With monsoon picking up a faster pace, it is now time to revive your travel plans which you have shoved in your closet due to sweltering summer heat. Undoubtedly, monsoon holidays make the most exotic vacation itineraries and leave the tourists spellbound by the serenity and beauty of the place they visit. There are many wanderlust bitten travelers who long to enjoy the exquisite lush greens, feel the cool winds and get soaked in the frequent downpours. To add more to the list of monsoon offerings, you can treat your soul with winsome sights of hills and mountains carpeted with greenery, lakes overflowing with sparkling and crystal-clear waters, picturesque waterfalls and adjacent sceneries and a lot more to make you fall in love with incredible India. If you are one of those who don’t mind getting a wee bit wet, then scroll further to plan your monsoon getaway this season. Lined up for you are some of the offbeat monsoon destinations which never fails to mesmerize its tourists.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu - The Majestic Land
Known as the “princess of hill stations”, Koidaikanal never falls short of the pristine beauty spots and breathtaking views all over the place. One of the most visited monsoon getaways in the southern part of the India; it is a must-visit place for people who love water pouring down at any time of the day. Situated in the Palani hills of the Western Ghats, tourists come and enjoy their time along the enchanting waterfalls, serene lakes, alluring green covers and spectacular views of the Ghats and the hills. Also, you have meadows, long stretches of forests, wooden slopes, mighty rocks and creeks that gather tourist attraction remarkably. If you like to add some fun activity to your vacation, then you have arrangements for cycling, horse riding, boating, and even trekking along the man-made Kodai Lake, surrounded by rocks and trees. Savor the magic of the monsoons, not just in any anyplace, but here in Kodaikanal.
How to Reach Kodaikanal
By Air – The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai, about 120 kms away. Also, airports of Trichy and Coimbatore are 150 kms and 175 kms away, respectively. From the airport, one can avail a bus service to reach this mystic land. Regular bus services are available from the cities of Chennai, Coimbatore, Pondicherry, Madurai and many more.
By Train - Many tourists take the rail route and get down at Kodai Road, which is about 100 kms away from the main town. From here, one can get a taxi.
By Road - Kodaikanal is easily accessible by road from Chennai (439 kms) and Bangalore (305 kms). It’s only about 3.5 hours away from Madurai.
Lahaul - Spiti, Himachal Pradesh – The Enigmatic Valley
Untouched by modern world, Lahaul-Spiti can be your next monsoon destination this year. Having the lush green valley of Lahaul on one side and the cold desert of Spiti on the other side, presents a curious mixture of nature’s bliss and happiness. Popularly named as Little Tibet, the place offers a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism with a vast range of spectacular monasteries and temples all over the valley. The beautiful monasteries command a visit along some unique shrines that speak of the customs and faith of this region. Although, one of the most sparsely populated areas in India, it is ideal for a place to revitalize and invigorate oneself and find peace from the rattling city life. Well, there is so much in store for people who plan to visit this incredible place in Himachal Pradesh. Other than the awe-inspiring views be holding one’s attention, people love to explore the place with adventure activities such as skiing, yak safaris, exciting wildlife trails, trekking, camping, hiking, mountain climbing, bike rides, etc. From camping in wilderness near crystal-clear waters to enjoying a cozy home stay, you can experience it all, here in Lahaul-Spiti. Also, get glimpses of snow leopards, yaks and wild hares. Discover the rustic beauty of Lahaul and Spiti. The place is snow-laden for the major part of the year and is accessible only from July to mid-October, August being the best.
How To Reach Lahaul-Spiti
By Air – Take a flight to Bhuntar airport and hire a taxi to cover a distance of 155 kms to reach Keylong.
By Rail – Jogindhernagar is the nearest railway station. Hire a taxi from the station to reach Lahaul-Spiti valley. Also, you can reach via Chandigarh and Shimla’s broad gauge rail lines.
By Road - State roadways and tourist buses ply between most important tourist destinations in Lahaul-Spiti. Also, people with a driving quest loves to drive all the way to the valley.
Kutch, Gujrat – Gorgeous White Sand Desert
Endowed an impression of being a distinctive land, Kutch is the largest district in India. Divided into two sub regions – Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch, this fine looking destination can be ideal for holidaying in India. The never-ending desert plains with surreal and mystifying horizons in the monsoon gives an enticing view. For the rest of the year, it’s a colossal stretch of white salt appearing to give the look of a white desert. The region has a total of 18 cultural tribes predominant in the district, which makes the place well-liked among travelers. During the full moon nights, it is a resplendent experience to be a part of the cultural program organized at Dhordo to celebrate Gujrat’s rich traditional culture and customs. Visiting here means transcending oneself altogether into a new world, where a wide ocean of salt surrounds and not-so-high Aravallis create an enthralling backdrop. Also, Kutch opens gateways to treasure the exquisite handicraft with melodious folk songs and foot-tapping folk dance. If you haven’t thought about visiting this beautiful destination in India yet, it is time that you should. Do not forget to enjoy the camel ride under a crescent-lit moon and witness the mélange of nature and religion at Narayan Sarovar.
How To Reach Kutch
By Air – Bhuj is the nearest airport and the administrative city of Kutch. Flights from major parts of India land here. One can hire a taxi to reach Kutch directly.
By Rail – Rail route is very convenient, affordable and comfortable to travel all the way to Kutch. Rail connectivity is quite good between Bhuj and major cities in India.
By Road – Travelling to Kutch by road is considered as a fascinating experience. The city of Bhuj is well-connected to Highway No.8 with all the neighboring cities.
Pondicherry – Youngest Travel Destination in India
Pondicherry is a seaside city and is best to be visited during the monsoon months. From the hues of the French colonial establishments to the spiritual aura radiating within the ancient Hindu Temples and old churches, from the tranquility of virgin beaches to the concoction of a unique cosmopolitan flair, Pondicherry is one the busiest tourist destinations for domestic and inbound travelers. Auroville, the city of dawn and Botanical Garden surely makes it to the list of must-see places in Pondicherry. This Union Territory enlivens the beautiful hangover, not from the French wine, but from a French past. Lying in Tamil Nadu along the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal, it is one of the best places to enjoy the monsoons in India. Here, in Pondicherry you can relish the joy of visiting sun kissed beaches inviting you to romantic getaways with your loved ones. Don’t think further. Spend a rejuvenating holiday in the ideal resorts and get pampered with soothing Ayurvdic massage amid the tranquil ambiance. So, if you are coming to Pondicherry, plan a long vacation to visit this place.
How To Reach Pondicherry
By Air – The nearest airport is Chennai International airport, located at a distance of 135 kms away from Pondicherry.
By Rail – Vilupuram rail head is the nearest railway station to Pondicherry. This station is well-linked to Trichy, Madurai and Chennai.
By Road – Pondicherry is well-connected with major cities in India.
Lonavala, Maharashtra – Adorned with Lush Green Foggy Hills
A neighborhood of Mumbai, it is the most visited tourist spots of the Mumbaikars. Famous for weekend getaways, it is just a 3 hours drive from the bustling city of Mumbai. The city smiles with frequent rain showers and is at its best during the monsoon season. Smitten with lush green greenery and majestic waterfalls, you can truly feel the elegance of this twin hill station, lying between Mumbai and Pune. Every year, the peaks of Lonavala get flourished with green cover during the monsoon season. It is the best time of the year to visit this picturesque place as each sight here is as delightful and fresh as the season’s first rain. Here, in Lonavala there is an old temple dedicated to Shiva. Another hot spot is Valvan Dam, which has a garden at its foot. For people who love waterfalls, Tiger’s Leap is ideal for them. This leap is active only during the monsoons. So, you know why it is best to visit this place in the month of August.
How To Reach Lonavala
By Air – The nearest airport is Pune, 66 kms away. Also, one can avail Mumbai Airport services.
By Rail – From Mumbai, get down at Lonavala station around 2.5 hours away.
By Road – Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Lonavala offers an exciting drive. Also, excellent bus facility is available to Lonavala.
Coorg, Karnataka - Scotland of India
Coorg, a popular hill station located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka is widely known as the Scotland of India, owing to its picturesque hilly setting. The place offers a plethora of breathtaking views and panoramic vistas. During the monsoon season, especially in July and August, the entire town transforms into a lush green paradise. The weather becomes quite pleasant and cool because of the heavy rains. August is the best time to visit the splendor of the seasonal waterfalls of Coorg. For the adventure sports enthusiasts, it’s the perfect time to indulge in sports like river rafting, boating and fishing. Also, people love to indulge in local sight-seeing and walking through the Nagarhole National Park for its high-end offerings. Also, there are several peaks, here in Coorg for people who want to add on to their list of camping sites and trekking activities. August is around, make plans to visit Coorg this year.
How To Reach Coorg
By Air - Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport, about 160 kms away.
By Rail – The nearest railway station is Mysore, which is 95 kms away.
By Road – The journey to Coorg is itself an experience. The journey from Bangalore to Coorg is a smooth ride that takes about four and a half hours.
Have you already set your mood for this year’s monsoon destination delight? If not, hurry up. Feel the rain, experience the cool breeze and savor the magic of monsoons in Indian sub-continent. Start your travel itineraries and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Rains - Beauty - Memories – Waterfalls - Hill stations – Green foliage
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