The seasonal changes that monsoon brings in a landscape of a particular place is simply incredible. Rain drenched beauty is something that attracts a lot of tourists. India has many such places that are a must visit during rains. Light drizzles and harmless rains with the smell of the earth getting soaked in rain drops lend a festive spirit to everyone. Check out these must visit monsoon destinations in India to plan your monsoon trip.
1. Matheran, Maharastra
Matheran is just 105 kilometers from Mumbai (check out Hidden Hill Station Near Mumbai). To reach here, you have to walk the last stretch leaving your car at Dasturi Naka. It is a secluded hill station, 880 metres above the sea level. Explore this wonderful place in the background of rustling leaves and roaring waterfalls. Don a raincoat, grab a tea flask and enjoy this splendid monsoon destination.
2. Udaipur, Rajasthan
For a romantic vacation in monsoon season, Udaipur is a perfect place to be. It is rightly called the Venice of India. You can go boating in the middle of Lake Pichola and click pictures of the beautiful Lake Palace that almost gives the feeling of floating on the surface of the water. Check out the Monsoon Palace, Sajjangarh without fail. Kumbhalghar nearby is also a worth visiting place during rains.
3. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
Shadiabad is the other name of Mandu, which means “city of joy”. The stone architecture has been there for centuries together and it was chosen especially as a monsoon resort by the Mughals in the fifteenth century. This city is best visited when it’s shrouded in mist. There are lotus filled lakes too. You can even visit Pachmarhi, that is a hillstation in Madhya Pradesh. The waterfalls (Read more about waterfalls in India) over here are simply mesmerizing.
4. Goa
Goa is the favorite among tourists in every season, but it becomes even more beautiful during monsoons ( Read about fun in Goa during monsoon) . Sea food, water sports, discotheques and pubs are the highlights of Goa along with silvery sands and picturesque beaches. Baga Beach is the hot favorite beach of Goa. You can even enjoy trekking at Pali and Dudhsagar waterfalls. Goa is easily accessible via roadways, railways or plane.
5.Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal, also referred to as the princesses of hill stations is one of the nicest places to be, during monsoons. There are scenic waterfalls and verdant surroundings of Palani hills of the Western Ghats. The Berijam and Kodai Lake are worth visiting when here. Ooty that iclose to Kodaikanal is also a must visit monsoon destination in India. The botanical gardens here is totally outstanding.
6.Periyar Sanctuary, Thekkady, Kerala
Elephants and other wildlife can be spotted at Periyar sanctuary in Thekkady. You can go boating or even enjoy elephant ride in the middle of the dense forest. If you are lucky, you may even spot a tiger there. Travel some more from Thekkady to reach Munnar. The tea gardens at this hill station look even more beautiful during rainfalls.
7. Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
Leh is worth visiting from 17th to 27th September because of the Ladakh Festival. If you are a passionate and obsessive photographer, don’t miss out on this opportunity ( Read about Nubra Valley). Capture the best of your shots at Pangong Lake with its transparent blue water and snow clad hills in the background and it will stay etched in your memory forever.
8. Dooars, West Bengal
Monsoon adds to the beauty of this place that’s the gateway of Bhutan. It is certainly worth a visit for the scenic tea gardens and the only place with one horned rhino. If you are lucky, you can even have a look of the wild elephants or Himalayan leopard or Bengal Tiger along with other mammals and reptiles.
9. Valley of Flowers, Uttaranchal
The flowers are in full bloom during monsoon season and this is the main reason why July-August is the best time to visit The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. Enjoy trekking, photography and scenic beauty amidst alpine meadows and the huge variety of flora.
10. Nainital, Uttaranchal
The poetic atmosphere of Nainital during monsoon would make you feel simply amazing. Clouds floating on the Naini lake amidst the hills is a scene to die for. Get ready to be drenched in romance at this awesome hill station. You can even visit Almora, Pangot and Ranikhet that are close to Nainital and are even more picturesque.
11.Saputara, Gujarat
Saputara which literally means an abode of serpents is a hill resort 872.9 meters above the sea level. Raincoats are a must if you visit this place during monsoons. Boating facilities are also available . If you have time, you can even travel some more and check out Kutch. Mandvi Beach and Dholavira are the places you can surely visit during monsoons.
12. Wayanad, Kerala
If you are looking for a relatively unexplored place, you can try out Wayanad (also a Summer Destination in India) in Kerala. It has great ecological as well as historical importance. There is the one and only monsoon carnival called Splash at Wayanad every year during the month of July mostly. You can register for this festival even online, through their website. It is totally worth it.
13. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Camel treks and horse rides are the main attractions of Pushkar. Apart from these, the only temple of Lord Brahma can be visited at Pushkar. There are lot many other temples too. There is a Savitri temple which takes a one-hour long trek. The views are simply amazing from the hill top. You can even visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary if you are interested in brilliant bird photography or simply bird watching.
14. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Tea gardens, toy train, Swiss houses and Mirik lake are the main attractions of Darjeeling. It is a picturesque hill station that would surely make you fall in love with it. Monsoons make it look even more spellbinding. A trip to Darjeeling warrants some awesome memories and great photographs for you.
15. Pondicherry, also called Puducherry (Union Territory)
The cool and pleasant weather of Pondicherry during monsoon makes up for the reason why it is so sought after by tourists. The tranquility at the beaches and Aurobindo Ashram would simply make you fall in awe for this place. Check out what else what you do in Pondicherry.
16. Shillong, Meghalaya
With numerous waterfalls along with lush green valleys of Khasi and Jayanti hills nearby, Shillong is one of the most amazing tourist destinations in monsoons. You can even go to Cherrapunji that’s known for the heaviest rainfall in India. The waterfalls and the forests nearby are at the nature’s best while it rains…explore some more destinations in Meghalaya
17. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is also a great place to visit during monsoons. You can check out Rohtang pass, near Manali and enjoy yourselves in the snow clad mountains. The Hidimba temple is also worth visiting. You can also visit Dalhousie and Khajiar. Pin Valley National Park and Spiti Valley near Shimla are also wonderful tourist spots….read more on what else you can do in manali
18. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
If you are very fond of custard apples, you should not miss out on Orchha. There are many temples and forts at this place. Rai Praveen Mahal and Phool Bagh are some of the major attractions of this place and the whole place becomes all the more picturesque while it rains.
19. Jog Falls, Karnataka
Around 6 hours of a drive from Bangalore, Jog Falls are just amazing to visit during rainy weather. The lush green surroundings with the background of the waterfall with 4 distinct cascades would overwhelm you. You can even check out Tunga Anicut Dam, Thyvare Koppa Lion and Tiger reserve and Sharavati River along with Linganamakki Dam. Dabbe Falls also present a picturesque impressiveness.
20. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Nakki Lake, Crocodile Park and famous Jain Temples make Mount Abu a place that is enjoyable for people of all ages. It is easily accessible by roadways or railways. The lush green Aravali hills make it even prettier during rainfalls.
Apart from these, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Coorg in Karnataka are also major tourist destinations for monsoon season. Try out these amazing monsoon destinations in India and collect some beautiful memories to last you forever.
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