Relive the Magic of Monsoons Yet Again!
You sit across the banks of this pristine lake, so vast in expanse, that you cannot see the other end of it. The winds are blowing strong, swaying the trees and bending the grass. The dark grey skies are all romanticizing the showers that are about to start. A range of hills surrounds the lake, all blanketed by a veil of newly sprouted green. And, then at a far distance, you see it, the first showers, on a hill past the lake. The rains that haven’t reached you, yet you see the cloud bursting, knowing it will come to you soon. Sitting there amongst the cold, green canvas you finally feel connected to nature. Such is the enigma of the rains. It’s chaotic yet magical, and there is no other force in nature to match it.
The start of monsoon is like the Earth shedding its old clothing and donning a new green one. New leaves, the smell of petrichor in the air and the fresh breeze make you swoon, thereby listing down all the reasons to step outside in this season. But, when it comes to travelling in rain, we must agree there are always those romantic peeps who love to take long drives or go biking and others who prefer to stay indoors for a movie or reading instead. I am undeniably the former types, and that is why this special Blog post!
Also read: Travel to Wisdom and Fulfillment.
The Hype is real!
Whenever it comes to chalking out the perfect vacation, either a long trip or just a weekend getaway, many make sure that rain is not a part of the plan; Well! Granted. Who wants to make travel plans in a season where everything could go wrong: right from the safety of your luggage to getting a proper, safe accommodation? Also, not to mention the many places that are shut during monsoons.
Well, well, well!! I agree on all these fronts, but let me tell you, if you travel in the rain once, keeping an open mind, you can expect yourself chasing the monsoon every following year thereon!! This is precisely what incurred to me after I went on my first rainy trip to Rishikesh and ever since I have travelled every monsoon without a miss.
The entire charisma of Monsoon trips is in being less of a tourist and more of a traveller, to take in what mother nature has to offer, and marvel at the natural beauty of lands untouched by humans. Monsoon trips are of course incomplete if Chai, Pakoras (fritters) or Bhuttas (corn cobs) don’t come into the picture, and sharing these with your friends and family while you take in the panoramic sight of the hills and the green valleys is an experience that I promise no movie or book can offer.
Whether you like the hot food, the green forests, the high mountains or the cold showers; all of this is covered if you decide to go for a Monsoon Getaway and are ready for some muddy action. I can never pass up an offer to travel during the rains. So, if you are one of my likes, Letters to Neet shares with you the best places to visit during the rainy season in
India.
Best Places to visit in Rainy Season in India
Jibhi: The Yearning of my Heart
An offbeat pastoral hamlet of the Banjar valley and one of the best places I have experienced during rains. I took a road trip to Jibhi with my childhood friends and ended up losing a part of my heart to it. The memory of four of us sitting in the balcony of our treehouse, sipping tea to fritters, makes me yearn deeply for that very day. The crazy fun of trekking in light evening showers is unmatched till date.
My friends would probably murder me if I miss mentioning how absolutely gorgeous the Jibhi waterfall looked in the torrential downpour and how despite the freezing water, all of us jumped in the natural pool. Hand-picking fresh strawberries, cherries and apples in the orchards is another enthralling experience that is unique to Jibhi during the monsoons.
Temperature: Minimum 15°C and Maximum 25°C
Best Places to Visit in Himachal during Monsoon: Tirthan Valley, The Jalori pass trek, Sainj valley
How to Reach: Continue by road from the nearest airport or railway.
- Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu
- Nearest Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station
Coorg: The Caffeinated Haven
Are you intrigued by the idea of chasing monsoons in South India? If Yes, High Five, my lovelies! Coorg is one of the best places to visit in South India during monsoons. Located in Karnataka, this dreamy hill-station is tailored with misty driveways and light monsoon showers. During monsoon, Coorg is adorned with lush greenery and aromatic coffee estates.
The fog covered mornings wake you up to a heavenly feeling. A stroll through the mist at coffee plantations is indeed the most romantic thing to do. Light showers, while trekking through slippery rocks, fill in the zeal much needed in our tedious lives. Roaring waterfalls and locally grown exotic fruit trees make it a haven for nature lovers.
Temperature: Minimum 15 °C and Maximum 23 °C
Best Places to Visit in Coorg in Monsoon: Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, Kaveri River, Madikeri Fort, Golden Temple, Nagarhole National Park
How to Reach: 5 hours (~270.4 km) from Bangalore via road if you are planning to go on a road trip.
- Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (120 km), Mangalore Airport (135 km) and Bangalore Airport (260 km).
- Nearest Railway Station: Railway Stations at Mysore, Mangalore and Hassan.
Udaipur: The City of Pristine Lakes
Udaipur is one of the best places to visit in monsoon near Delhi. This city in Rajasthan finds relief as the first showers hit the lands after the scorching hot summers. It looks stunning in monsoon with its magnificent palaces reflecting the past glory. The lakes around the city swell up with the monsoon waters post which you can expect to have crazy fun indulging in the water sports and boating in the lakes. Ancient temples will take your breath away as they look most intriguing during the monsoons.
I fondly remember myself walking every evening on the road along Lake Pichola and losing my heart to its magic over and over again. Chai and street food with the lake view and light drizzling had become an everyday affair. I absolutely couldn’t stop obsessing over fantastic view of the entire Aravalli mountain ranges covered in thick green velvet cover after fresh showers when seen from the Sajjan Garh fort.
Temperature: Minimum 25°C and Maximum 35°C
Best Places to Visit in Udaipur in Monsoon: Lake Pichola, City Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, and Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach: Udaipur is easily reachable by air, rail, and road.
- Nearest Airport: Dabok Airport or Maharana Pratap Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Udaipur Railway Station
Kodaikanal: The Promise of Pleasant Monsoons
If you are a sucker for travelling during monsoons like I am, this one is especially for you. Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is a lively town with promises of a pleasant monsoon vacation. It boasts of being a popular tourist place to visit in the rainy season. It is truly the hymn of serenity, cobalt blue skies, rambling waterfalls and peaceful forest trails.
Well, who doesn’t love biting into hot roasted corn while snuggling into your woollens? Kodaikanal offers the complete misty vacation feels with warm chocolate drinks and hot roasted corn after a calm walk by the lake. Another must-try monsoon experience here is to pedal your boat and navigate through the misty waters in the lake. Sounds terrific, doesn’t it? Make sure you add this place to your list of trips this year.
Temperature: Minimum 20°C and Maximum 28°C
Best Places to Visit in Monsoon in Kodaikanal: Bear Shola Falls, Dolphin Nose Point, Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks.
How to Reach: Kodaikanal is easily reachable by road. Tamil Nadu State buses, luxury coaches, private taxis ply on the route.
- Nearest Airport- Madurai Airport
- Nearest Railway Station- Kodaikanal Road Railway Station
Cherrapunji: Thousand Shades of Green and Blue
Well, if dreams were made of shades of Blues and Greens, it would be Cherrapunji! Chasing monsoons in Meghalaya has been one of the most adventurous experiences I have had in my life! And when it comes to Cherrapunji, what better offbeat monsoon destination in India than the World’s Wettest Place!
I absolutely recommend this abode for a monsoon getaway for its dramatic cloudy skies, clear turquoise waters, mysterious caves and pixie living root bridges. The waterfalls overflow in their full might and ecstatic seasonal pools are formed during this time. Forests, caves, farmlands and pastures all get covered with moss during the monsoons giving the place a dense green look. Expect to walk through picturesque bridges, swim in the overflowing lakes, shower under baffling waterfalls on this tailor-made adventure!
Temperature: Minimum 12°C and Maximum 16°C.
Best Places to Visit in Monsoon in Cherrapunji: Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Double-decker living root bridge, Dawki, Mawlynnong, and Mawsmai Cave.
How to Reach: Choose to drive, ride the train or book a flight and continue by road to reach Cherrapunji.
- Nearest Airport: Umroi Airport in Shillong
- Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
Mahabaleshwar: Unending affair of monsoon Cuddles
Are you looking for offbeat places to visit in the monsoon near Pune and Mumbai? Why not Mahabaleshwar!!
Mahabaleshwar is a slow town snuggled in the laps of mighty mountains. It is reckoned to be super romantic during the monsoons. The rains add to the charm of this abode and render it as the perfect monsoon getaway to escape the city hustle.
Listen to soft music and feel the little drops of water kiss your skin on this trip. The tiny pathways look absolutely intriguing, and the salubrious climate treats your soul. Relish the traditional hot misal-pav and vada-pav with chai. Orchards, dramatic skies and panoramic views here will swoon your heart to the core!
Temperature: Minimum 20°C and Maximum 25°C
Best Places to Visit in Monsoon in Maharashtra: Elephant’s Head Point, Chinaman’s falls, Dhobi Waterfall, Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake, and Wilson Point.
How to Reach: Road trip from Mumbai or Pune
- Nearest Airport: Pune Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station
Rishikesh: The Poetry of Ganges
Personally, I used to wonder what Rishikesh had in store during the monsoons since white water rafting gets closed due to the overflowing Ganges. However, my trip there proved me wrong and ever since enigma of Rishikesh is something I wholeheartedly preach about! I absolutely love this paradise, and my soul is constantly drawn to it for love, peace and solitude!
Rishikesh looks extremely beautiful during the monsoon months with the Ganges swelling in its pure form without the noise and touristy crowds. The yoga and wellness centres are relatively free, and you can book yourself for one on one session. The serenity of the temples and the glimpse into regular Rishikesh life is an experience you shouldn’t miss! The city in shades of green and the Ganga beaches are total eye candy at this time.
Temperature: Minimum 20°C and Maximum 30°C
Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand during Monsoon: Overfilled Ganga River, temples, yoga and wellness centres, day excursion to Dehradun, and Triveni Ghat
How to Reach: Connectivity by buses and cars
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
- Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Railway Station
Munnar: An aura of cloudy hills and green valleys
Munnar is an everlasting aura of cloud covered hills and green velvet valley. It is a quaint hill station in the lap of the Western Ghats with numerous tea gardens and seasonal waterfalls making it is one of the best honeymoon destinations in India during the monsoon. Monsoons work their magic on Munnar and romance seems to hang in the misty breeze here, thus making it irresistible.
It is also relatively free of touristy crowds around this time, hence allowing you to avail exceptional discounts at hotels and holiday homes. Relishing the local cuisine here is definitely one of a kind experience here. Now, aren’t you looking forward to slurping the famous tea and watching the rain pour outside in this scenic place?
Temperature: Minimum 23°C and Maximum 29°C
Best Places to Visit in the Western Ghats in Monsoon: Echo Point, Attukad Waterfalls, Tea Museum, Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park, and Kundala Lake.
How to reach: 130 km away from Cochin via road.
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Cochin Railway Station
Shillong: The Scotland of East
Nestled in the abode of clouds, this hill station is exceptionally beyond the natural World during the monsoons. Surrounded by the breathtaking Khasi valley and Jaintia hills, Shillong is blessed with numerous gushing waterfalls in and around it. Being the heart of Meghalaya, it gets to enjoy both the hustle-bustle of city life and the charm of the countryside. It is also famous for local cuisines, and believe me, if you may; I have tried many unique forms of non-veg dishes right here.
Umiam Lake tops my list of must-visit places in Shillong. The lake is striking crystal blue, and no words can justify that picturesque backdrop. The scenery of the lake seems unreal and pulled right out of a painting, making it super close to my heart!
Temperature: Minimum 12°C and Maximum 14°C
Best Places to Visit during Monsoon in Shillong: Mawlynnong, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Museum, Mawsynram
How to Reach: The road is the best way to get to the hill station. National Highway 40 connects Shillong with other towns.
- Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
Pondicherry: Oh! So French
Have you been longing for sandy beaches, quirky cafes, wellness retreats and French vibes? A remarkable- a saucy trip to Pondicherry is what you need to plan this monsoon. This Portuguese town is a perfect blend for the adventurer and the beach bum in you to enjoy the high tides while indulging in water sports. It is a soothing retreat during the rains because of the lowered temperature of the otherwise hot place.
For someone looking to pause and slow-down in life, wellness centres in Auroville come to the rescue. After all, who doesn’t like the idea of meditating with different techniques while the rain washes the troubles away? Cycling through drizzles in the famous French colony will appeal to your adventurous soul. The hot French bakery delicacies will melt in your mouth while the rain gods bless this town.
Temperature: Minimum 24°C and Maximum 27°C
Best Places to Visit during Monsoon in Pondicherry: Rock beach, Auroville, Cycling tour of the French colony, meditation centres, Scuba diving
How to Reach: Board the bus or hire a taxi to reach Pondicherry
- Nearest Airport- Chennai Airport
- Nearest Railway Station– Villupuram Railway Station
Spiti Valley: An Inch above Heaven
Lahaul and Spiti Valley, being the Roof of the World, is the highest inhabited land in the history of humankind! Located on the far Tibetan border, the valley boasts of being a crazy adventure for road trips. And, monsoons add another element to the World’s most treacherous roads. You can expect to off-road on cobblestones, overflowing water trails, rocky paths and bumpy landforms, thus making it a ride to remember for life!
The trip to the Spiti valley is a perfect combination of history, Tibetan culture and geological wonders of old age seas and mountains. This caters to the likings of all kinds of travellers and makes them marvel at the unknown and undiscovered wonders. While it is frigid during the winters, monsoon months are pleasant and the best time for exploring and some soul searching! So, do you still need more reasons to add Spiti Valley to your monsoon destinations list?
Temperature: Minimum 10°C and Maximum 18°C
Best Places to Visit in Himachal during Monsoon: Chandratal Lake, Tabo monastery, Key monastery, Pin valley national park
How to Reach: Take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach the valley
- Nearest Airport: Kullu Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station
Valley of Flowers: An unsung Poem
The name alone makes it sound so visually appealing that the mere sight of the valley can sweep you off your feet! To be here is like being under the grace of earthly bounty. Imagine an infinite stretch of rare flowers, fresh meadows and alpine wildflowers. The Lush green lands, the cold monsoon winds and the picturesque mountains, all set up perfectly for you to have the ultimate travel experience.
You can witness more than 400 varieties of flowers in full bloom around the monsoon months, adore the dew drops on flower petals, and enjoy the soul-filling sunrise and sunsets. The valley of flowers during rains is a beautiful reminder to go with the flow. If you are a mountain lover and don’t mind seeing some greens, this is a destination you should definitely look forward to.
Temperature: Minimum 13°C and Maximum 20°C
Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand during Monsoon: Picturesque views at every turn, camping sites, treks and hikes.
How to Reach: Reach this valley after an easy trek from Ranikhet.
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun)
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
Wayanad: Of Tea trails and warm people
Splendid Wildlife, cascading waterfalls and warm people, Wayanad, in the state of Kerala is all the things you wish for on a monsoon vacation. The rainy season is the perfect time to take showers in the waterfalls here and to trek to touristy peaks and make memories with the friendly folklore. Being the glory of the majestic Western Ghats, Wayanad has a unique rugged terrain with lofty ridges that are interspersed by tangled forests and deep valleys.
The celebration of the Monsoon Tourism Festival here, for three days straight, makes this vacation one of its kind in the entire country. Also, do not miss out on the native delicacies of Kerala and the myths of the local culture over cheap drinks. If you are fortunate, you might just get to witness the blooming of the “Neelakurinji” flower too which surprisingly blooms only once in 12 years!
Temperature: Minimum 27°C and Maximum 35°C
Best Places to Visit in Wayanad in Monsoon: Edakkal caves, Chembra Peak, Pookode Lake, Stay in a Treehouse, Soochipara Falls.
How to Reach: Continue by road after a flight or train journey.
- Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station
Mount Abu: The Oasis of the Desert
Mount Abu, being the only hilly terrain in the desert state of Rajasthan, is mockingly known as the Oasis of the Desert. It is an epitome of simplicity, intricate temples and abundant flora. Since it is one of the underrated monsoon holiday places, it lets you experience its best without much crowd.
The real beauty of this city can only be witnessed during the monsoons as the light showers lower the overall temperature. Boating through misty waters in the Nakki Lake is such a relaxing experience, and a casual stroll on the slightly steep roads reveals the diversity of Rajasthan handicrafts. You can also shop home decor designed with traditional Rajasthan prints and colours.
Temperature: Minimum 22°C and Maximum 30°C
Best Places to Visit in Mount Abu in Monsoon: Dilwara Temple, Nakki Lake, Park, Shopping
How to Reach: Drive from the nearest airport or railway station.
- Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport & Dabok Airport of Udaipur
- Nearest Railway Station: Abu Road Railway Station
Darjeeling: The Champagne of Tea
Situated at the foothills of Himalayas, the Queen of hills is a popular destination throughout the year, but it takes a misty turn in the monsoons. The foggy skies make it look even more gorgeous. If you feel like incarnating into your younger self and taking a toy train ride under light showers of rain, well, Darjeeling is the place to be.
Darjeeling is by far the best place to see sunrises that leave you stunned and spellbound; the epic one being from the Tiger hill where you can see the sun rays lighting up the Himalayas and bursting into shades of crimson and gold. The tea estates of Darjeeling are the showstopper for you can walk through the fragrant misty estates as raindrops wash the young tea leaves.
Temperature: Minimum 12°C and Maximum 18°C
Best Places to Visit in Darjeeling in Monsoon: Tiger Hill, Tea estates, Himalayan mountaineering institute
How to Reach: Lots of taxis and cabs are available for transport to Darjeeling.
- Nearest Airport: Kolkata Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Darjeeling Railway Station
With Love,
I am sure that by now you have already chosen your perfect monsoon destination and are already halfway on it! I urge you to be responsible and travel slow and sustainably, thereby conserving our Mother Earth.
Also, do tell me in the comments about your travel experience during the rainy season and the destination that you have chosen to chase the monsoons this year. Here’s to more crazy adventures and extraordinary experiences!!
Happy Travelling! XOXO
Also Read: A Local Guide to Bir Billing- The Paragliding Capital
Also Read: Majuli Island in Assam- A Rustic Beauty
Also Read: Sneak- Peek to Travelling in the Post COVID World
7 Comments