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10 Destinations In India That Are A Must-Visit, If Monsoons Are Your Favourite Season Of The Year

Polka Café 29-07-2017 Varshaa R Thapliyal

India, the land of four seasons, where monsoon is the most awaited seasons of all. The showers have already kicked in, however, August, the mid monsoon month is the finest time for adventure - getting soaked in the mist, admiring the luscious green landscapes and a hot cup of tea while its pouring outside. Here are some of best monsoon destinations in India for your wanderer soul to explore.

1. Andaman And Nicobar Islands

Image credit: static.thousandwonders.net

Andaman and Nicobar islands is a group of over 500 islands, which makes this destination quite exotic in itself. The pristine silver sand beaches, mountains and wildlife will keep you amused. This is one of the most popular beach tourist destinations for travelers where one can experience a tropical climate and heavy winds during the monsoons, which adds a romantic touch to the environment and the beauteous islands.

Indulge In:

▪ Scuba diving at the Havelock Island.

▪ Snorkeling, water sports and surfing at little Andaman.

▪ Revisiting our glorious history at the historic Cellular Jail.

2. Munnar, Kerala

Image credit: www.kerelatour.com

Munnar is considered as one of the best holiday destinations in India, owing to its great mountains, deep valleys, dense forests and a variety of wildlife. Its beauty enhances during monsoons as it receives heavy rainfall, giving life to its foliage, backwaters and houseboats. Though it dwells a mild and pleasing climate throughout the year, but during monsoon it creates a soulful ambiance with mist layering over the greenscape, sparkling ripples of the streams and waterfalls.

Indulge In:

▪ Wildlife sightseeing in Anamudi, the highest peak of the western ghats.

▪ Nature walking at the lakes in Devikulam.

▪ Visiting the Attukal waterfalls.

3. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Image credit: www.tourism-of-india.com

Cherrapunji is the second wettest place in India, which provides you a reason to experience the monsoon magic here. The city is also known as ‘the land of oranges’. During monsoons, the town gets carpeted with greenery over its wide spread landscapes and hills. Not only does the city come alive in the rains but also becomes an exciting monsoon trekking destination. Nestled in the East Khasi hills, the cliffs of Cherrapunji also offer stunning views of the plains of Bangladesh.

Indulge In:

▪ Light trekking to experience the unique double-decker tree bridges.

▪ Sightseeing of the famous Seven Sisters Falls.

▪ River cannoning from Nongthymmai to Mynteng steel rope.

4. Coorg, Karnataka

Image credit: www.tourmyindia.com

Coorg is known for its dense forests that serve as a biodiversity hotspot for a wide variety of flora and fauna. For its picturesque sight, Coorg is also known as the Scotland of India. During the monsoons, the city transforms into a lush green paradise with sparkling seasonal waterfalls. You can wake up to striking misty mountain views, the long stretches of paddy fields, rich green plantations, singing of the birds and dark monsoon skies, bringing out the best of Coorg.

Indulge In:

▪ River rafting and other water sports.

▪ Sightseeing at the Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary

▪ Experience an exhilarating hike at Kotebetta.

5. Pondicherry

Image credit: www.theholidayindia.com

Pondicherry, recently renamed as Puducherry, is a town tucked away on the Eastern seaboard of India. The city holds a predominantly historical background, pale yellow tinted villas, colonial houses and cobble-stoned streets that will make you admire the natural beauty of the city and its French heritage. The monsoons add romance to the environment and flair to its quiet beaches, which is perfect for swimming and sunrise strolls, whilst the coffee plantations incessantly spread a unique fragrance into the air.

Indulge In:

▪ Strolling along its wild beaches.

▪ Explore the international city of Auroville

▪ Delectable French delicacies.

6. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

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Kanyakumari is situated in the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, thus forming an essential part of one's visit to South India. Surrounded by grand hills, plains bordered by its vibrant sea shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, the city is blessed with a number of temples and churches. This is the first place in the country to receive the monsoon showers, and its beauty unfolds with the magnificent view of land being surrounded by water on all three sides. The downpour from its distinguished skies gives the city a Midas touch.

Indulge In:

▪ Exploring the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

▪ Strolling along the Kanyakumari beach.

▪ Visiting the Thirparappu Falls.

7. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

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Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of Hill stations’ is nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. It gives a spectacular view of the snow clad ranges to the north-east, Shivalik ranges and the Doon Valley to the south, the town presents no less than a fantasy atmosphere to its visitors. The monsoons bring about exquisiteness to this place with an undulating clearer view of the Himalayas, misty woods and a scent of winters, months before the actual winter season.

Indulge In:

▪ Enjoy a scenic drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie.

▪ Visit the waterfalls, namely the Bhatta and Kempty Falls.

▪ Explore the town of Dhanolti.

8. Pahalgam, Jammu And Kashmir

Image credit: www.kashmirtourism.org

Pahalgam is Kashmir's most visited tourist destination, owing to its pictorial landscape and peaceful atmosphere. During the monsoons its beauty enhances due to its location as it is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing the Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river. The town is surrounded by thickly wooded pine forests, colourful meadows and the snowcapped Himalayan ranges.

Indulge In:

▪ White water rafting down the Lidder River.

▪ Sightseeing of the Betaab Valley.

▪ Trekking to the Tulian Lake.

9. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

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Spiti Valley, also known as the 'little Tibet' possesses a distinctive Tibetan Buddhist culture. This valley is untouched by man, and for adventure lovers, it has ample avenues to give a world class travel experience. August is the best time to visit, otherwise the valley is closed through the year owing to the heavy snowfall. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, far flung villages, appealing monasteries, crystal clear river streams, you are bound to have a splendid travel experience.

Indulge In:

▪ Skiing and other adventure activities.

▪ Yak safari and wildlife trails

▪ Experience the calmness of the Monasteries.

10. Kausani, Uttarakhand

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Kausani is a nature lover's paradise owing to its closeness to the Himalayas. Though it isn’t a known holiday destination but is covered with striking dense pine forest, tea gardens and affords a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks, converting it into a picturesque hill station. Kausani provides a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges all through the year, however, the monsoons give a clearer view of the Trishul, Nandadevi and Panchchuli peaks.

Indulge In:

▪ Sightseeing at the Rudradjari Falls and Caves.

▪ Exploring the Kausani Tea Estate.

▪ Trek to Pinnath.

Though these are the best places to visit during monsoons, a quick look at the weather forecast will help you plan better for your trip.

Also watch: Miraculous temples of India (Provided by Dailymotion)