August marks the peak of the monsoon season in India, transforming landscapes into vibrant emerald green and causing rivers and streams to flow with vigor. While popular monsoon destinations like Ooty, Mahabaleshwar, and Lonavala often come to mind, there are many other wonderful places in India to explore during this month. So, if you’re making some August plans and thinking of re-doing that monsoon plan, here are top 5 places to visit in August in India.
Top 5 Places To Visit In August In India: Jaipur, Ratnagiri, Cherrapunji, And More
Ratnagiri: Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
Ratnagiri is an underrated destination when it comes to monsoon destinations in India. This port city on Maharashtra’s Konkan coastline is famous for its alphonso mangoes, historic sites, ancient temples, ample seafood, and its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. In fact, for its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations that usually take place in August or September, Ratnagiri natives who live in Mumbai or other big cities book their train tickets months in advance! During August 2025, Ratnagiri will transform into a vibrant state where many families will celebrate the arrival of Lord Ganesha. The 5 to 10 day festival is celebrated with great pomp, with the communities coming together to engage in music, dance, and fun rituals.
Besides that, Ratnagiri is home to many temples and historic sites that we think you must totally visit when you’re here. Plus, its white sand beaches make for the perfect backdrop for a serene getaway in August. You can go exploring the various hidden and lesser-known beaches in Ratnagiri as the city is a traveler’s paradise for unexplored gems!
Must-visit attractions: Ratnadurg Fort, Thiba Palace, Aare Ware Beach, Bhatye Beach, Ganpatipule Temple and Beach, Devghali Beach, Jaigad Fort
How to reach:
- Closest airport: Pune International Airport (294 km)
- Closest railway station: Ratnagiri Railway Station
- Best way to reach: Take any train on the Konkan Railway Line from Mumbai and Pune and get down at Ratnagiri Railway Station
Jaipur: Pink City Charm In The Monsoon
You might be surprised to see a city from Rajasthan on this list, after all, not many explore these cities in the peak monsoon. But the charm of Rajasthan’s cities is best explored in the monsoon – when rain pours down gently on the golden brown stone sculptures, havelis, and courtyards here. And the best destination to experience this is the city of Jaipur.
The Pink City has plenty of forts, museums, lakes, and tourist attractions that you can explore while you’re here. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about overspending – August isn’t the peak tourist season in Jaipur. This way, you’ll save up on hotels and activities and still be able to enjoy the grandeur of Rajput royalty that reflects in each corner of the city.
Must-visit attractions: Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Amber Mahal, Jal Mahal, Birla Mandir, Albert Hall Museum
How to reach:
- Closest airport: Jaipur International Airport
- Closest railway station: Jaipur Railway Junction
- Best way to reach: Fly down to Jaipur’s airport or get down at the railway station – either way it’s quite convenient!
Cherrapunji: World’s Second Wettest Place
How can you talk about the monsoon month of August and not mention the second wettest place on Earth – Cherrapunji? While Mawsynram, the wettest place on Earth, enjoys a decent influx of travelers in August and other monsoon months, we think you should totally give Cherrapunji a try this August 2025. The reason? Oh, there are plenty!
From limestone caves, plunging waterfalls, and double decker root bridges to parks and several natural sites of interest, Cherrapunji is a haven for those looking for a quiet retreat in the North East. Plus, the cuisine here is drastically different than what most of us are accustomed to. The people of Cherrapunji are warm, helpful, and hospitable – making the experience of living in the world’s second wettest place even more memorable! Oh, and if you’re visiting the place in August, carry enough rain-appropriate gear with you!
Must-visit attractions: Mawsmai Caves, Nohkalikai Falls, Wei Sawdong Falls, Mawlynnong, Arwah Cave, Double Decker Root Bridge
How to reach:
- Closest airport: Guwahati International Airport (150 km)
- Closest railway station: Guwahati Railway Station
- Best way to reach: Fly down or use the train to reach Guwahati and then take a bus/cab ride to Cherrapunji
Alappuzha: Land Of The Backwaters And Boat Races
Visiting Alappuzha in August 2025 is what we think is the best time to do so? Why, you may ask? Well, this quaint city by the Laccadive Sea is a vibrant one filled with temples, beaches, light houses, and the pristine backwaters. And during its Onam Festival, Alappuzha dons its festive spirit on its sleeve. In 2025, Onam will take place in August, which is why we think you must visit this place in that month.
During Onam, along with other festivities, what remains the most anticipated are the snake boat races. Called Vallam Kalis, these boat races are unlike anything you’ve seen before! We’re talking about boats that stretch for up to 100 ft, hundreds of men synchronizing their hands to row the boats as fast as they can, and drummers and dancers cheering these men as they race towards victory! The mere imagery of this festive atmosphere in Alappuzha is enough for us to make us pack our bags and book our tickets to this vibrant destination in Kerala. What about you?
Must-visit attractions: Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Alappuzha Light House and Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, St. Mary’s Forane Church, St. Andrews Basilica, Mullakal Rajeswari Temple
How to reach:
- Closest airport: Cochin Airport (75 km)
- Closest railway station: Alappuzha Railway Station
- Best way to reach: Fly down to Cochin and take a bus/taxi to reach Alappuzha
Darjeeling: Monsoon Retreat In The Hills
Darjeeling’s tea estates and sprawling hills are much talked about during winter – but their real charm is experienced in the monsoon season. The mild to heavy downpour, the misty envelope covering these hills, and an air of quiet and peace throughout the hill station – Darjeeling deserves to be on your list of top places to visit in August in India this year.
The hill station that was once under colonial rule still holds remnants of our colonial past in the form of colonial homes, cathedrals, and other buildings. However, the hill station has many more things to offer besides the colonial remnants. From sprawling parks and pagodas to tea estates, view points, and monasteries, Darjeeling has it all! Plus, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, let us tell you that it is also home to the Himalayan Mountaineering Instiute, one of the premier mountaineering institutes in India.
When in Darjeeling in August, we highly recommend visiting the various view points here to get panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visit quaint cafes and eateries to taste a slice of Darjeeling – and of course, sip on some Darjeeling tea as you watch rain pouring over the hill station from your cafe or room window!
Must-visit attractions: Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Batasia Loop, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling Ropeway and Railway, Tiger Hill, Nightingale Park
How to reach:
- Closest airport: Bagdogra Airport (90 km)
- Closest railway station: New Jalpaiguri (70 km)
- Best way to reach: Either a flight or train to either of these places mentioned above and then a shared cab/bus to Darjeeling
Summing Up
We hope you got enough suggestions for the places to visit in August 2025! From Darjeeling’s lush tea estates to Ratnagiri’s joyous Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, these places in August bring a different kind of charm that you wouldn’t normally see elsewhere. While each of these 5 places has something different to offer, one common thing that you’ll experience in all of these places is the peace, the silence, and the calm that’s accompanied with the pitter-patter of the rain. Packed your bags already?
