In India, it is never about ‘Rain, rain go away little Raju wants to play’… instead it’s the season where every bounty thrown by the nature towards the human community is magnified with purity, abundance and carries a tinge of green charm to everything.
Exploring the 20 top monsoon destinations in India is no easy task. This list will probably make it a common entry into every tourist’s diary.
1. Konkan belt along Western Ghats
The land of abundant rains, Konkan experiences rain in volumes hard to narrate. Rains last for 5-6 days on the trot. Lined with picturesque places like the Western Ghats, places like Alibaug, Raigad and Ratnagairi offer serene plains within the backdrop of epic mountains and colossal palace settings.
2. Cherrapunji
Who would prefer to miss the place that is known as the wettest place on Earth? Cherrapunji is located in the hilly contours of Khasi hills. Vegetation on Khasi-Garo and Naga hills make a wonderful tourist place during the monsoon.
3. Govindghat
Mighty rivers flowing at their peak volumes, Govindghat offers unique spiritual and adventure twist to the monsoon. Located at the union of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga, it features within the close ranges of Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers.
4. Goa
Not many would give Goa a chance in the monsoon. Rain at its peak and the coastline unites with the horizon in its bleak corridors. Goa offers great escapes into its rich fauna during monsoon. Discover the magic of the serene coasts and the magnificent plantations with waterfalls zipping past the roads as you head towards the southern part of the state.
5. Chandipur
A virgin place marked with low tide manifestations that turn into ecological zoo as monsoon arrives. Located in the Eastern coast of Odisha, Chandipur is lined with beautiful lakes and stony coastline overlooking the Bay of Bengal that turns wild during the season. Explore the space centre around Chandipur to add to your list of getaways.
6. Nelliampathi Pallakad
A hill station during monsoon definitely makes a smart choice. Palakkad offers great respite from the humid and sultry monsoon climate that grips most parts of the country at its peak term. Break away into the Nilgiris and explore the heights of Pothudy dam and the coffee plantations that house many exotic animals.
7. Ooty
Another hill station that makes its way into the list of top monsoon destinations. Nestled in the Nilgiris, the place offers secluded tourist locations and amazing views from closest ranges of excitement.
8. Udaipur
Not many would have given the Thar princess, Udaipur a chance visit during the monsoon. Named the ‘The city of lakes’, Udaipur is a splendid place to explore with attractions like Sajjan Garh Palace and the Lake Palace brimming with water pools and cool blue skyline. Set in romantic backdrop of the Arravalis, it’s a great site to venture out this season.
9. Gangtok
The gift of the Himalayas, the capital city of Sikkkim is a wonderful place to visit during monsoon. Chilling breeze and snow-capped mountains that flutter with adventure in its stream, Gangktok is a dangerous destination. Even as monsoon breaks away, Gangktok offers attractions like Enchey Monastery,the laid-back Tsomgo Lake and the Ridge and Nathula Pass. Don’t miss to head towards the Kanchenjunga that is even harder to view during monsoon.
10. Darjeeling
The Bengal jewel and the Queen Of Hills, Darjeeling has made it name permanent in the list of popular monsoon destinations despite earning a notoriety for landslides and persistent road washings. Explore the hilly terraces in the company of drizzles and thunders.
11. Shillong
Northern-most capital of Indian Union, Shillong is a fabulous place to visit. Jayanthi hills make the site hard to breach during the rains. Hand over the comics and run into the greenery that is hard to narrate and beauty that is hard to portray or snap in any frame. The place offers fascinating forests inundated with marshy water bodies.
12. Kodaikanal
The hill station is situated over the Palani Hills on the edge of Western Ghats. The Gift of Forest exudes charming beauty and is lined with beautiful lakes during monsoon. Hard to beat track, Kodaikanal boasts of natural scenery that can only be described in words of magic.
13. Andaman Nicobar
Pack your bags and sail off to Andaman and Nicobar Islands and explore the beauty that remains elusive even today. Challenge the forces of nature and grab an adrenaline spirit and descend down the destination with scuba-diving, para-sailing, deep-sea diving and forest explorations right up to the edge of the islands.
Electrifying view, pristine calmness and breath-taking beach line, the destination is at its virgin best during monsoon.
14. Munnar
Venture into the extravagant green scenery that also remains blessed with backwaters. Grab a chance to stay in the houseboats and adapt the opportunity to get a monsoon session of ayurvedic therapy. Backing the trip with a visit to the Periyar and Allepey, Munnar embarks into a spiritual journey for tourists during monsoon.
15. Lonavala
Popularity does not come with reputation. It comes with sheer connectivity of the mind with the heart. The dancing road trip into the Sahyadris along the Western Ghats is a challenging task during monsoon. The road trip alone is the most extravagant challenge to take up. Explore the places like Khadakvasla, Matheran, Mahabalsehwar, Panvel and Malshej Ghat.
16. Nainitaal
One of the most popular hill stations in India, it’s a perfect get away for honeymoon couples. Visit the epic gardens and well dripped lakes for more fun and excitement along the hilly escapades.
17. Kajiranaga National Park
Share your monsoon with the Indian one-horned rhinos paying out in the swampy pools of Assam. Witness the rising Brahmaputra and tread along the banks to see the nature at its best.
18. Bhopal
Bhopal is a spectacular place with its two man-made lakes at the centre of the city. Take the opportunity to visit Sanchi, Vidisha, Ujjain and Omkareshwar along the banks of river Narmada.
19. Chandigarh
Modern city with planned arrangement, Chandigarh is one destination that promises to beat the summer blues in matters of seconds. Explore the Le Corbusier city and land your dreams into a soothing pleasure.
20. Kanyakumari
Watch the monsson arrive into the Indian peninsula at the southernmost tip of Indian mainland. Kanyakumari offers a unique site with the confluence of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean playing out their natural monotony in beating the retreat.
Monsoon not only pours in great volume, but it also transforms the dry patches of land into green pits of excitement studded with tiny water pools waiting for you to muddle along.
Wonderful compilations & I was counting how many places I have been to 😀 ! Munaar was our last stop@Kerala & enjoyed it with Athirapally Waterfalls.