With monsoon hitting all the coastal areas and plains, it is difficult to plan a trip in August. The frustration increases when you know that many long weekend holidays are lined up this August that could actually be used for some amazing getaways from your daily, boring life. But worry not my friend, there are places that smile blissfully in monsoons and provides you with impeccable beauty and spectacular vistas to quench that thirst of travelling. Here is a list of seven such places:
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
The high tranquil Himalayan peaks nestling the virtual paradise of Earth. Yes! Its Valley of Flowers that owns the title of being the most sought place to visit in August. A World Heritage Site, this valley blooms with wide range of flowers in the month of August. Giving you an experience you can never imagine, an unforgettable trek into the meeting point of Zanskar valley and Eastern and Western Himalayas, Valley of Flowers is sure to take you off guard with its impeccable beauty. Known for its sprawling meadows and a huge collection of flora and fauna, the place is also known for housing some of the endangered species like snow leopard, musk deer and brown bear. If August is the month you are planning a trip then do not miss out on this place as it closes down for travelers from September.
Agumbe, Karnataka
If you are planning a trek in South India, Agumbe is a place to be. A small village located in Shimoga district of Karnataka, it is also known as the "Cherrapunji of the South". A place nestling a number of waterfalls, Agumbe has a huge list, to name a few are Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls and Jogigundi Falls. A trekkers paradise, trekking to Kudlu Theertha Falls or Nishani Gudda offers once in a lifetime experience. The ruins of temples dating back to Hoysla Empire are worth a visit. Accommodations are very limited in this place, so it is advised to book a stay in Udupi which has a range of both luxury and budget stay to select from. When in Agumbe, do not forget to try the famous vanilla flavored tea at any of the tea stalls.
Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
This place needs no introduction as it has always served as a heaven to the lofty Himalayan travelers. Surrounded by arduous mountains, breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and some of the unique flora and fauna cover, Lahaul-Spiti is one of the most secluded and amazing destination to visit in August. It is a home to a number of monasteries and gompas. Ki-Gompa, Kunzum Pass, Dhankar Gompa, Tabo Monastery, Pin Valley National Park and Kaza Village are some of the tourist attractions in and around Spiti Valley. Since this place is sparsely populated, you can easily enjoy solace in the tranquil surrounding of the mountains. A number of high altitude treks are available from Spiti Valley, so if you are an adventure seeker, this place is just the right pick for you. As the roads to Lahaul-Spiti remains closed in winters due to heavy snowfall, it is advised to take a road trip to this place in August and September.
Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
Known as the "Mini Tibet", Mcleodganj in Himachal is a pastoral delight. Perched on a horseshoe shaped ridge in Dhauladhar Range of Himalayas, this small town has a lot to offer. Be it a trek to Triund or Kareri Lake or a meditation center to cleanse your internal aura, Mcleodganj has it all. One of the most popular waterfall in this area, BhagsuNag Waterfall is at its best during monsoons. You can enjoy a cup of coffee at Shiva Cafe or just indulge in some volunteering work in one of the Lama Meditation Center. Do not forget to visit the Tibet Museum that gives you a glimpse of the beautiful and colorful Tibetan culture. Home to one of the highest cricket ground in the world, The Dharamshala Stadium is a must visit place when you are planning a trip to Mcleodganj.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Also known as the "City of Lakes", Udaipur is one of the most romantic destinations in India. Besides the shimmering Lake Pichola which looks magnificent in monsoons, with the ochre and purple range of the Aravalli Range surrounding the whole city, Udaipur has undoubtedly one of the most unmatched beautiful romantic setting in whole of India. The city is crowded with loads of palaces. Do not forget to visit City Palace, Lake Palace and Maharana Fateh Singh Fort if you want to get a touch of the Royal Feeling. This colorful city has everything to offer for a fun filled holiday both with family and friends. Carry your camera around to capture some of the amazing architectures and serene beauty of this beautiful city.
Aru Valley, Kashmir
Kashmir is undoubtedly the most picturesque states of India and Aru Valley is a gem to this majestic jewel crowning the country. Located at an elevation of 2424 metres, this place in Kashmir is mostly visited for its verdant and serene surroundings. Beautiful lakes, view of towering Himalayan Range and lush green meadows adds to the romance of the Aru Valley in monsoons. This place welcomes its guest with a pristine environment and a mesmerizing view. One of the most famous honeymoon destination in Kashmir, Aru Valley has a wide range of accommodation suiting both budget as well as luxury travelers. You can enjoy trout fishing in Lidden River, trekking to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Marsar Lake, hiking and horse riding in Aru Valley. The temperature ranges from 11 degrees to 23 degrees making it an ideal place to visit in August.
Bhandardara, Maharashtra
This lesser known holiday destination in Maharashtra, this place is ideal for a weekend trip from Mumbai. Bhandardara is blessed with scenic surroundings, gurgling waterfalls, lush green hills and tranquil environment. Sitting by Parvara river, this place is known for a number of short treks into the Western Ghats. The major tourist attraction in this place are Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Mount Kalsuba and Ratangarh Fort. A perfect destination for a family trip, the place is ideal to visit in monsoons as the temperature cools down and can turn out to be a great escape from the scorching heat of Mumbai.
So check your calendar, mark those dates and just whoosh off to these enchanting places in India for an unforgettable trip this August.