The Romance of Rain: 10 Best Monsoon Hill Stations in India
“Raindrops are kisses sent from heaven”. The monsoon is when the hill stations are greener, the air is misty, the waterfalls look mesmerizing, the rivers look exquisite, all bringing joy to romantic hearts.
Though beautiful, continuous rainfall during monsoon makes some regions prone to frequent landslides, thick fog causes less visibility, and other safety concerns arise, which can be avoided by following a simple monsoon travel guide with a list of some hill stations that are generally safe from frequent landslides and other possible accidents.
Why choose hill stations for monsoon travels?
Hill Stations in the monsoon are blessed with unparalleled beauty marked by clouds that envelope the trails, waterfalls at their peak glory, blooming season for diverse species of flora, and fewer crowds, making exploration hassle-free and perfect for a romantic getaway.
Landslides, floods, and low visibility are the unwanted byproducts of monsoon that can cause safety concerns, and thus, ensuring proper safety is not a choice. Taking care of travel safety and checking infrastructural developments can help to avoid unwanted mishappenings.
10 Best Monsoon Hill Stations in India (Safe from Landslides)
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is known as the Scotland of India. During the monsoon, it receives heavy rainfall, and the beauty of the place sees no bounds. Exploring Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, and other waterfalls, trekking in the Bhramagiri range, visiting coffee plantations, and exploring cultural and historical sites are some interesting monsoon activities in Coorg. Exploring Nagarhole National Park and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary gives access to the diverse flora and fauna in the region. There are several accommodation options in Madikeri, and the town is easily accessible by proper roads, safe for rainy seasons, with the nearest railway station 120 km away in Mysore.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
This municipal town in the Nilgiris district is known for the stunning tea estates and charming colonial architecture covered in thick fog and mist during monsoons. It has always been a popular choice for honeymoon-goers. The weather and landscape are perfect for activities like trekking, birdwatching, toy train riding, and exploring colonial bungalows. Sim’s Park and Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint are a must-visit when in Coonoor. Coonoor is close to Kochi, Coimbatore, and Bangalore, and is easy to reach via roads and rail. Accommodations vary from budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts, catering to all kinds of travelers. Roads are well-maintained and safe; however, basic monsoon travel safety must be ensured.
Chikmagalur, Karnataka
It is often known as the “Coffee land of Karnataka”. Its stunning landscapes include the Mullayanagiri range, the highest peak in Karnataka. Waterfalls like Hebbe Falls and Jhari Falls find a home in this region, and wildlife enthusiasts are offered with diverse range of flora and fauna in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. During monsoon, activities like river rafting on the Bhadra river, trek to Mullayanagiri Peak, and waterfall exploration are a must for a wholesome experience. It is connected by railway at Kadur railway station, and the nearest airport is also just 113 km away in Mangalore. The roads are well maintained for a safe drive during heavy rainfall, however, necessary safety precautions in mind can prevent potential hazards.
Saputara, Gujarat
Located in the Dang district of Gujarat, Saputara is the only hill station in Gujarat and is famous for its crystal-clear lakes, lush green parks, and natural points. This underrated monsoon gem hosts monsoon festivals amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Satpura lake, marked by a parade, cultural program, rain run marathon, and other engaging activities. Hathgadh Fort, Vansda National Park, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Gira Falls, and Eco Point are amongst many other major attractions of Saputara. The nearest major city to this place is Surat, from where a cab takes approximately 4 hours to reach Saputara. The accommodation price ranges from Rs 1500 to Rs 15000, Savshati Lake Resort, Sunotel, and Aakar Lords Inn being some resorts rated the highest for their services. The roads are good and well-maintained, and landslides are not common, making it a safe monsoon destination.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
It is a hill station in Rajasthan, best for exploring the charm of the Aravalli range. The rain-washed views in monsoon, rare foggy hills, and serene atmosphere make this place vacation-worthy. In this region, monsoon is marked by short bursts of rain rather than continuous downpour. Tourists visiting Mount Abu in the rainy season must engage in activities like trekking, boating in Nakki Lake, and exploring the hills for a memorable engagement with the place. The nearest railway station is Abu Road, which is 28 km away, and the nearest airport is in Udaipur, from where cabs and buses are easily available. Mount Abu is generally safe to visit during the monsoon season, and it takes necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of its visitors.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is getting popular amongst internet users owing to the videos dedicated to its beauty, serenity, and cultural uniqueness. This matrilineal state offers various attractions in the form of waterfalls, lakes, museums, parks, and many more.Places like Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyons, and Elephant Falls are a photographer’s dream. Sohra and Mawsynram are famous for receiving the highest rainfall in the world, and the state in general receives heavy downpours. Waterfalls in Meghalaya are most impressive during the monsoon due to their powerful flow, with Nohkalikai being the tallest plunge waterfall. Apart from exploring the natural landscapes, Ward’s Lake, Lady Hydari Park, and the music café scene in Shillong are worth giving a try. It is advisable to book accommodations in and around the Police Bazaar area, as it is located in the centre of the town. The town of Shillong is generally not landslide-prone, with excellent roads, making it suitable for a monsoon getaway.
Yerchaud, Tamil Nadu
Apart from possessing all the other perks of a hill station, like a serene environment, diverse landscapes, and a pleasant climate, Yerchaud is also a low-cost getaway destination. Monsoon activities in the place include boat rides in Yercaud Lake, exploration of Kiliyur Falls that come alive in monsoon, visits to orange groves, visiting the botanical garden, and visiting Anna Park. Monsoon months in Yerchaud are safer than some other hill stations, but it is important to be aware of potential risks through a little research before starting the trip about the then situation. Salem Junction is the nearest railway station to Yerchaud, which is just 35 km from this place, and buses are also available at regular intervals from Salem Central bus stand. Accommodations are available at great rates with no reservation cost on websites like booking.com.
Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh
Lambasingi is an excellent destination for camping in a beautiful valley, with streams and forests. The monsoon season is the best time to go trekking in this area because the rain revives the greenery of the forests. It is still not as commercial as other hill stations, and fewer crowds make it quiet and serene. One must opt for homestays and resorts over traditional hotels for an authentic stay experience. The best way to reach is to travel to the nearest railway station, which is just 20 km away at Narsipatnam Road Station. If general monsoon precautions are kept in mind, Lambasingi is a safe destination even during the rainy season.
Horsley Hills, Andhra Pradesh
Horsley Konda is a series of hills in Andhra Pradesh. Its landscape, pleasant climate, and serenity make it a nature lover’s paradise. This hill station provides panoramic views of valleys, hillocks, and dense forests. Even in monsoon months, the rains are quite moderate, making exploration easy and ideal for tourism. The temperature in monsoons falls between 15 °C to 25 °C. Wind Rocks, Gangotri Lake, and Vana Vihara Park are some must-visit places in Horsley Hills. A short trip to Kaigal waterfalls is a picturesque experience, especially during the monsoon season. It is most convenient to reach the nearest railway station, which is just 24 kilometers away at Madanapalle, and then take a cab which takes around 45 minutes from there.
Panchgani, Maharashtra
Known for its strawberry plantation, Panchgani is a hill station in Maharashtra with scenic beauty and a pleasant climate. The architecture from colonial times is retained in the area as a representative of the colonial past. One reason to visit this place during the monsoon is the freshness in the air. The climate remains cold, and the landscape gets covered in thick fog. If certain safety precautions are taken care of, Panchgani in monsoon can be an experience of a lifetime.
Monsoon Travel Tips for Hill Stations
After choosing a destination for vacation, it is time to decide what goes inside that travel bag. A list of general items for a monsoon getaway at a hill station would include objects like a poncho, quick-dry clothes, and a good pair of shoes. Apart from that, keeping essential medicines is always helpful. An umbrella and a raincoat are a must-carry-on.
The places mentioned above are generally safe and not prone to landslides; however, the unpredictability of the monsoon can be mitigated by taking certain simple precautions, such as checking weather and landslide alerts on applications like FLIM and Google Weather, traveling during daylight and avoiding nights with low visibility in the fog-laden hills, and avoiding steep routes. Now that destinations have been listed and safety has been discussed, pre-booking a stay ensures the availability of accommodation. After everything, getting travel insurance can help cover risks of travel.
Which hill station would you pick this monsoon? Tell us in the comments!
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