7 Enchanting Monsoon Destinations in India

Do you think monsoons prevent us from traveling? If we choose the regions of travel wisely, between June and September, this season can bring out the best in our travels. Our country, India, is geographically spread out with multiple climate zones and so different parts of India experience monsoons differently. Here is a list of 7 monsoon destinations in India that are breathtakingly beautiful and alluring during this season.

Ladakh

Ladakh is one of the major monsoon destinations in India because roads to Ladakh open for common tourists in May and close in October. When most other parts of India experience rainfall, Ladakh receives extremely less rainfall as most of it is an arid cold desert. Ladakh is the land of gompas, high passes and lakes, with Leh, Lamayuru, Nubra, Zanskar, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri and so much more. Leh has its own airport but it is best to drive to Leh from Srinagar via Kargil or from Manali. The drive is unbelievably scenic and is essential for the body to acclimatize to such a high altitude.

Wayanad, Kerala

If you want to wake up to rain and fog, watch animals around, and experience a calm idyllic day, then Wayanad should top the list of your monsoon destinations in India. Monsoon highlights the beauty of Wayanad with mist on top of the blue hills and fresh green all around as far as your eyes can see. You will get to see Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam and Karapuzha Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves from the Neolithic Era, Meenmutty Falls, and many other unknown streams. There are lots of trek options for adventure junkies and some Ayurvedic Retreats too for one to relax and rejuvenate. It takes around 4 hours to drive from Kozhikode airport to Wayanad.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur receives a meager amount of rain which makes this season enjoyable and comfortable for tourists. Hence it is one of the most popular monsoon destinations in India. Udaipur is called ‘The City of Lakes, with Lake Pichola being the pivotal attraction of the city. Then there are other lakes like Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar Lakes. The Udaipur City Palace, Sujjan Garh Palace, other majestic palaces, and Havelis; their art and architecture are the reasons for the city’s grandeur and opulence. Udaipur has travelers coming from all across the globe. Udaipur Railway Station is well connected to all the major cities of India and has its own airport, ‘Maharana Pratap Airport’.

Purulia, West Bengal

Sometimes rugged hills and sometimes hills green with forests of Sal, Teak, and Palash, ruins of forts and Bengal terracotta temples here and there, waterfalls, lakes, and dams, and the famous ‘Chhau Dance’, comprise Purulia. Still, slate clouds sheltering on the lowly hills with slithering roads passing by the hill look like a painting on a canvas. The rains make Purulia a lot greener, fresher and attractive. There are 2 major circuits for traveling in Purulia. The Ayodhya Hill Circuit and the Garpanchkot Baranti Circuit. Purulia, the district town has a Purulia Junction Railway Station, well connected with popular railway stations across Kolkata and Jharkhand. It is accessible by road from Kolkata. It takes half the time to reach Purulia by road from Jamshedpur and Ranchi in Jharkhand.

Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra

Malshej Ghat Valley, 130 kilometers from Mumbai, is a hidden gem in the crown of India whose glory cannot go unnoticed in the monsoons. The Western Ghats become breathtakingly gorgeous with lush green hills and numerous unknown streams running down from the hilltops. If road trips are your thing, Malsej Ghat must be on your bucket list of monsoon destinations in India. Trek lovers can visit the majestic Harishchandragad and Shivneri forts around Malsej Ghat. Mumbai, Thane, and Pune are the major cities near Malshej Ghat, and the drive along the Western Ghats during monsoon is heavenly. Kalyan is the nearest railway station, located just 85 km from Malshej Ghat.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Meghalaya literally means the abode of clouds. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is one of the best monsoon destinations in India. It is serene and clouds keep playing hide and seek with the pines on the rolling green hills, making it a romantic and melancholic place. Shillong is greener and extremely fresh and the waterfalls and lakes are fuller during monsoon. Traveling to Shillong from Guwahati by road is the best option as the route is very scenic. Meghalaya is also called, ‘the Scotland of the East. The Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake, and Lady Hydari Park are the chief attractions.

Goa

There is a lot more to Goa than only beaches. The monsoon is the season to check out those attractions of Goa. The Doodhsagar Falls are the first and foremost reason for making Goa one of the most popular monsoon destinations in India. Rain in the Western Ghats and the Konkan Coast and clouds on the Arabian Sea create a concoction of magic that makes one spellbound. Goa’s rivers and streams are full and it is green all around. The fine churches and the lovely buildings look brighter. It is advisable to avoid swimming in the sea during rains. The beach shacks and water sports cannot be enjoyed during the monsoon. However, the nightlife of Goa and the permanent eateries in town still keep performing at their best. The monsoon may help one with discounts on flights and hotels too.

So what’s stopping you? Get your raingear and pack your bags for any of these monsoon destinations in India.