Monsoons bring in pleasant weather with lush greenery, cold breeze, and clouds wrapped around mountains, which enhances the beauty of India’s hill stations. But not every hill station is worth a visit in the monsoon season. This is because some hill stations are prone to landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, which eventually leave travelers stranded for days. So to make sure that you don’t have to face such situations, here is a list of hill stations that you should definitely avoid during the monsoons.
Hill Stations To Avoid In Monsoon
1. Nainital
Nainital is a revered hill station located in the Kumaon foothills in Uttarakhand. It is known as the ‘Lake District’ in India. While this hill station and its weather are pleasant all year round, you can avoid visiting here during the monsoon season. The reason is that the hill station is prone to landslides due to unstable terrain and frequent roadblocks on routes from the plains. Also, note that the routes to Nainital are winding, so you will need your own mountain driving skills. There is a chance that your outdoor plans, such as cable car rides, boating, and others, may be disrupted due to waterlogging, heavy rainfall, and dense fog in many areas.
Alternative: Mount Abu
2. Manali
Manali is a well-known hill station in Himachal Pradesh, which is located in the Beas Valley. It is one of the most-loved destinations for tourists in India, with its apple orchards, adventure sports, and mountains. But you can surely avoid this destination during the rainy season. This is because heavy rains frequently trigger many landslides, flash floods, and massive road blockages on the important mountain highways leading to the region. The Beas River swells significantly during the monsoon, making it incredibly dangerous. Hence, the local administration advises people to avoid visiting riverbanks or riverside accommodations.
Alternative: Panchmarhi
3. Shimla
Known as the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla once served as the summer capital of British India. You can witness its legacy even today in the rich colonial architecture of this hill station. The region does transform into a lush green paradise, but it is better not to visit it during the monsoons. The reason is that this hill station witnesses severe risks of flash floods, landslides, and the collapse of roads. Heavy rains tend to disrupt travel here, restrict outdoor sightseeing, and also suspend the iconic Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. Heavy and continuous rainfall might also lead to dense fog and low visibility, which might lead to accidents on the road.
Alternative: Mahabaleshwar
4. Mussorie
Mussorie is a colonial-era hill station located in Uttarakhand. It is known for its lush hills, vibrant social life, and panoramic Himalayan views. The hill station also features the unique and rare phenomenon known as ‘winterline’. But it is better to skip this destination during the monsoon season. The reason is that the 35 km ghat road between Dehradun and Mussorie is generally prone to rockfalls and landslides during rainfall. This can leave the travelers stranded for hours. Heavy rainfall also leads to the closure of major outdoor attractions like Kempty Falls. Frequent power outages are common here during heavy rainfall, causing trouble for travelers.
Alternative: Lonavala
5. Darjeeling
Perched at 2,042 meters, Darjeeling is a stunning hill station in West Bengal. It is known to offer a mix of vibrant culture and old colonial charm. The hill station is known for offering panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Globally renowned for aromatic tea estates and the iconic toy train. But it is generally advised to skip this hill station during the monsoon season. The incessant rains and foggy conditions lead to severe travel disruptions and also obscure the famous Kanchenjunga views. The heavy torrential downpours lead to landslides on important hill roads and also to suspension of iconic toy train services as well as taxis. Walking also gets difficult as there is constant mist and the roads get slippery.
Also Read: Can You Visit Goa During Monsoon? Safety Rules And Trip Guide
Alternative: Mirik
6. Ooty
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is one of the most well-known hill stations in India. It is known for its cool, year-round weather, lush green tea plantations, homemade chocolates, and the beautiful Nilgiri Mountains. While the rains turn the Nilgiris into a lush green haven, it is advisable not to visit this hill station during monsoons. The biggest reason to avoid it is that the otherwise scenic ghat roads become dangerous during monsoon. The steep, slippery ghat roads, foggy conditions, and landslide-prone situations, which make driving difficult and can lead to mishaps and travel disruptions. Heavy downpours also mean disruption in the operations of the iconic toy train.
Alternative: Mahabaleshwar
Essential Safety Checklist For Monsoon Travel
- Make sure you check the alerts by the India Meteorological Department for updates related to the destination you have opted to visit.
- Check the official X or Instagram handles of the police department, traffic department, or local administration to stay updated on highway closures or any active landslides.
- Keep your financial and safety emergency kit ready with some cash, medicines, bandages, and a power bank.
- If you are taking your own vehicle, make sure you get it checked completely, as vehicles face breakdowns during the monsoon.
- Avoid riverside accommodations completely to avoid any kind of risk. Instead, book accommodations on structurally sound and higher terrain. ‘
- Do not try to cross an overflowing bridge, stream, or flooded roads as they might be dangerous.
Summing Up
Here we come to the end of the list! We have listed some of the famous hill stations in India, which are a hit during other seasons but surely skippable during monsoons. There are also alternative hill stations mentioned to help you plan better. You can visit our website to know more about the best monsoon destinations of one-day monsoon trips, you can visit our website.
