Best 5 Monsoon Getaways in India!
Monsoon season is the perfect time to escape the city and enjoy a relaxing holiday in nature. India is home to some of the most beautiful monsoon destinations in the world, offering lush green jungles, stunning waterfalls, and breath-taking views from high-altitude locations. If you’re looking for a unique monsoon experience, here are five of the top places in India to visit during this time of year. From sightseeing opportunities to luxury resorts, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Grab your travel bag and discover these five incredible destinations!
Top five ideal destinations for your next monsoon trip
- Kerala
Kerala is one of the top destinations for monsoons in India. The state has a long coastline, which means that there are plenty of beaches to enjoy during the rainy season. Kerala also has many backwaters, which are perfect for taking a boat ride and enjoying the scenery. If you are in desperate need of a relaxing environment for this rainfall, Kerala is the place for you.
Must-visit places in Kerala:
- Backwaters of Alleppey: Take a houseboat ride through the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey, and experience the serene and peaceful lifestyle of the locals.
- Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is a historic district with colonial-era architecture, art galleries, and street food.
- Munnar: From Western Ghats, known for its tea plantations, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes.
- Wayanad: A picturesque district located in the Western Ghats, known for its lush green forests, wildlife, and hilltop trekking.
- Thekkady: A popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, with a wide variety of animals and birds to observe in the Periyar National Park.
- Varkala: A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, cliff-top temples, and Ayurvedic spas.
- Kumarakom: Marking its presence on the backwaters of Vembanad Lake and known for its bird sanctuary, houseboats, and traditional Kerala-style houses
- Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a long coastline with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the rain and the sea. Mumbai, Pune, and Kolhapur are all great places to visit during the monsoon. There are plenty of things to do during the monsoon. You can go for a walk in the rain, visit one of the many waterfalls in the state, trek in the Western Ghats, raft on the river Ganga or take a boat ride through the backwaters.
Must-visit places in Maharashtra:
- Lonavala and Khandala: Hill stations located in the Western Ghats known for their beautiful waterfalls and lush green landscapes
- Mahabaleshwar: Lakes, strawberry farms, and panoramic views
- Matheran: Scenic toy train ride and beautiful viewpoints
- Amboli: Beautiful waterfalls and lush green landscapes
- Saputara: Beautiful lakes, gardens, and viewpoints
- Pune: Beautiful hilltop forts, such as Sinhagad and Rajgad, that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
- Konkan Coast: Roam around beautiful beaches, such as Tarkarli, Vengurla, and Ganpatipule, where you can experience the monsoon sea
- The Ajanta and Ellora caves: These UNESCO World Heritage Site caves with intricate rock-cut architecture and ancient frescoes, which are best seen during the monsoon season
- Bhandardara: A hill station known for its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and temples
- Ratnagiri: A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and delicious seafood
- Karnataka
Karnataka is one of the top destinations for monsoons in India. The state has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, wildlife, and heritage. Karnataka is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries in the country. They are at their best during the monsoon season and are a must-visit for all tourists coming to Karnataka.
Must-visit places in Karnataka
- Bengaluru (Bangalore): beautiful gardens, such as the Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park, lively nightlife, and a delicious food scene
- Hampi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples, palaces, and monuments, built during the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Mysore: the Mysore Palace and Dussehra festival
- Coorg: A hill station is known for its beautiful coffee plantations and for its traditional Kodava culture
- Chikmagalur: Known for its beautiful temples and scenic hill ranges, it is also famous for its coffee plantations.
- Bandipur National Park: A popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, known for its tigers, elephants, and other animals.
- Jog Falls: One of the highest waterfalls in India, known for its picturesque beauty
- Gokarna: Known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple.
- Badami: Known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cave temples, which are famous for their rock-cut architecture.
- Kabini: Known for its beautiful river and wildlife, it is also a popular spot for fishing, boating, and bird watching
- Tamil Nadu
If you’re looking for a monsoon getaway in India, Tamil Nadu should be at the top of your list. This southern state is known for its beautiful temples, stunning beaches, and lush green landscapes. And during the monsoon season, Tamil Nadu is even more magical.
The best time to visit Tamil Nadu is from June to September when the rains transform the landscape into a verdant paradise. During this time, you can enjoy activities like trekking, bird watching, and boat rides. Or simply relax and take in the scenic beauty.
Must-visit places in Tamil Nadu
- Chennai: Fort St. George and St. Mary's Church, Marina, and Elliot's beaches
- Mahabalipuram: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples, shore temples, and the famous Arjuna's Penance.
- Pondicherry: French colonial architecture and famous Aurobindo Ashram
- Kanyakumari: Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the stunning sunset.
- Thanjavur: UNESCO World Heritage Site the Brihadeeswarar temple, also famous for its traditional art, music, and dance
- Ooty: A popular hill station is known for its beautiful lakes, gardens, and tea plantations
- Coimbatore: Known for its beautiful waterfalls, and temples and famous for its textile industry
- Trichy: Known for its Rock Fort temple and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple
- Madurai: the UNESCO World Heritage Site Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Rameswaram: The Ramanathaswamy Temple and the Agni Theertham, which is considered one of the most sacred places for Hindus
- Goa
Goa is known for its beaches, and during the monsoon season, the beaches are less crowded, making it a great time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The monsoon season in Goa brings a beautiful and dramatic contrast of colors, with the lush green of the trees and the dark clouds in the sky. The monsoon also makes the area more picturesque, with waterfalls and streams that are at their fullest during this time.
Must-visit places in Goa:
- Old Goa: Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to several historic churches
- Dudhsagar waterfall: The most famous waterfall in Goa, and is a must-see for nature lovers
- Panaji: The capital city of Goa, known for its colonial architecture, beautiful churches, and lively markets
- Dudhsagar Trek: Trek to Dudhsagar waterfall is an adventurous and scenic way to explore Goa's nature
- Mandrem: A quiet and peaceful village located in North Goa. It's known for its beautiful beaches and natural beauty.
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Named after India's most famous ornithologist, this sanctuary is a birdwatcher's paradise.
Tips for traveling during the monsoon in India
- The best time to travel during the monsoon in India is between July and September.
- Avoid travelling to areas that are prone to flooding or landslides.
- Carry an umbrella or Zeel raincoat at all times.
- Wear shoes that have a good grip to avoid slipping on wet surfaces.
- Be careful while driving on slippery roads. Slow down and increase your following distance from other vehicles.
The monsoon season in India is a magical time of year and can provide an amazing holiday experience. We hope that our list has provided you with some inspiration for your next monsoon getaway. Whether it’s the lush hills of Himachal Pradesh or the striking backwaters of Kerala, each destination offers its own unique charm and atmosphere that will create memories to last a lifetime. So, get out there and enjoy all that India has to offer during this beautiful time of year!