10 Destinations in India that are must for travellers who love monsoons
- Matheran
Let’s start with the destinations from western ghats, not only because they are considered the best in the monsoon season but also because they are getting the most popular among the travelers on social media.
Coming to Matheran which has some of the best places in all of Maharashtra. There are places where you cannot reach directly by road, you will have to trek all the way to the top of the hills to enjoy the monsoon views. Maharashtra is among the first states that receive the monsoon showers hence from the months may to September the hills around Matheran are all covered in greenery further adding to the beauty of the place.
Tip:- There is a place called as Peb Fort, which has been making several rounds on Instagram because of its unique staircases. The staircases become waterfalls when the rains arrive. It’s a must if you are up for a good trek.
2. Igatpuri
Many of you must know where Igatpuri is if you have been to Mumbai by the trains. It lies in the Nashik district and is known for its astonishing waterfalls. The waterfalls of Igatpuri make the train ride to Mumbai a wonderful sight. The town, however, has much more to offer than just waterfalls. It is a hill station of Maharashtra and has the highest peaks of Sahyadris. Igatpuri also houses a very famous Vipassana center, which makes it a usual spot for travelers looking for a place of peace and Yoga.
Tip:- There is a fort in Igatpuri known as the Ratangad Fort. This fort has all the good views of Igatpuri for all the explorers out there to trek to the top.
3. Cherrapunjee
Let’s move to the East of India where the rain makes world records!
Cherrapunjee is a town in the state of Meghalaya and also the traditional capital of the Khasi Tribe. Cherrapunjee holds Guinness World Records for maximum rainfall in a single year which makes it distinct from all others in the list. This place has some high waterfalls and amazing hills to trek.
Tip:- If you are in Meghalaya with your group, you must click a selfie with your group while standing on the Double Decker Living Root Bridge which has been there for over hundreds of year.
4. The Valley of Flowers
A national park of Alpine Flowers which is situated in West Himalayas, what else is really required? The flowers that are special to this region bloom specifically in the monsoon season that is between June and July. The national park is also home to a number of rare and endangered animals. The Valley of flowers is a trek of 17km from Govindghat close to Joshimath and Badrinath.
Tip:- Feeling Spiritual? Don’t forget to visit the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara which is for the tenth guru of the Sikhs. This Gurudwara is situated in a valley covered with mountains all over giving it a picturesque scenery.
5. Alleppey
Popularly known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey or Alappuzha is a city in Kerala known for its breathtaking lagoons and backwaters. This Venetian Capital is the access point of the Annual Boat Race of Kerala and has hundreds of commercial house-boats for the tourists. Monsoons in Kerala are a mighty affair and it adds to the beauty of this amazing city.
Tip:- Don’t forget to spend some time at the Alappuzha Beach which has a 150 years old pier extended towards the sea and the Alappuzha Lighthouse adding to its charm.
6. Coorg
Coorg or Kodagu is a treat for the monsoon lovers with its breathtaking falls and historical places. The place has a rich heritage with the Kodava dynasty ruling the region for centuries and the number of wars that have happened in the region. It also boasts Abbey and Jog fall apart from the majestic Madikeri Fort. The climate turns pleasant and enjoyable during the monsoons and hence this should be on every traveler’s bucket list this time of the year.
Tip:- Talacauvery is the origin of the river Kaveri and has a spiritual bath, hundreds of stairs to reach to the peak and a years old Kodava temple. Don’t miss out on this amazing place!!
7. Port Blair
A monsoon bucket-list is incomplete without the mention of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is an exquisite blend of food and dreamy beaches. While monsoon brings out the best of the seafood, it also makes the climate optimum to have a dip at the azure beaches. Port Blair has everything that you can require from a monsoon holiday.
Tip:- Have you ever experienced the pleasure of Sea Walk, Snorkelling or Scuba Diving? Havelock Islands which is a part of Andaman has all of these while you can swim alongside corals and the tropical fishes of the islands.
8. Udaipur
The lake city of Rajasthan waits for an entire year to receive the monsoon showers hence Udaipur is a must for the monsoon loving travelers. With its historical heritage and countless lakes surrounding the city, Udaipur is the best Rajasthan can offer. Feel like a Mewar Royal while roaming around the lake city.
Tip:- Do visit the Udaipur Solar Observatory which lies on an Island in the Fateh Sagar Lake. The Observatory can be only visited by a boat ride.
9. Pondicherry
One of the Union Territories, Pondicherry or Puducherry is also one of the best monsoon destinations in India. While one can enjoy the delicacies of the beach city, there are also a number of French styled churches and architectures all over. Pondicherry also boasts of a lot of beaches, Promenade beach among them houses some historical sites along the coast.
Tip:- Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Auroville which is an experimental city with an innovative idea.
10. Orchha
Orchha is a town which was made by the Bundela Rulers in 1531 in the Tikamgarh District of Madhya Pradesh. The town boasts of historical forts and temples along the banks of Betwa River. Being in the center of the historical Bundelkhand region, Orcha is also near to the town of Khajuraho and Datia. During the Monsoon season, the Betwa river swells up making it an ideal location for water rafting. The hills surround this region and hence there is an ample of opportunities for trekking as well.
Tip:- There is a place at Orchha which has ancient air cooler structures which used to serve as the summer retreat for the king. It is a place out of the usual travel maps! So don’t miss out on that!
These are some of the places that I believe are among the best monsoon destinations in India. But if you think that I missed out on some important locations, mention it in the comments.
