Travelling in the monsoons can be great fun in India. You must have a open mind, be prepared for a few snarls along the way and you will be rewarded with an awesome time. Check out the following destination recommendations which the author has put together. Have an enjoyable holiday. Team RetyrSmart
10 exciting monsoon destinations in India
Best monsoon destination: If you haven’t planned a holiday yet, monsoon is the best time to travel in India. From looking for dolphins at a hidden beach in Goa to trek through East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, here are 10 destinations where you can enjoy the rains.
If it is raining, it could be raining discounts at most monsoon destinations across India. Rains are the best time to travel in the country: Lush green mountains, fresh air and off-season means cheaper fare and hotel rooms. We’ve put together a list of best monsoon destinations to plan a quick holiday and make the most of the monsoon.
But this is not your ‘usual suspects’ list. These are fairly unexplored, little-known places in India where you can enjoy some peace and quiet with your friends and family. Here are the best monsoon destinations you can pack your bags to spend the next long weekend. What’s more, it is also the time when you get the best off-season deals on hotels and other places.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Winding roads through lush forests lead to this beautiful hill station, situated close to the Andhra Pradesh-Orissa border. Some of the top attractions here are Borra caves, majestic waterfalls like Champarai and Katiki and Bheemili beach. It’s the perfect destination for a quick getaway during the monsoon season.
Closest airport: Vizag
Nearest railway station: Araku village
Jog Falls, Karnataka
This one is one of the highest waterfalls in India and what better time than monsoons to experience it in its full glory. The beautiful falls are located on the border of Shimoga and Uttara Kannada districts. The fall drops about 253m (850 ft) in a single fall.
Closest airport: Mangalore
Nearest railway station: Shimoga
Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
This one is the highest waterfalls in India at 335m (1120 ft) and is the perfect destination for a monsoon trek through the beautiful East Khasi Hills. The pristine white water falls into a blue-green pool surrounded by greenery.
Closest airport: Guwahati
Nearest railway station: Guwahati
Halebidu, Karnataka
This ancient temple complex is untouched by tourist crowds. Known as Dwarasamudra (gateway to the sea), Halebidu was the capital of the Hoysala Dynasty. It’s the perfect spot for the history and architecture nerd in you. In the monsoons, the temples are washed up and stand tall to welcome you into their mystical world.
Closest airport: Mysore
Nearest railway station: Mangalore, Mysore, Hassan
Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
The eternal love story of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur was witnessed by the palaces in Mandu. It’s a must-visit place for history lovers with its many architectural splendours such as Jahaz Mahal, Mandu fort, Hindola Mahal and Baz Bahadur’s Palace. This is the perfect monsoon romantic getaway that will help you relive the bygone romance with your partner.
Closest airport: Indore
Nearest railway station: Ratlam
Vihigaon, Maharashtra
Located just 100km from Mumbai, this small, but beautiful destination is becoming popular among adventure seekers. Hidden among the greenery of Western Ghats, Vihigaon is the perfect spot to watch the rains, try out waterfall rappelling at Ashoka waterfall and more. This untouched beauty is yet to feature on frequent travellers’ list, so make the most of it.
Closest airport: Mumbai
Nearest railway station: Kasara
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
It’s a known fact that monsoon is Meghalaya can be a treat to the eyes. So ditch Cherrapunji and head to the lush green forests of Mawlynnong instead. The trek to the double decker bridge is breathtaking.
Closest airport: Guwahati
Nearest railway station: Guwahati
Kutch, Gujarat
We know what you’re thinking – how can Kutch feature in a list on monsoon destinations? But if you see the thick, black clouds over Dhinodhar hills, you’ll need no more convincing. Kutch is an equally enticing destination during monsoons and is the perfect place for a quick getaway.
Closest airport: Bhuj
Nearest railway station: Gandhidham
Butterfly beach, Goa
Goa tops the list of off-season monsoon getaway places because of cheap airfares, cheaper hotel rooms and literally not a person in sight. Top that with heading out to Butterfly beach, a hidden gem along Goa’s coastline. Situated north of Palolem beach, it is actually a quick boat ride away from the beaches in South. You can also hike through the forests if you up for some adventure. If you’re lucky, you can spot some dolphins too.
Closest airport: Dabolim, Goa
Closest railway station: Madgaon
Varkala, Kerala
Want to welcome the monsoon, Varkala is the best destination to see those dark clouds inch towards the land through the sea. Perched atop a hill, this place is fairly unexplored by tourists. There are beautiful, quaint cafes and resorts on the hill from where you can watch the dance of rains while sipping on some hot cocoa.
Closest airport: Thiruvananthapuram
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram.
