling for when the stars are out.
Walking on air: Indian destinations with surreal ‘sea of clouds’ views
What if you could watch the clouds roll beneath your feet? From high-altitude peaks to dramatic hilltop viewpoints, these Indian destinations offer spectacular sea-of-clouds views, especially around sunrise.
A lotus-filled escape just 25 km from Indore
Pink blooms, bamboo groves, quiet water bodies and striking sunsets make Gulawat Lotus Valley a picture-perfect getaway near Indore. Recently highlighted by Anand Mahindra, this lesser-known spot is especially scenic during the flowering season. Here’s what to know before you visit, including the best time to go, what to see and how to reach.
A forgotten Kakatiya temple near Ramappa gets national heritage status
Gollala Gudi, a 12th-century stone temple in Telangana’s Palampet, has been declared a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. Built in the Kakatiya era and known for its intricate carvings and dry-masonry construction, the temple is now set for conservation and restoration, with plans to bring it into an integrated heritage complex alongside the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple.
What we watched this week | Mirzapur: The Movie
Kaleen Bhaiya, Guddu and Munna return as Mirzapur moves from streaming to the big screen. With Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Divyenndu bringing their familiar swagger to a bigger, louder world, the film turns the franchise’s cult following into a theatrical experience that is surprisingly immersive — and even leaves behind a few life lessons.
