Best Places to Visit in India During the Rainy Season

The monsoon episode in India, which usually occurs between the months of June and September, turns this nation into a beautiful green heaven. Landscapes come to life as the rains bring life to arid areas making them green, rivers swell, and form cascading waterfalls. To the traveler who wants to experience something unusual, the monsoon reveals some of the best places to visit in India, where beauty of nature is enhanced, and cultural experiences acquire magicair. The article talks about five destinations that one must visit to enjoy the monsoon magic in India, along with travel essentials, things to do, and why these places are the best during monsoons.

1. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Tucked away in the north east state of Meghalaya, Cherrapunji (or Sohra) is among the wettest places on the planet and thus an ideal place to visit in the monsoons. Its dramatic scenery is complemented by the rains and mist-covered hillside, thundering waterfalls and lush green valleys. One of the most appropriate places to visit in India, in case one adores the raw power of nature, is Cherrapunji.

Why go in monsoon?

• Waterfalls at Full bloom: Famous falls such as Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters and Dainthlen will be in full bloom and would present spectacular scenes.

• Living Root Bridges: Made by the Khasi tribe, these bio-engineered bridges are enveloped in beautiful greenery and the journey to these bridges is a memorable one.

• Misty Vistas: The moving clouds and mist add a surreal quality to it which will be ideal to any photography enthusiast.

Top Activities

• Hike to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat, a 3-4 hour long trek through rain drenched forests.

• Explore Mawsmai Caves, which are augmented by monsoon streams to make the cave-going experience a bit more adventurous.

• Stay in home stays and relish local Khasi food such as jadoh (rice and pork).

Travel Tips

• Best Time: July to August, during which the rains are highest.

• How to Reach: The nearest airport is at Guwahati (Assam) and then Cherrapunji is a 4-5 hour drive away.

• Accommodation: Homestays or eco-resorts such as Cherrapunji Holiday Resort will be a better choice to have an experience.

• Necessities: Bring waterproof clothing, good walking shoes and insect repellent.

2. Munnar, Kerala: Tea scented Getaway

The Kerala hill station, Munnar is a jewel in the crown of best places to visit in India during the monsoon. During the rains, its vast tea plantations turn vivid green and the hills are covered with mist. Munnar is also referred to as the Kashmir of South India and the serene beauty is enhanced by the visit of the monsoons.

Why Should You Visit During Monsoon?

• Lush Tea Estates: Rain revives the tea plantations bringing in spectacular views and a new experience of tea taste.

• Waterfalls and Lakes: Other places such as Attukal and Lakkam waterfalls are filled with monsoon waters and are considered picnic and photo friendly destinations.

• Cool Climate: The rains are cool and invigorating making it an ideal destination during cozy vacations.

Top Activities

• Go on a guided tour on tea estates such as Kolukkumalai, which is the world’s one of the highest tea plantations.

• Go to Eravikulam National Park and see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr in the misty scenery.

• Take a boat ride in Kundala Lake with rain-washed hills around it.

Travel Tips

• Best Time: June to September- lush greenery and less crowd.

• How to Reach: Reach Kochi by air and take a 4 hour drive to Munnar.

• Where to Stay: opt to stay in heritage bungalows or luxury resorts such as Tea County.

• Necessities: Take along light woolens, umbrellas and comfortable walking shoes.

3. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers, located in Uttarakhand is a must-visit during the monsoons, and rightly so, it is one of the best places to visit in India. Between July and August the valley turns into a wild flowering riot of more than 300 different kinds of wild flowers, with snow-capped Himalayan peaks as a backdrop.

Why should one visit during monsoon?

• Blooming Meadows: The rains set forth an amazing burst of flowers such as orchids, poppies and primulas.

• Trekking Adventure: The trek (17-km) to the valley is picturesque as it passes through waterfalls and streams.

• Spiritual Connection: You can mix your visit with a pilgrimage to the close Hemkund Sahib, a holy Sikh shrine.

Top Activities

• Hike across the Valley of Flowers with local specialists to see the richness of flowers.

• Pay a visit to the Hemkund Sahib Lake, a high-altitude peaceful lake surrounded by clouded mountains.

• Photograph the colorful landscapes, because the monsoon light increases colors.

Travel Tips

• Best Time: The mid-July to August, during which flowers are in full blossom.

How to Reach: There is an airport at Dehradun; one needs to drive to Govindghat (8-9 hours) and trek to the valley.

• Accommodation: In Ghangaria, which is the base camp of the trek, stay in guesthouses.

• Necessities: Bring raincoats, trekking poles and warm clothes (high altitude).

4. Lonavala, Maharashtra

The famous hill station, located between Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala can be one of the most preferred destinations to visit in India during the monsoons as the hill station turns into a misty heaven. Its water-falls, lakes and forts are most picturesque when they are caressed by the rains.

Why to Visit in Monsoon?

• Cascading Waterfalls: Bhushi Dam, Kune Falls, and Tiger’s Leap are filled with the monsoon waters and it is a fantastic idea to take a dip in these waterfalls.

• Scenic Drives: A drive to Lonavala via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is a breathtaking experience as one gets to see rain-drenched hills.

• Street Food: Do not miss hot vada pav and chai at the roadside stalls, as you enjoy the misty atmosphere.

Top Activities

• Go to Bhushi Dam and Kune Falls, have picnics and light Treks.

• Visit Rajmachi Fort which can be reached through a picturesque monsoon trek.

Travel Tips

• Best Time: July to September- to see the beauty of monsoons.

• How to Reach: It is a 2-hour drive away (either Mumbai or Pune), or one can go by train till Lonavala station.

• Accommodation: Stay at resorts, such as Fariyas, or low-range guesthouses in the center of the town.

• Necessities: Bring rain clothes, non-slip sneakers and a portable phone charger (day trips).

5. Coorg, Karnataka: Scotland of India

One of the best places to visit in India during monsoons, Coorg (Kodagu) is a hill station in Karnataka. Its coffee plantations, waterfalls and misty hills are boosted by the rains, making it a peaceful haven and adventure destination to nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Why Should One Visit During Monsoon?

• Abundant Plantations: Coffee and spice plantation are abundant where you can have an immersive plantation tour and even a homestay experience.

• Waterfall Wonders: Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls are in full spate due to the monsoons and are perfect waterfalls to visit and take photographs as also trek.

• Cultural Charisma: Get exposed to the Kodava culture of Coorg in terms of local festivals and food.

Top Activities

• Hike all the way to the highest point of Coorg, Tadiandamol Peak, to see the monsoon in full panorama.

• Pay a visit to the Abbey falls and Iruppu falls to have a refreshing time out.

• Once could stay in a coffee estate homestay and understand the processes of coffee-making.

Travel Tips

• Best Time: June to August to get the green scenery and avoid the crowd.

How to Reach: Coorg is a 3-4 hourdrive away after flying into Mangalore.

• Where to Stay: opt to stay in heritage homestays or resorts such as the Orange County to get the true experience.

• Necessities: Bring waterproof Laminated clothing plus insect repellent and comfortable trekking attire.

Reasons Why Monsoon Travel in India Can Not Be Missed

Monsoon season in India does not simply refer to rains but it is a festival of nature reviving. Whether it is the mist clad hills of Munnar or the flower carpet of the Valley of Flowers, these destinations portray the many faces of beauty of the country and hence are among the best places to visit in India. There is an extra touch of magic, be it the smell of rainfall, the sight of green sceneries or the sound of falling water. Not to mention that monsoon season traveling can equal fewer people and reduced expenses, which is a great choice when you are a low-budget adventurer.

Tips to Travel in India during Monsoons

• Prepare in Advance: Be sure to look at the weather predictions and the status of the roads since rains may lead to postponements.

• Pack Smart: Bring waterproof backpacks, Cotton clothes, and Rubber shoes.

• Be Safe: Keep out of flood prone areas and act as per the local advisory in the period of heavy rains.

• Sustainable Travel: promote environment friendly accommodation facilities and be sensitive to the local ecosystems, particularly in sensitive regions such as the Valley of Flowers.

Conclusion

The monsoon season in India brings about a different face of India that is very colorful, green, and engulfing. Hiking through the living root bridges of Cherrapunji, enjoying a cup of tea in the plantations of Munnar or being awed by the flowers of the Valley of Flowers, these places are some of the best destinations to visit in India during monsoons. The monsoon season is here so abandon all your umbrellas, take along your wonder and get ready to be amazed by the magic of monsoons in India.