Places to Visit in Monsoon in India

Millions of tourists visit Goa every year, a large chunk of tourists makes their expedition during the monsoon season. The real beauty and grandeur of Goa is at its peak during the monsoon season. Fresh intoxicating air, new green grass, colorful flowers and leaves are the prime attraction of Monsoon in Goa. One of the best things that you can do in Monsoons is an evening boat cruise on River Mandovi. Planning a Goa trip during monsoons will leave you with a magical experience.

No other Indian state is a greater favorite of couples, especially honeymooners than the southernmost Indian state of Kerala. The state deservedly thrives on its tourism, with its unending beaches, mystical backwaters, colorful festivals and spicy cuisine. Kerala during monsoons is a sight to behold, what with hours of incessant rain providing for a rather surreal backdrop fit for romance. 'God's Own Country' indeed promises a leisurely vacation.

Ladakh, the Cold Desert up north, is THE place to be in monsoons. The ragged, virgin, ex-Buddhist kingdom comes to life during monsoons – because it hardly receives any, ironically. Ladakh's umpteen gompas, monasteries, high mountain pasees and emerald lakes wear a fresh tinge of gold as they bathe in the ample sunshine of the day. Planning a Ladakh tour between summers and monsoons is advisable because most of the routes and passes are clear for travel and Ladakh by road is an experience of a lifetime!

Udaipur is a proud and deserving ambassador of the Rajputana glory that revokes the days of the larger-than-life Maharajas. With its countless palaces, especially the Umaid Bhawan, rustic bazaars and ever inviting locals, Udaipur evokes and illustrates the same luxury, pride and passion that royalty commands. During monsoons, the state adopts a rich green tinge and it is not uncommon to spot peacocks coming out for the customary rain dance.

Indeed a paradise on earth, Valley of flowers in the state of Uttarakhand is characterized by breathtaking flowery meadows, cascading waterfalls, lovely paddocks and streams. Guarded by snowy Himalayan mountains, the valley displays nature in its full bloom. The high altitude Himalayan valley has close to 300 varieties of flowers, which include the likes of Blue Poppy, Sedums, Asters, Geraniums, Potentillas and Brahamkamal.

Considering the exquisiteness of the region, the valley has also been declared a world heritage site. It is also credited with a natural habitat status for various endangered species of animals like the snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox and Asiatic black bear.

Known as the abode of clouds, Shillong is a land of picturesque landscapes, waterfalls and lush green topography. The city of Shillong in Meghalaya is a storehouse of various tourist attractions-natural and artificial. Prominent attractions that one must not miss, while touring this part of India are Shillong peak, Ward's lake, Botanical garden, Lady Hydari park, elephant falls, Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum, Entomological museum, Sweet falls, Motphran and Shillong golf course. The geography of the region is such the state attracts a large number of adventure enthusiasts. Adventure sports like tracking, canoeing and rappelling are a huge hit here. Besides, the region is also famed for housing numerous stalactite caves. Owing to this, cave exploration is also a popular adventure sport activity in Shillong.

What once used to be the much hallowed gateway to hell during the British Raj is today a much celebrated monsoon destination in India. The exotic Andamans are an archipelago of several islets in the Indian Ocean. The islands are a particular delight during monsoons. Besides providing for a relaxing beach stay, the Andaman Islands also offer a plethora of water sports and activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and parasailing.

Munnar, located in the southern part of India, is one of the best monsoon destinations in India. Come rains, and the entire region is drenched in freshness. The tea gardens look enticing enough while the waterfalls are at their roaring best. This is the time to embark on exciting treks and follow the wandering trails. The Mattupetty Dam, overflowing this time of the year, allures visitors with its beautiful surroundings which are perfect for a picnic.

Also known as 'Little Tibet', Spiti Valley has almost the same terrain, climate and vegetation. The twin valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a region of nature at its wildest. This land duplicates and exceeds the magic of Leh, Nubra and Zanskar Valley. Spiti Valley becomes truly unspoilt and practically untouched by tourist traffic. Since Spiti Valley itself is in rain shadow area and is unaffected by Monsoon season.

Not really far from Mysore or Bangalore, the jolly little town of Coorg is a wonderful Indian monsoon getaway. Coorg's sprawling coffee estates and scenic vistas straight out of a Bollywood movie are reasons compelling enough for thousands of tourists to flock here during monsoons. The rich aroma of freshly grounded coffee fills the air as you go about discovering its tiny mountains and covered forest areas. Coorg is strategically placed too and doubles as the perfect stopover destination.

A scenic hill town snuggled in the misty mountains of Uttarakhand, Nainital is one of the best places to visit in monsoon. The weather is pleasant, clouds settle on the peaks, when it rains the Naini lake looks spectacular. Trekking, boating, yachting, riding the cable car and nature walks become all the more blissful. One of the best hill stations of India, Nainital is perfect for a short getaway from cities and relax in the soothing bliss.

Lush greenery encompasses the land as far as the eyes can see. Fog encloses the mountain tops and people of all age groups are seen enjoying the rain beating down from head to toe. Such is the allure of Lonavala and Khandala, two popular weekend getaways from Mumbai. These destinations are perfect to enjoy serenity and beauty of nature as well as caves, mighty forts and small hikes.

There can be some fun moments at places in Tamil Nadu, which are less explored. One of the finest hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is a wonderful holiday treat for tourists in Monsoons. The literal meaning of Kodaikanal is the gift of the forest. It is a place where you can take break from the heat, chaos and stressful life of the big city. Nestled on the southern peak of the Palani hummocks, this tiny and easy-going hill station is still untouched by commercialization.

Mussoorie is one of the top places to visit during the monsoons. With the arrival of rains, the gardens are converted into a sea of gold. Kempty Falls comes alive during this time, as do places like Clouds End, which offer breathtaking views of the surroundings. The beauty of the Camel Back Road is on full display during this time. This is also when the areas lying in close proximity to The Mall come alive with tourists.

Magical in every, Mandu in Madhya Pradesh is one of the best monsoon destinations in India. Explore the grandeur of the old monuments narrating the love story of Baaz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Explore the epitome of Islamic architectural excellence which includes Mandu Fort, Jahaz Mahal, Jami Masjid, Hindola Mahal, Baz Bahadurs Palace, Rewa Kund and many more. Experience the forgotten era, the peaceful vacation will refreshen your senses.

Also known by the name of Uttaranchal, Uttarakhand is a small state having spiritual and mythological secrets. Beautiful glacier view, adventure, pilgrimage tours and trekking, Uttarakhand tourism is truly worthy for all sorts of travelers. Walk with pilgrims on the banks of river Ganges, shoot tigers at Corbett and Rajaji National Park and ride an elephant. Rishikesh, Nainital and Mussoorie, each destination is a wonderful place to visit in summers and monsoons.

A place of magnificent temples and palaces, Orchha, lies in the Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. Once a capital of Bundela Rajput kings, the medieval town is now a popular tourist spot in the country. Displaying some of the best creations of Mughal architecture, the historic town has numerous cenotaphs, narrating battles between kings and emperors to boast upon. Jahangir Mahal and Orchaa fort complex stand out amongst the finest structures in the region. The town is also renowned for its temples. Famous ones are the Ram Raja temple and the Chaturbhuj temple.

Beautiful and tranquil, Dalhousie is one of the most popular hill stations of India. The destination features a unique natural charm that allures tourists from all over the world. Covering an area of 14 sq km, the hill station sprawls over five hills.

Set at an elevation of around 8000 feet, Dalhousie is one of the most traveled destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is immensely popular for its picturesque view points and old world charm. Dalhousie was built back during the British Raj as a summer retreat. Today, it is visited by people from all over for a peaceful vacation, memorable picnics and thrilling treks.

Reputed to be the largest salt desert in India, the Great Rann of Kutch is a kaleidoscope of Gujarat's true culture, color and chronicle. The region is inhabited by tribal communities, the culture and traditions of which are so fascinating, it draws a large amount of tourists to their soil. Every year, this barren land turns into a colorful collage. Reason being, the Rann Mahotsav, which is a three month long festival, displaying different tribal shades of Gujarat. The sprawling geography of the Kutch is also the home of adventure. Wildlife safaris, rappelling and trekking are the expeditions to look out for.

Known to be the one of the abodes of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas, Amarnath is amongst the holiest shrines for Hindus in this entire world. The shrine is located in the Anantnag district of Pahalgam in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is said that Lord Shiva revealed the mystery of life and death to his consort, Goddess Parvati at the Amarnath cave. The shrine is situated at an altitude of around 3888 m and pilgrims from all over India trek all the way to the shrine.

Trek to the shrine or the 'Yatra' usually starts from Pahalgam and is full of difficult terrains and landforms. The journey is conducted by and under the guidelines of the Amarnath Shrine board, which is responsible to ensure necessary safety for the shrine and the pilgrims.