Insight India : A Travel Guide to India: Top 10 Monsoon Destinations of India

Planning your holidays in India in monsoon?

Arrival of monsoon in India heralds the season of fertility. A time for seeds to be sown and a time when the nature dons the green hues rejuvenated by the rain that lashes most part of the country.
The monsoon in India cleanses the earth and its people. It is also key to India's agriculture economy, boosting the growth of crops and driving stock markets.

Traveling in monsoon is not that much of fun in most of the tourist destinations in India but with careful planning and visiting some select destinations, you could have a really good time.

The best part about holidays in India in monsoon is that it brings down the cost of traveling and accommodation considerable. Even Goa where hotels are booked as early as a year in advance, monsoon is the time when travelers could have the best deals and discounts. The same is the case with most of the tourist destinations in India.

Mentioned below are the top 10 destinations in India in monsoon to enjoy nature, rain and have a great travel experience and that too with lots of saving.

Ayurveda in Kerala

Therapies and treatments inspired from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of healing and rejuvenation are one of the major draws of tourism in Kerala

It is believed that monsoon is the time of cleansing and rejuvenation and that is why we have featured Kerala as the best place to visit in India in monsoon. With an array of world class ayurvedic resorts and hotels, Kerala which has been rated one of the “50 Places to Visit in a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveller is an ideal monsoon destination in India.

In fact the best time to visit Kerala for Ayurvedic therapies is upon arrival of monsoon in the month of June, July and August. With award winning spa and ayurvedic resorts like Somatheeram, Kailrali and Kali, Kovilakom as well as 5 star spa resorts, head to Kerala for physical, mental and spiritual boost during the monsoon.

Munnar in Kerala is a popular honeymoon destination in South India

Then there is the scenic delight like Munnar, one of the best hill stations in South India with its emerald tea plantations, cascading waterholes and serene setting as well as the Periyar National Park which is one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in India that remains open during monsoon with its rich flora and fauna.

Then there is the most appealing aspect of Kerala, the palm-fringed backwaters surrounded with lush paddy fields that add to the romance of “God’s own Country”. In fact Kerala is one of the best places in India for honeymoon in July.

Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Basgo is a historical town situated on the bank of the Indus river in Ladakh

Situated in the middle of 2 of the highest mountains of the world in the Greater Himalayas, Ladakh is the ultimate place to visit in India in monsoon. In fact this high altitude desert is accecible by road only between the month of late May till early October and remain cutoff by road for rest of the year.

With most of the destinations in Leh Ladakh located at an altitude of above 10,000 feet, acclimatization is one of the most important things to keep in mind while traveling to Ladakh. 2 days halt in Leh surely helps before you decide to travel to the stunning Pangong Tso Lake or the majestic Tso Mori Ri Lake.

When translated from Tibetan, Pangong Tso means "long, narrow, enchanted lake". Popularly referred to as the Pangong Lake, it is situated at a height of about 4,350 m. And extends from India to Tibet.

Then there are some of the highest motorable roads in the world that includes Khardung La, which the signboard put up by Indian Army claims to be the highest motorable road in the world. Then there is the stunning Chang La Pass and the “desert in the sky” at Hunder in Nubra Valley where you could do the double humped Bactrian Camel Safari.

[Also check out top 5 places to visit in Ladakh]

Mawsynram, North East India

Woman working in the field at Mawnysram

As opposed to popular belief, Mawsynram is the wettest place in India surpassing its more famous neighbor Cherrapunji. This destination is perennially associated with leading the list for registering the world’s highest annual rainfall but doesn’t make it to list as India’s met department use Cherrapunji for all statistical purposes.

With rains lashing the state during monsoon and with the beginning of cropping season and the place donning the emerald hue with sprouting of seeds, it is a good time to witness the monsoon at its peak in this small town in Meghalaya.

The waterfalls and streams of the region are at their gushing best with replenishment from the rain. The nature is also rejuvenated making it a good time to visit this region provided you don’t mind the rain and the cleansing it brings about.

Do visit the living bridges made out of tree roots, Mawphang’s sacred forests and the spring baths nearby. Then there are lakes, churches and museums along with the rendezvous with the tribes for a cultural experience in Northeast India.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley with its spectacular setting and besutuful monasteries is one of the best places to visit in July August

One of the best kept secrets with home to ancient Buddhist population, awesome monasteries and spectacular scenery, Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a fine monsoon destination in India.

With its stark landscape that looks magnificent with colorful monasteries, azure sky and multi hued Tibetan prayer flags making the entire scenery dramatic, there are high altitude lakes, various trekking trail and the very low precipitation rate that makes Spiti one of the finest places to visit in July and August.

Places like Kaza and Tabo are some Himalayan gems that should be on any adventure enthusiasts bucket list. Then there is the trek to Chandra Tal and the thrill of road trip that makes Spiti Valley a must on road trippers and motorcycle riders who love the thrill of riding and off roading.

The Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand

With its lush meadows and awe inspiring setting, Valley of Flower in Uttarakhand which opens from April to October is one of the must visit places in India

The Valley of Flowers National Park is open from April to October for the visitors. The beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is jaw-dropping. Come monsoon and the park dons the green hues and is filled with fragrances of flowers. Located in Himalayas, Valley of Flower is not just home to over 600 species of plants and vegetation but also to the elusive snow leopards, musk deer, red fox and brown bear.

The trek to this picturesque valley starts from Gobing Ghat and the total distance is 14 kilometers. Valley of Flower is a popular trekking destination in India with number of Indians and foreigners who love adventure.

One of the important points to keep in mind while planning your trip to Valley of Flower National Park is that night stay or camping is not allowed because of the sensitive nature and endangered plant and animal species that reside in the area. The entry in the park is allowed only after sunrise and just up till sunset.

We feature Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand as one of the best places to visit in monsoon as for the rest of the year, this area is covered with snow. Upon the arrival of monsoon, the valley is filled with colorful flowers and the sight of rejuvenated vegetation and awe inspiring Himalayas is both mentally and spiritually uplifting.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Taj Lake Palace, A luxury heritage hotel in Rajasthan

Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan

Voted the most romantic destination in India, Udaipur with its fame as “the Venice of East” is one of the places to be in India during monsoon. With the arrival of rain, the lakes of this royal city get replenished and the entire surrounding looks inspiring.

It is at this time that the spectacular Taj Lake Palace sitting gently in the midst of Lake Pichola is best place to visit especially if you are planning your honeymoon in India in July or August. This royal palace was built as a pleasure pavilion by the Suryavanshi Rajput prince Maharana Jagat Sing II and was named Jag Niwas.

Now maintained by prestigious Taj Group; this small luxury hotel in Rajasthan - which also happens to be one of the best heritage hotels in the world - offers indulgence at its best along with tranquility and privacy.

There are elegant suites and vantage points with thrilling views of the lake, Aravalis and the city. Then there is the award winning Jiva Spa offering spa and ayurvedic therapies and massages. For romance nothing beats a candlelit dinner floating over the lake with gentle lapping of water and starlit sky adding to the romance.

Sajjan Niwas Suite - Taj Lake Palace Udaipur

Then there is the Gangaur Cruise, a 2 hour delight on board the ship that was used my manaharana of Udaipur who visited Gangaur festival with maharani on this boat. But mind you that it is an indulgence, the way the royals used to do it and it comes with a price tag. A 2 hour dining cruise experience could make your pocket lighter by 80K in Indian rupees.

Yet another romantic experience (and more affordable if it could be said so) is the fine dining by the Lily Pond, a tranquil dining space which was earlier the venue for fun and frolic. It was here that the maharana of Udaipur celebrated Holi, the festival of harvest that also heralds the arrival of spring in India.

Looking for beautiful beginning? Check out these honeymoon tour packages at IndianHoliday.Com

Western Ghats

Jog falls in Karnataka

With an array of hill stations, abundant wildlife and salubrious weather condition Western Ghats in West and South India is one of the best places to visit during monsoon for holidays. There are gushing waterfalls including Jog Falls (Karnataka) one of the best in India. The falls get filled till the brim and the thundering sound of the falls provides an amazing view.

Then there are the verdant hill stations nestled in Nilgiri Hills that include Ooty and which could be reached by the famous narrow gauge “toy train” which has been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kodaikanal and Coorg (Kodagu) are other two gem of hill stations located in Tamil Nadu. With their lush surroundings and charming locales which allow plenty of serenity and seclusion along with good weather, these hill stations in South India are a favored place for honeymoon holidays in India as well as weekend getaways from Bangalore and Chennai.

The spectacular scenery at Kodaikanal

Other renowned hill stations that could be visited during monsoon include Saputara in Gujarat, Chikmanglur in Karnataka and Wayanad in Kerala. A stay in treehouse in monsoon at Vythiri Resort in Wayanad is one of the best ways to be in lap of nature, rejuvenation with ancient science of healing Ayurveda and nuture treks with naturalists are amazing ways to enjoy monsoon in Western Ghats or more aptly in Kerala.

Plan your holiday at hills with Hill Station Tour Packages at IndianHoliday.Com

Goa

The idyllic beaches of Goa are renowned across the world

One of the finest beach destinations in India, Goa should definitely feature in your list of places to visit in India in monsoon. With throw away prices at hotels in Goa and with less crowd, monsoon could give you a very good reason to visit this tiny emerald sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.

The beaches could be out of bound but then there are are plenty of things to do in Goa. It was not without a reason that Goa was referred to as the Lisbon of East and it was said that you don’t have to go to Portugal if you have been to Goa. Once a thriving city, South Goa is more of a ruin today but the Churches and Cathedrals here have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural significance.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

The best thing about monsoon holidays in Goa is the sussegado, the siesta and the serenity. With very less tourists in the city, monsoon is heavenly for travelers with ample spaces to relax and laze. For party seekers, Goa doesn’t disappoint with its vibrant nightlife. And not to forget, there’s a lot of shopping and eating that could keep you busy even during monsoon.

Well talking of beaches, you might also want to check out our post on top 10 beaches in India.

Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

As if what Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor had to say about Mandu was not enough, here we recommend this bucolic delight as one of the best places for holidays in monsoon in India. Well what the emperor said was “Of all places in Hindustan none is more beautiful than Mandu after the rains”.

A major hill fort in the erstwhile Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh, Mandu is a sought-after destination to visit throughout the year, but during the monsoon, the place becomes alive. The streams, lakes and baolis brim with water.

There are some magnificent medieval monuments that are top things to do in Mandu include Jahaz Mahal, 12 splendid Darwaazas (gates), Hosang Shah’s Tomb and the Jami Masjid.

Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka

Kodagu, also known as Coorg, is an administrative district in Karnataka, India perched on the Western Ghats

Coorg - ‘The Scotland of India’, is undoubtedly an amazing destination to enjoy monsoon. Apart from rain, there are various places that you could visit to enjoy the natural setting of the place. Coorg is a popular tourist destination in South India with picturesque ambience and plenty of fun and adventure activities to keep you busy.

Coorg also happens to be one of the popular honeymoon destinations in India. Some of the top things to do in Coorg includes a visit to Dubare Elephant Camp which is located near Kushalnagar. In here you could do the elephant ride or even give bath to elephants. Nearby, you could also do the river rafting.

Then there is the Golden Temple where you could have a tryst with Buddhism. But if you are in Coorg during monsoon don’t miss out Abbey Fall in Madikeri. Raja’s seat is yet another popular tourist place in Coorg and you could do a toy train ride in here which is available from just before the entrance to Raja’s Seat.

Lonavala Khandala

Lonavala at its verdant best during monsoon

If you are in Mumbai or Pune or for that matter anywhere else, nothing beats the magic of rain and monsoon in Lonavala and Khandala in Maharashtra. These two awesome hill stations in India are at their verdant best during monsoon. Cool weather, misty atmosphere and cloud floating both above and beneath you makes them surreal.

Then there are a plenty of things do and even if you do nothing and soak in the scenery, there are plenty of thing you’d have done in Lonavala and Khandala. Then, there are quite a few things you could do like exploring medieval forts, hiking trails, nature walks, waterfalls, lakes, caves and sunset and sunrise points and bungee jumping and India’s longest ‘Flying Fox’ zip line at Kunegaon.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie - Monsoon in the Queen of Hills

Blessed with scenic and serene surrounding, Mussoorie is one of the extremely popular hill stations in North India. The city is located at a distance of 35kms from Dehradun, at an altitude of 2005 meters in the Garhwal Hills. It is best-known for its varied flora and fauna, green hills and attractive view of Shivalik ranges and the Doon valley. Mussoorie traces its name from a plant or shrub called Mansoor, which is mainly found in this region.

The enchanting hill station is majorly flocked by honeymooners and individuals seeking glorious isolation. From July to September the place receives heavy rainfall and that is when it looks even more beautiful. The freshening ambience, lush greenery and serenity will simply leave you enthralled.

Some of the thrilling adventure activities to do in Mussoorie are trekking, hiking and cable car ride. Explore the important places of interest in Mussoorie such as Gun Hill, Municipal Garden, Children’s Lodge, Camel’s back road, Jharipani fall, Bhatta fall, Nagdevta temple and Mussoorie Lake. Also, the Hindu pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are not far from this place.

[ Check-out here some Mussoorie Tour Packages ]

Mount Abu

Nakki Lake - the hill station of Mount Abu in Aravalli range

Popular as an ‘Oasis in the Desert’, Mount Abu is the only hill-station in the Indian state of Rajasthan, which attracts tourists even during summers. Placed at an altitude of 1220 meters in the Aravali range in Sirohi district, the notable hill station is a perfect retreat for those who want to escape from scorching summers. Every year travelers come to this place during Monsoon (from August to September), so that they can completely enjoy the picturesque beauty of the place. Discover the romance in the lush green hills, cascading falls and serene lakes. Adding on to its beauty is the spirituality, as the hill station is marked with various holy shrines.

Mt. Abu allows trekkers to discover several trekking routes in the dense greenery of the place that comes alive during monsoon. The brilliant construction of Dilwara Jain temple attracts most of the Jain Pilgrims from all across the world. Some worth visiting tourist attractions are Gaumukh Temple, Sri Raghunath ji Temple, Nakki Lake, Museum, Art gallery and several view points.

Nainital

If you are in search of a monsoon destination in North India where you can unwind yourself and relax in the lap of nature, then Nainital is the place to be. Situated on the foothills of Kumaon, Nainital is renowned for its serene natural beauty and unspoiled lakes. It is one of the popular hills stations of Uttarakhand. The charming hill station beckons travelers not only from India but also from abroad.

One among the well-known tourist attractions in Nainital is Naini Lake. The Lake appears to be in the shape of an eye and looks incredible after rain from the top of the hills. Other prime attractions of the place that are a must visit during monsoons are Naukuchiatal- a nine cornered lake, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Tiffin Top and Naina peak.

Insight India : A Travel Guide to India

Top 10 Monsoon Destinations of India