5 INDIAN DESTINATIONS YOU MUST VISIT THIS MONSOON
Monsoons are here and it is best enjoyed away from the city, in the cradle of nature. So pack your bags and get ready dance in the rain
Lonavala – Maharashtra
With the onset of monsoon, the Sahyadri mountain ranges and the ghats revive with alluring greenery, breath taking waterfalls and pleasant climate. For a quick escape from the bustling city, plan a trip to the quaint hill town of lonavala which is ideal for nature lovers.
Things to do: Trekking, sightseeing, camping, horse ride
How to reach: It’s 1 hour 45 minutes (83.6 km) from Mumbai & 1 hour 26 minutes (67.1 km) from Pune by road. Lonavala has its own railway station & almost all the trains running on this route, halt here. Attractions: Enjoy the extensive view of a stream flowing by at the cliff top called The Tiger point and relish in the tranquillity of Karla caves built by the Buddhist monks around 3rd to 2nd century BC. There’s a famous waterfall near Bushi dam which is a very popular spot for all the monsoon lovers.
Munnar – Kerala
Munnar is truly a paradise in God’s own country. With silvery mist, incredibly vast tea gardens, lush green hills, romantic atmosphere and pleasant climate, this hill station is truly one of the favourite tourist places in India during monsoons which is ideal for honeymooners.
Things to do: Trekking, plantation tours, sightseeing, birdwatching
How to reach: 3 hours 40 minutes (130.1 km) via road from Cochin on the NH49. The nearest railway station are Aluva and Ernakulam which are the major cities in Kerala. The nearest airport are Cochin at 110 km and Madurai international airport which is 140 km away.
Attractions: Spot some exquisite wildlife at Anamudi which is also the highest peak in the western ghats, enjoy some nature walk at beautiful lakes in Devikulam and visit the Attukal waterfalls.
Spiti Valley – Himachal Pradesh
Also known as “little Tibet” this place is untouched by man and hence retains its mystical and mesmerising beauty. There’s truly magic in the air of Spiti that is sure to make you fall in love with this place. Spiti is one of the best offbeat places to visit in monsoon in India which is ideal for adventure enthusiasts.
Things to do: Camping, wildlife viewing
How to reach: The nearest railway station is in Shimla. The nearest airport is the Kullu airport at Kullu.
Attractions: Spot exquisite flora and wildlife at Pin valley national park, and appreciate the calmness and peaceful atmosphere of the Lhalung monastery.
Shillong – Meghalaya
Surrounded by picturesque valleys of Khasi and Jayanti hills, adorned by numerous waterfalls, Shillong offers a panoramic view of green natural scenery which is ideal for nature lovers.
Things to do: Wildlife viewing, trekking, boating
How to reach: The closest railway station to Shillong is Guwahati which is about 100 kilometres away and can be accessed by cabs. The Guwahati railway station is connected to New Delhi and other major cities across the country.
Attractions: David Scott Trail is an old trekking route that is counted amongst the most famous ones in Meghalaya.
Goa
Goa is one of the best places to visit in rainy season in India. The land of beaches is surely worth a visit during monsoons to enjoy sand, drizzle and picturesque sceneries. It’s the perfect place to get soaked in the rains and enjoy some truly delicious Goan delicacies which is ideal for beach lovers, party animals.
Things to do: Jet skii, scuba, trekking, heritage tour, shopping, birdwatching
How to reach: Goa is well connected by roads and a Mumbai to Goa road trip is worth everything in monsoons. Goa is well connected to other cities with Madgaon & Vasco-da-gama stations and Goa international airport in Dabolim.
Attractions: Go trekking or hiking at Dudhsagar waterfalls, visit Aguada fort for a scintillating view, Dolphin show, Cruize amid the beautiful sea bordered by the beaches, feel rich as a gambler at the Casino and get the thrilling experience of water sports in Baga beach.