Monsoon in India is probably the only season that brings out a boatload of various emotions inside us. Hogging on the scrumptious pakoras and bhajis, inhaling the petrichor, and wandering off with the serene winds truly give us an experience of what heaven would feel like. With nature at its best during this season, there are pockets of natural wonders in our country that you cannot miss out on. If you, too, are someone who loves a heavy downpour, exploring these spellbound beauties created by monsoon is probably what you should be doing. And if you’ve already begun planning your itinerary, make sure to check out the 6 best places to visit in India during the monsoon.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Nestled in the abode of clouds, the picturesque city of Shillong is bestowed with paradisiacal beauty on Earth. Popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Shillong makes you fall in love with monsoons even more. Adorned with numerous waterfalls, the capital city of Meghalaya is an ideal destination for all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. For those who consider themselves a sucker for the gloomy vibe, you’ll be encountering plenty of misty clouds and greenery everywhere. The beauty is such that the indoors are just as indulging as the outdoors. You can spend your time inside relishing some wholesome dishes or be outside venturing into the wild.
Umiam Lake’s beauty is at once elevated once the downpour touches the man-made reservoir. It’s one of the biggest artificial lakes that open to panoramic views of the Sylvan Hills. Imagine going boating and the wind slightly sways your boat and the rain droplets splash into the water. To explore further, add the Elephant Falls to your itinerary, where you’ll get to see three levels of gushing water gathering in a plunge pool. Spot the Elephant stone at the very foot of the waterfall and you’ll know where the name comes from. If your heart is still not full, catch a breathtaking sunset from Laitlum Valley. The journey to the very top is all kinds of fun and breathtaking as you trek your way to a visual heaven!
How To Reach
By Flight: Although Shillong has an airport, not a lot of flights have connectivity to this airport. The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. From there, you can take a cab or self-drive.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station which is 96 km away. From the station, you’ll easily get a cab or can even self-drive.
By Bus: NH40 connects Shillong to most cities in India. Several private and government bus operators run to and from Shillong.
Coorg, Karnataka
Situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats, Coorg offers an unending stretch of tranquility during monsoon. Misty hills, sprawling coffee plantations, alluring valleys, and lush green hills are all defining features of the ‘Scotland of India’. Officially known as Kodagu, the beauty of this hill station is amplified after the first rain showers come knocking at the door. If you’re planning a trip to Karnataka during the monsoon, you should put Coorg on your itinerary to experience the serenity of a majestic world.
Camping, fishing, coffee plantation tours, trekking– this quaint little hill station has something to offer everyone who comes to explore its beauty. The pleasant climate with spells of showers makes Coorg a perfect destination for a refreshing getaway from city life. While enjoying the subtle rain showers, you can also witness the dense forest cover of Coorg that offers a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which are not spotted elsewhere!
To feed your adrenaline rush, you can trek to the peak of Tadiandamol, the highest peak in Coorg, and enjoy the breathtaking view of alluring hills and the Arabian Sea in the distance. Spend some of your time walking through the verdant rows of coffee plantations and understanding the process of how coffee is prepared. By the end of the tour, you’ll be spoiled with a fresh cup of coffee! Just imagine sipping on a hot cuppa whilst it rains outside – talk about a dream come true! Not visiting Abbey Falls during the rains would be criminal. You need to experience hearing the roar of the water pouring and the mist that forms beneath. After all, it’s the perfect weather to witness such beauty.
How To Reach
By Flight: The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport which is 143 km away. You can then take a cab to Coorg.
By Train: Mysuru Junction is the nearest railway station to Coorg. From here you can choose to travel by the local buses or opt for a cab to Coorg.
By Bus: Coorg is well-connected to most South Indian cities by road. KSRTC buses that are operated by the government run frequently to and from the city.
The Valley Of Flowers, Uttarakhand
Peacefully snuggled in the West Himalayan region of Uttarakhand is the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site blanketed with alpine flowers and rare Himalayan flora. And monsoon is the perfect weather to appreciate all the nature that comes alive in Uttarakhand. Tucked at 3,658 meters in Bhyundar Valley, this bouquet of nature in the Chamoli district is spread over a vast expanse of 87.50 sq km. The spectacular view of the mountains covered in a range of hues, filled with all shades of blooming flowers in this majestic valley is truly indescribable.
If you love the monsoon and are thrilled to explore the best of nature on Earth, a trek to the Valley of Flowers has to be a place you tick off your bucket list soon. Cascading waterfalls, glaciers, and bridges are all scenic splendors that encompass this trek. This secret gem is home to over 650 species of flowers including Brahmakamal, Zinnia, Blue Poppy, and Cobra Lily as well as some rare and endangered animal species like Asiatic black deer, red fox, blue sheep, and snow leopard. Ghangaria, Hemkund Sahib, Govindghat, and Lakshman Ganga River are some of the other attractions to check out near the Valley of Flowers.
How To Reach
By Flight: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport. From here some cabs will take you directly to the Valley of Flowers.
By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest to the Valley of Flowers. Several buses run from Rishikesh and take you directly to the Valley of Flowers.
By Bus: Govindghat is the last stop that you can reach by bus. The valley of flowers is 12 km away from here so you can either trek or hitch a ride to the valley.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Popularly known as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal is truly a blessing of nature on Earth. You can witness an amalgamation of multiple natural wonders at this resort hill station of Tamil Nadu. The specialty of this place is that you may get lucky enough to experience a rare phenomenon called ‘Brachem Spectre’. In this, you get to see your own shadow on the misty clouds when the sun is right behind you (no wonder our ancestors believed demons to be real). Amidst the serene air and picturesque backdrops, Kodaikanal looks exactly like the place you might have read about in a utopian novel.
Green Valley View stands as a testament to Kodaikanal’s beauty in the monsoon. It was previously known as the Suicide Point because of the deep valleys that have a 5000 ft drop. It’s quite close to the Kodaikanal Lake which is another attraction that should be on your list. This star-shaped lake is at an elevation of 7496 ft. You can rent a pedal boat or a shikara and enjoy thirty minutes of floating on the tranquil lake. Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Dolphin Nose, and Pambhar Falls are places that you should especially visit in Kodaikanal during the monsoon.
The breathtaking waterfalls and overwhelming landscapes of Kodaikanal promise to rejuvenate and take away all the stress of the wanderers who aim to seek solace at this place. From camping and boating to trekking and shopping, your monsoon trip to Kodaikanal is going to leave you with a wholesome experience to cherish all along.
Price For Boating:
- Pedal Boat: Starting From INR 20
- Kashmiri Shikara: INR 125
How To Reach
By Flight: Madurai Airport is the nearest airport. You can hire a cab or travel by the local TNSTC buses further to reach Kodaikanal.
By Train: Kodai Road is the nearest railway station from which you’ll have to travel by bus or cab further.
By Bus: TNSTC Buses connect Kodaikanal to most South Indian cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Madurai, and many others.
Munnar, Kerala
Mountain tops enveloped in silvery mist and soothing waterfalls playing along the hills – be ready to behold the sight of paradise, as soon as you step foot in Munnar. The vast tea gardens, bustling rivers, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque trekking trails easily make Munnar one of the best places to visit in India during the monsoon. For all those who wait the entire year to witness nature at its best, this hamlet is the perfect destination for you!
The exotic varieties of flora hidden along the pristine valleys of Munnar like the Neelakurinji flower and some endangered animal species like Nilgiri Tahr make this hill station even more special. Interestingly, Munnar isn’t particularly flooded with tourists during monsoon, so that’s a great time not only to witness the natural beauty of this place but also to get some amazing deals on hotel stays and resorts.
Being one of the regions where tea cultivation plays such a vital role, you have to visit the Tea Museum. It’ll take you through the whole process of making black tea. You can also sign up for a tea taste where you can sip on some exotic but delicious teas. Echo Point is another fascinating attraction to spend some time and amuse yourself. It’s highly recommended that you gorge on some of the lip-smacking Kerala delicacies as you marvel at the natural bliss of Munnar.
How To Reach
By Flight: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Munnar.
By Train: Aluva is the nearest railway station to Munnar. Further, you can travel by a private taxi or the local bus.
By Bus: Munnar is well-connected to most cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu via public transport.
Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Tucked in the lofty rugged hills of the Western Ghats is the scenic beauty of Malshej Ghat. The panoramic landscape coupled with pockets of thriving flora and fauna make this tranquil hill station a must-visit during monsoon. Whether you desperately need a break from your hectic work schedule or want to witness the best of monsoon in Maharashtra, a trip to Malshej Ghat is a rejuvenating experience for all chaotic minds.
Bird watching, sightseeing, camping, and trekking are some of the most popular activities to enjoy at Malshej Ghat. Head over to the nearby hill fort of Ajoba for a thrilling trek amidst the verdant forests or check out the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam to lay eyes on some rare and enchanting migratory birds. Shivneri Fort and the medieval temple of Harishchandragad are some other attractions to look out for when visiting Malshej. Monsoon truly enhances the beauty of this natural gem, as you can explore the enthralling treks of the high-spirited waterfalls while soaking in the mystical landscapes of Malshej Ghat.
How To Reach
By Flight: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is the nearest airport. You can hire a cab or travel by bus to further reach Malshej Ghat.
By Train: Kalyan Junction is the nearest railway station to Malshej Ghat.
By Bus: You can reach Malshej Ghat via the Mumbai-Pune highway. You travel via the regular state transport buses.
Summing Up
Make your monsoon a happy affair by visiting these places in India as the rain commences. You’ll see the raindrops making the green look a lot more alive and nature dancing out of joy. It’s the best time to spend some time with the verdant valleys and the tall mountains and let the mist envelope you.
FAQs
Where Does The Monsoon Reach First In India?
Kerala is the first state in India to receive the showers of the Southwest Monsoon. It’s the Arabian Sea Branch of the Southwest Monsoon that comes knocking at the doors of the Western Ghats of Kerala. From there on, the Branch moves northwards and provides rain all along the western parts of the Western Ghats. June is typically the month when the monsoon first begins in India.
Which Is The Best Place To Visit In Monsoon In Maharashtra?
Maharashtra receives ample rainfall during the monsoon and is filled with bountiful wonders waiting to be explored especially during this season. Here are a few of our must-visit locations:
- Kolad, Raigad: A perfect spot for all adventure enthusiasts, Kolad is filled with water sports activities, sprawling campsites, picture-perfect waterfalls, and scenic homestays. Whitewater rafting, canoeing, zip lining, and trekking are some of the popular activities to check out here.
- Alibaug, Raigad: While this destination is a popular weekend getaway throughout the year, monsoons bring out the best of hues in Alibaug. Along with many beaches, Murud-Janjira Fort, Kolaba Fort, and Undheri Fort are also popular hotspots for you to explore here.
- Malshej Ghat, Thane: The place knows exactly how to charm all adventure seekers with Harishchandragad Fort, Ajoba Hill Fort, Nane Ghat, and Darkoba Peak being some of the popular trekking trails out here.
- Lonavala, Pune: Another popular weekend getaway in Maharashtra is Lonavala. The lush green vegetation, soothing winds, and mesmerizing views atop Lonavala hills are all at their best during the monsoon.
Which Regions In India Are Affected By Monsoon?
While Kerala receives rainfall before any other state, monsoons envelop the entire country region by region between June and September. The Western Ghats experience typical monsoons as compared to the eastern or the northern side.
What Are The Two Branches Of Indian Monsoon?
The Southwest Monsoon enters India via two separate branches – the Arabian Sea Branch and the Bay of Bengal Branch. The Arabian Sea Branch enters India first and hits the Western Ghats of Kerala. From there on, it travels northwards and provides rain to the coastal areas of the Western Ghats. The Bay of Bengal Branch picks up winds from the Bay of Bengal and provides rain to the Northeastern states and the eastern parts of the Himalayas.
What Is Monsoon Tourism?
Monsoon Tourism is a new concept where travelers tend to travel to places receiving heavy rainfall to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature and experience the alluring rains. Wayanad is one such place where you will find tourists visiting the most.
Where Does It Not Rain In July In India?
Parts of India like the southeast coast are likely to have no rainfall in July, so for those who are planning a trip, Tamil Nadu in South India is a good option.
