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Monsoon in India is probably the only season that brings out a boatload of various emotions inside us. Hogging on the scrumptious pakoras and bhajjis, inhaling the petrichor, basking in the picturesque views, 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 ought to be explored.
If you too are a pluviophile just like us, exploring these spellbound beauties created by monsoon is probably what you’ve been craving for. And if you’ve already begun planning your itinerary, make sure to not miss out on the 6 best places to visit in India during the monsoon.
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. The serene beauty of the place also makes it a popular destination for honeymooners.
Imagine the scenic view of misty clouds, roaring waterfalls, and lush green everywhere; that’s exactly how a picture-perfect Shillong looks like during monsoon. Whether you wish to take a dive in the beauty of the rumbling waterfalls or want to soak yourself in the mystic views from your hotel room, Shillong lets you enjoy the best of monsoon from both outdoors and indoors. The average temperature in Shillong during the monsoon is around 15°C, offering a pleasant climate with medium to high rainfall.
Umiam Lake, Elephanta Falls, Shillong Peak, and the Spread Eagle Falls are major tourist attractions in Shillong which you should definitely visit during monsoon to get a glimpse of the pristine beauty this state offers. And while you’re there, don’t forget to relish the local delicacies and cheap drinks to get the best of your trip to Shillong.
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (30 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati (96 km away)
Also read: Malvan Travel Guide.
Situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats, Coorg offers an unending stretch of tranquillity 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 definitely 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 to everyone who comes to explore its beauty. The pleasant climate with low to medium spells of showers make 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 is 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. Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, Jog Waterfalls, Madikeri Fort, Brahmagiri, and Nagarhole National Park are some of the other famous attractions to check out in Coorg.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (143 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Mysuru Junction (117 km away)
Also read: Naldehra Travel Guide.
Peacefully snuggled in the West Himalayan region of Uttarakhand is the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site blanketed with alpine flowers and bestowed with rare Himalayan flora. And what better time to visit this natural wonder than during the monsoon? 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. Words aren’t enough to describe the spectacular view of the mountains covered in a range of hues, filled with all shades of blooming flowers in this majestic valley.
If you love the monsoon just as we do 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.
The relaxing breeze and the enchanting beauty of the Valley of Flowers draw the lovers of nature and photography away. Ghangaria, Hemkund Sahib, Govindghat, and Lakshman Ganga River are some of the other attractions to check out near the Valley of Flowers.
Looking for some more information about the Valley of Flowers? Click here for all further details you need to know.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (282 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (265 km away)
Also read: Punjab Travel Guide.
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’, where you get to see your own shadow on the misty clouds when the sun is right behind you. Amidst the serene air and picturesque backdrops, Kodaikanal looks exactly like the place you might have read about in a utopian novel.
Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Dolphin Nose, and Pambhar Falls are places that you should especially visit in Kodaikanal during the monsoon. Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, Kurinji Andavar Temple, and the Kodaikanal Lake are some other noteworthy attractions of this hill station. 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.
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (134 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Kodaikanal Road (79 km away)
Also read: Kurseong Travel Guide.
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. An idyllic hill station lying at 1,600 meters above sea level, Munnar is truly one of the most sought-after destinations in India. 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 nature admirers hungry to witness the best of nature, Munnar offers everything to exactly make you feel your kind of high.
The exotic varieties of flora and fauna hidden along the pristine valleys of Munnar as well as some endangered animal species like Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji make this popular 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 get some amazing deals on hotel stays and resorts.
Attukad Waterfalls, Tea Museum, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, and Eravikulam National Park are some major attractions in Munnar. Gorge on some lip-smacking Kerala delicacies while marveling at this natural bliss of the Kashmir of South India.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (105 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva (100 km away)
Also read: Munnar Travel Guide
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.
Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (134 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Kalyan Junction (85 km away)
Also read: Jorhat Travel Guide.
Where Does The Monsoon Reach First In India?
Kerala is the first state in India that experiences 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?
Should we name one, two, or three places here; the list can keep going! The state of 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: Lush greenery and turquoise water beaches bring out a different charm of this beach town of Alibaug. While this destination is a popular weekend getaway all throughout the year, monsoons bring out the best of hues in Alibaug. Along with a number of beaches, Murud-Janjira Fort, Kolaba Fort, and Undheri Fort are also popular hotspots for you to explore here.
Malshej Ghat, Thane: Picturesque trails and orchards of mulberries are what you should picture when you think of this mesmerizing beauty. 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 the beautiful location of Lonavala. The lush green vegetation, soothing winds, and mesmerizing views atop Lonavala hills are all at their best during the monsoon.
Which Areas Of India Are Affected By A Monsoon?
Most parts of India experience the rain showers of the monsoon. While areas in the southern states on the west of the Western Ghats experience the typical monsoons, areas on the eastern side of the Western Ghats and the states of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and the far north end of Ladakh are the least affected by the monsoon.
What Are The Two Branches Of India 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 North-Eastern states and the eastern parts of the Himalayas.
Which Is The Wettest Place In India?
Mawsynram, a small town in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya is considered to be the wettest place in India. This serene hamlet has a picturesque location on top of a hill in the middle of a valley and records an annual rainfall of 11,872 millimeters (467.4 inches). This is incredibly higher than the nation’s average of 300-650 millimeters (11.8-25.6 inches) of rainfall per year!
What Is Monsoon Tourism?
Monsoon Tourism is totally a new concept where travelers tend to travel to places having heavy rainfall just 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.
Which Festival Is Celebrated In Monsoon Season?
Onam festival is celebrated by the people of South and other parts of India as well, this festival is usually celebrated around the end of August and the start of September.
Where Does It Not Rain In July In India?
Parts of India like the southeast coast are likely to have no rainfall in the month of July, so for those who are planning a trip, Tamil Nadu in South India is a good option.
