After the scorching heat of the summer, monsoon season is what brings the ultimate relief. And after spending days in your cool confined rooms, hiding from the harsh sun, are you also looking for places to head out in nature and experience the best of it? If yes, then this blog is for you.
Monsoons in India are all about lush greenery, lakes overflowing with sparkling waters, and scenic waterfalls that are no less than heavenly wonders. If you don’t mind getting a wee bit wet then here are 7 amazing (apart from the mainstream) places you can visit to enjoy the perfect monsoon weather while sipping on a hot cup of tea and some hot savories.
7 Best Places to Visit in the Monsoon Season
1. Lonavala
Mumbai monsoons are famous all wide and around. However, one of the best places to experience the monsoon weather in Mumbai is Lonavala. It’s a small, quaint hill town situated 96 Km away from the bustling city. Lonavala completely transforms into a blissful land as soon as the rain arrives. The Sahyadri mountain ranges and the serene ghats come to life with lush greenery and gushing waterfalls, allowing you to experience the best of nature and its wonders.
Things to do: Trekking, camping, sightseeing
Famous Nearby Attractions: Tiger Point, Karla Caves, and Kune Waterfalls (the 14th highest waterfall in India)
Weather Conditions: Pleasant weather with low to medium rainfall and an average temperature of 25 degrees Celcius.
2. Kodaikanal
The Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal has got all that you need to have a perfect monsoon vacation. Nestled in the upper Palani hills of western ghats, Tamil Nadu, this quaint town is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and wooden forests, the beauty of which only gets enhanced during the rainy weather. Here you can also find beautiful lakes and splashing waterfalls which make for the perfect backdrop to get some amazing pictures.
Things to do: Trekking, boating, sightseeing
Famous Nearby Attractions: Berijam Lake, Kodai Lake, Palni Hills
Weather Conditions: Pleasant weather with medium rainfall and an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius
3. Pondicherry
If you are an old-school junkie (just like me), you’d love the yellow-tinted villas, cobbled stoned lanes, quaint, bright-colored cafes, and seafront bars of Pondicherry. The monsoon showers create a cool, pleasant ambiance which adds to the overall vibe and charm of this town. If you are planning a vacation with your loved one, Pondicherry is a must-visit monsoon destination in India.
Things to do: Cafe hopping, scuba diving, shopping
Famous Nearby Attractions: Rock Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Our Lady of Angels Church, Puducherry Museum, Chunnambar Boat House
Weather Conditions: Pleasant climate with low to medium rainfall and an average temperature of 26 degrees Celcius.
4. Goa
Planning that perfect Goa trip with your friends again? If yes, then monsoon is the best time to visit this land of beaches. Reason? Everything looks all refreshed and rejuvenated here during the rains – be it the gushing Dudhsagar Falls or wildlife sanctuaries washed up with lush greenery. While you are here, don’t miss out on a scooter ride to feel light rain showers splashing through your face – it is certainly the best thing to experience in Goa.
Things to do: Shopping, scuba diving, heritage tour, birdwatching
Famous Nearby Attractions: Dudhsagar Falls, Candolim Beach, Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Harvalem Waterfalls, Sinquerim Beach
Weather Conditions: Warm and pleasant weather with medium to high rainfall and an average temperature of 30 degrees Celcius.
5. Auli
Rains reveals a completely new spirit of Auli, transforming it into a verdant paradise. While it’s primarily known for its winter activities, Auli during the monsoon season has its own unique charm and allure. The rain breathes new life into the landscape, covering the slopes with a thick carpet of greenery. The coniferous and oak forests come alive, offering a feast for the eyes with their rich hues and the fresh, invigorating scent of rain-soaked earth.
Things to do: Cable car ride, hiking, sightseeing, trekking, paragliding
Famous Nearby Attractions: Trishul Peak, Joshimath, Kwani Bugyal, Nanda Devi Range, Chenab Lake
Weather Conditions: Pleasant weather with low to medium rainfall and an average temperature of 10 degrees Celcius.
6. Shillong
The monsoon rains turn Shillong into a green wonderland. The rolling hills, dense forests, and meadows are soaked in rich, vibrant hues of green. This season is particularly great for visiting the many waterfalls that the region is famous for. You’ll find places like Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai Falls at their most majestic, with torrents of water crashing down with full force. Shillong during monsoons is the best for those who love lush greenery, misty mornings, and the sound of raindrops dancing on leaves.
Things to do: Boating, wildlife viewing, trekking
Famous Nearby Attractions: Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum, Laitlum Canyon, Lady Hydari Park
Weather Conditions: Pleasant weather with medium to high rainfall and an average temperature of 15 degrees Celcius.
Also Read : 9 Beautiful Places In India You Are Not Allowed To VisiT
7. Coorg
Coorg is all about coffee plantations, spice gardens, and dense forests look incredibly lush and refreshing during the rainy weather. Everywhere you look, nature is in full bloom, with fresh foliage and colorful flowers dotting the scenery.
And while you are here, what better way to enjoy the monsoon rains than sipping on the freshly brewed Coorg coffee? Many homestays and resorts in Coorg are nestled amidst coffee plantations, where you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee while watching the rain drizzle over the plantations.
Things to do: Bird Watching, horse riding, trekking, coffee plantation tour
Famous Nearby Attractions: Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Abbey falls, Tadiandamol peak, Brahmagiri Hills
Weather Conditions: Pleasant climate with low to medium rainfall and an average temperature of 16 degrees Celcius.
Takeaway
So, these were our top favorite monsoon destinations for 2024! No matter which place you choose to visit, you are sure to have a lifetime experience. Then, what are you waiting for? Get your backpacks ready and head out to the journey!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q. Which part of India is not affected by monsoon?
A. Ladakh is the only cold desert land in India that is not affected by the monsoon as it is situated in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas. This is also the reason that Ladakh only receives an annual rainfall of 10 cm.
Q. Which place is safe in rainy season?
A. Here is a list of places that are safe to travel in rainy season:
Munnar
Spiti Valley
Mahabaleshwar
Udaipur
Cherrapunji
Q. Is it safe to travel to Goa in monsoon?
A. Yes, it is safe to travel to Goa following all the necessary safety precautions and protective measures.
Q. Where not to visit in monsoon in India?
A. Avoid visiting Chennai, Orissa, Sikkim and Amboli during the monsoon in India as these regions very high rainfall.
