Pahadon wali Maggi with a steaming cuppa or the pristine samundar paar with your favourite drink in hand, monsoon is the season for exploring the romanticism of nature. If watching the rain lash across your window panes does not fill your heart enough, it’s a signal that you need to hit the highway right away and nature ka asli mazaa lo.
Here are 11 must-visit places in India during the monsoons for you to #BeALittleMore attuned to what your mind, body and soul is telling you.
1. Munnar, Kerala
The picturesque landscape mesmerisingly changes every few hundred miles in God’s own country. The serene blue ocean along the coast gives way to the dense forests brimming with wildlife, which in turn transforms gradually into the undulating plush green mountain ranges. Not to forget the unparalleled beauty of terrace farming along the scope of the hills with tea plantations growing in abundance. Now imagine the greenness of these plantations coming to life with the monsoons caressing them in all its glory. Unparalleled, hai na? If you ask which place in Kerala you should make it to during the monsoons, think no further.
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2. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Surrounded by hills, waterfalls, and lakes, there are innumerable viewpoints that offer a breathtaking peek into the spellbinding gifts of nature.
Perched amidst a host of hills, Mahabaleshwar – just a drive of about 5 hours away from Mumbai – is a favourite getaway of the people of the Maximum City. Surrounded by hills, waterfalls, and lakes, there are innumerable viewpoints that offer a breathtaking peek into the spellbinding gifts of nature. There is a chance that you might not get a clear view of the greenery and the water bodies, but that does not undermine the beauty of this quaint hill station even a tad bit. Because mountains engulfed by rich, dense fog and clouds have a beauty of their own. So, close your eyes and feel the magic of clouds passing by you, while basking in the perfect calm around it.
3. Shillong, Meghalaya
…when you want to make the most of the beauty of monsoons as experienced from a hill.
station, Shillong should feature among the top of your list of must-go places.Our geography books have already introduced us to the name Mawsynram, the place that receives the highest rainfall in the world, making it the wettest place around the globe. This year, the cosy hill station, nestled in the eastern Khasi Hills, has already recorded to have received the highest rainfall since 1966. So when you want to make the most of the beauty of monsoons as experienced from a hill station, Shillong should feature among the top of your list of must-go places. You can plan a day trip to Mawsynram, which is just 60 kms away from Shillong. Take a quiet walk through the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, appreciate the peace around the Umiam Lake, and breathe in the tranquillity of the hill station from the Shillong View Point. Don’t forget to gorge on steamed momos, which is a speciality of this place.
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4. Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Located on the Nanda Devi ranges, the beauty of the lush green meadows get further enhanced by the monsoon.
Best known for the Valley of Flowers National Park, be prepared to be graced by a fascinating plethora of exotic and rare flora and fauna typical to this region. Located on the Nanda Devi ranges, the beauty of the lush green meadows get further enhanced by the monsoon. While you appreciate the beauty of the diverse fauna and alpine flowers at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy the view of the pristine surroundings. So what if you can’t go for a trek through the meadows, waterfalls, and bridges because of the rains. The unadulterated beauty of the neighbourhood will more than make up for it.
5. Havelock, Andaman Islands
Kisne bola barish ke mausam mein beachside place mein jana bekaar hai?! A visit to the Havelock Islands is enough to change your mind for good. Because the sea has a different story to tell during the rains – more than what words can ever explain. Bestowed with multiple enchanting beaches, you should totally plan a beach hop, exploring the Elephanta Beach, Radhanagar Beach, and Kalapathar Beach. While here, you cannot not indulge in water sport activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking to soak in the flavour of this island.
6. Coorg, Karnataka
Snuggled amongst hills, Coorg wears an indescribable charm during the rains.
A 5-hour road trip from Bengaluru is all it takes for Coorg to welcome you with open arms. Snuggled amongst the hills, Coorg wears an indescribable charm during the rains. Apart from surprising you with its myriad variety of flora and fauna, the hill station is replete with lakes and waterfalls, which are a treat for your tired, city-dwelled eyes. Take a ride on a horse through the winding hilly roads and watch out for exotic birds among the dense green foliage. A paradise for coffee lovers with endless coffee plantations, indulge in the rich flavours of the local cuisine while taking a sip from your freshly brewed cup of joe.
7. Udaipur, Rajasthan
The drizzle of rain seamlessly transitioning into the calm waters of Udaipur’s lakes is no less than an emotion.
The drizzle of rain seamlessly transitioning into the calm waters of Udaipur’s lakes is no less than an emotion. The captivating view of the Fateh Sagar Lake during the monsoons is a beauty to behold. While you preserve the breathtaking view of the lake in your mind and soul, treat your senses further by exploring the City Palace, Lake Palace, and Monsoon Palace. They are synonymous with architectural splendour that upholds the rich culture and heritage of the bygone era.
8. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The magical vibe of Spiti Valley, lovingly referred to as “Little Tibet”, wears a garb of grandeur during the monsoons.
The magical vibe of Spiti Valley, lovingly referred to as “Little Tibet”, wears a garb of grandeur during the monsoons. The subtle mysticism of the hill station is best experienced through wildlife and a visit to the Lhalung monastery. Camping here is something that you should definitely not miss out on when you are in Spiti. A tourist hotspot, the hill station never loses its charm with travellers making return visits to it, come summer, winter or monsoon.
9. Pondicherry
For one who loves to bask in places with an old-world mystique charm, this is it.
For one who loves to bask in places with an old-world mystique charm, this is it. The city by the sea celebrates its French roots as evident through the old colonial houses and quaint colourful European villas. The city’s Jewish heritage also shines through the stone-cobbled streets. Spend a relaxing day at the beach reading, swimming, taking a walk, or simply doing nothing while the monsoon showers you with all its calm and quietude. Take a seat by the window-side in one of its quaint cafes helping yourself to sumptuous cuisines while the rain water trickles down the window pane.
10. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Known as the Queen of the Hills, the name speaks volumes abouts the intrinsic beauty of this hill station.
Yet another hill station that will surprise you with all its otherworldly charm. Known as the Queen of the Hills, the name speaks volumes abouts the intrinsic beauty of this hill station. Visit the tea plantations, take a leisurely ride on the toy train, and take a stroll on the traffic-free Mall Road while indulging in some shopping therapy from the Tibetan shops. And, oh, a trip to Darjeeling will remain incomplete without a visit to Glenary’s, a British-themed restaurant known for an extensive European menu and delicious desserts.
11. Kutch, Gujarat
The enticing Dhinodhar Hills is a sight to reckon with during the rains.
The enticing Dhinodhar Hills is a sight to reckon with during the rains. The view of the seemingly endless desert landscape meeting the horizon makes a visit to Kutch worth it. Introduce yourself to the interestingly varied flavours of the local cuisine with a hot sweet cup of tea to perfectly complement the monsoon chill.
The above list mentions some of the places in India that you should definitely plan a trip to during the monsoons. But these options are not all considering the versatile land that India is. So take a pick from all the places that nature has bestowed on us, pack your bags and get going!
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