Monsoon Magic: Best Places to Visit in India During Rainy Season

India is blessed with a varied demography, and each season has its way of making different parts of the country look aesthetically mesmerizing. The monsoon season in India is particularly a magical time for travel. The monsoon generally begins in June or July and is famous among travelers for transforming India into a lush green paradise with rejuvenated rivers and waterfalls.

Top Places to Visit in India During the Rainy Season

Experience the enchanting beauty of India as the monsoon breathes new life into its landscapes. From lush green hills to cascading waterfalls and serene backwaters, the rainy season transforms the country into a romantic and refreshing escape. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or someone looking to unwind amidst tranquil surroundings, this guide to the best places to visit in India during the monsoon will help you plan the perfect rainy season getaway.

Why Visit India During the Monsoon?

The Allure of Monsoon Travel

Travelling during the monsoon months in India can be a captivating time to explore the country’s varied regions. The greens are greener, the scorching heat is subsumed, there are fewer crowds, and the prices are comparatively lower. The monsoon clouds and unique lights can beautifully grace a traveler’s Instagram profile. Apart from that, several states have their own monsoon festivals, like Behdienkhlem in Meghalaya, the Hemis festival in Ladakh, and many more, that are rich in culture and tradition.

Top Destinations to Explore the Monsoon Magic

Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is a town in Kerala and is a part of the Western Ghats Mountain range. It is a hill station and was formerly preferred by the British elite as a holiday resort. Munnar is famous for its tea gardens and misty hills that look heavenly during the monsoon season. It also has numerous streams, huge waterfalls, and winding walkways. It provides opportunities for tea tasting, strolling through the tea gardens, and embracing the splendor of nature.

The Eravikulam National Park in Munnar is home to Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife species, and trying to spot them is another fun activity that Munnar offers. The late monsoon months offer a balance of greenery and stable weather.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur is known as the city of lakes in India. Monsoon rains fill these lakes to the brim, making them look as beautiful as they can ever get. Heavy rain transforms the place into a lush green oasis. The climate is pleasant during the monsoon season, which makes it an ideal time to explore the city.

Usually, the monsoon in Rajasthan begins in July and extends until September. A visitor should not miss major attractions such as the City Palace, and also enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola. Majestic palaces such as the City Palace and Jag Mandir are even more breathtaking during the monsoon. Strolling through Sahelion ki Bari and Gulab Bagh and visiting local markets are some other activities that Udaipur offers to its visitors.

You may also like: The Best Things to Do in Hyderabad: Top Attractions, Food and Hidden Gems

Goa

Goa is known for its beaches and nightlife, but the monsoon makes it difficult to swim in the water, and the sand is too wet to enjoy. This allows exploring everything else that Goa has to offer. Goa’s Waterfalls, such as Dudhsagar and Arvalem, are gorgeous during monsoon, making them a must-visit.

The monsoon in Goa has become busier in recent years, but the prices are still lower compared to the winters, and the number of footsteps on the streets is also comparatively lower. Waterfall hiking, cliff jumping, wild swimming, spice plantation tours, and kayaking along the mangroves are some of the activities that Goa offers during the monsoon.

Chikmagalur, Karnataka

The monsoon enhances the beauty that Chikmagalur has to offer to its visitors, thus making it a unique and unforgettable experience. Bhadra and Hemavathi rivers are popular for activities like river rafting, which is suitable for both beginners and experienced, therefore not restricting the fun to only those who have the skills.

Chikmagalur is home to lush coffee estates and scenic trekking trails, and walking through them is relaxing. It has the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several species of animals and birds, providing a chance to spot some of them and experience nature as a home to several varied species. Mullayanagiri Peak and Hebbe Falls are amongst the other popular places in Chikmagalur.

You may also like: Top 8 Hidden Gems in Karnataka

Shillong, Meghalaya

As the name suggests, Meghalaya is the “Abode of Clouds,” and the monsoon season presents its beauty in the highest galore. Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya, and its monsoon beauty is unparalleled as it connects to places like Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram, particularly famous for receiving the highest rainfall.

The landscape of Meghalaya, particularly in the monsoon season, is graced by several roaring waterfalls, a misty ambiance, and rain festivals celebrated by the local tribal communities. A visit to Meghalaya is incomplete without visiting the living-root bridges and the local markets.

Hidden Gems to Explore During Monsoon

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Mahabaleshwar is a town in Maharashtra, popular because of the Mahadeo Temple, the source of five rivers: Krishna, Koyna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri. The usually dry landscape looks fresh and beautiful during the monsoon months.

The waterfalls come alive and flow through the green backdrop, and the fog adds some white to the scenery, making it an awesome photo opportunity.

The monsoons also mark the beginning of strawberry season, which makes strawberry picking a fun activity for visitors. Arthur’s Seat is a popular tourist attraction that offers a mesmerizing view of the Savitri Valley. Wilson Point, Category Point, Lingmala Falls, and Venna Lake are some of the other popular places to visit when in Mahabaleshwar.

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg, also known as Kogadu, is famous for its breathtaking beauty. The aromatic coffee plantations and scenic waterfalls make it a nature lover’s paradise. A monsoon visit to Coorg is incomplete without visiting the numerous waterfalls, especially Iruppu Falls.

This tributary of the Cauvery River looks splendid during the monsoon. Several homestays in Coorg offereco-sustainable stays and are located amidst the coffee plantation with access to other types of plants like Kafir lime, Australian fig and other species of fruits and flowers. They also have provision for cycling, bird-watching, angling, and coracle rides.

You may also like: Coorg: A Spicy Hill Station Of Western Ghats

Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

Ranikhet is a hill station near Almora Twon in Uttrakhand. It offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, making it a wonderful monsoon retreat in Uttarakhand. Ranikhet has a serene environment amidst dense forest marked by an expanse of meadows, fruit orchards, azure valleys, and rolling hills.

The monsoon months have frequent rainfall, and the tourist crowds are significantly reduced, making the atmosphere quieter. Occasional landslides make it difficult to trek during monsoon, which is otherwise a great activity in Ranikhet, especially during spring and autumn.

Tips for Traveling During the Monsoon Season

Monsoon is a great time to experience nature in its entirety, however, people do not choose to travel between June and September because it is difficult to travel and perform activities because of extreme rainfall, which in turn results in increased water levels. Therefore, when one has made up their mind to travel during the monsoon months, there are certain things that they have to keep in mind:

Packing Essentials

Packing the right things before starting the journey can ensure comfort and safety during a monsoon trip. A waterproof jacket is extremely important for protection from rainfall. It can not only avoid diseases like the common cold, but also avoid the discomfort of traveling with drenched clothes. This also means it is a smart decision to pack clothes that dry quickly, even in humid conditions. There are many insects during the rainy season, and one must definitely pack mosquito repellent to prevent insect bites and probable diseases caused by them.

Safety Precautions

The roads can be slippery and unsafe during the rainy season, and understanding the condition of a new place can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to navigate wet roads and also avoid hilly regions to avoid sudden landslides. Drinking bottled water and maintaining caution while choosing eateries can help avoid waterborne diseases. It is important to remain updated on weather conditions. Monsoons can cause power cuts, and power banks can be of great help to ensure constant connectivity.

You may also like: The Art of Packing: Essential Tips for Efficient and Stress–free Travel

Best Time to Travel

Generally, the monsoon in India begins from June and continues till September, but which month amongst these months is best for traveling?  The answer to this question might vary from region to region. August is the wettest among these months, and therefore, the waterfalls flow in full glory. The month of June marks the beginning of monsoon, when the showers are on and off, and the roads are still safe. September also has occasional rains, but still carries forward the lush green beauty the monsoon left behind. If someone wants to witness the rain festivals, they can schedule their trip accordingly.

Apart from the above-mentioned places, there are several other monsoon travel destinations in India, and each one of them has immense beauty and unique experiences to offer. The fewer crowds make it easier to access the maximum of what the best rainy season getaways offer. There are several festivals organized throughout the country that give a little sneak peek into local culture and help to understand the importance of rain in an agricultural setting and primitive lifestyles. All these reasons make monsoon travel experiences unique, provided all the safety measures are taken into consideration.