TOP DESTINATIONS IN INDIA TO VISIT THIS MONSOON

With the monsoon picking up pace, most people plan to curl up in their bed with a good book and a hot steaming cup of coffee; cringing at the mere thought of traveling in the rains. But for most wanderlust bitten travellers like us, here are some amazing places to visit in July and check off your travel list. What’s more, most places in India have incredibly slashed prices in monsoons!

1. Shillong, Meghalaya

Bara Pani, Shillong, (Source)
Bara Pani, Shillong (Source)
Known as the “Scotland of the East” because of the rolling hills and peaks around the town, Shillong during monsoons is a great place to be visited as it sees plenty of rainfall and less of tourists which makes it a perfect time to visit. The lush misty hills, high waterfalls and brimming lakes are a must see and the fact that it situated far away from the bustling city has made it retain its charm.

2. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Orchha Palace (Source)
Orchha Palace (Source)
The city of historic palaces and temples nestled between forests and vegetation livens up in monsoons. The rains give it a rustic charm. The Betwa river is one of the important rivers in Madhya Pradesh, has seven streams converging at Orchha which makes it a sight to watch. By and large, Madhya Pradesh receives less rainfall and seldom ferocious one, making Orchha an ideal destination to head during monsoons.

3. Goa

Anjuna Beach, Goa (Source)
Monsoon at Anjuna Beach, Goa (Source)
Goa in monsoons has much to offer than just its beaches. The rain is refreshing and splashes nature’s colors over the state. Goa has a lot of wildlife sanctuaries of which Mollem National Park and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuaries are particularly favored during monsoons. The magnificent Dudhsagar Falls located near the Mollem National Park is at its best during the monsoons. A quiet boat cruise along the Mandovi River is another thing you could do here. July being an off season, the rates are pretty cheap however most of the beach shacks and water activities may be closed.

4. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Hills near Dalhousie (Source)
Hills near Dalhousie (Source)
Practically built over five hills, what better place to visit in monsoons than this? Dalhousie in July receives mild rainfalls which makes this place rather pleasant. Apart from the inviting lush greenery around, it even has many adventure sporting activities to boast. Scenic beauty at its best, Dalhousie isn’t one to disappoint during monsoons.

5. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Kargil, Ladakh(Source)
Kargil, Ladakh (Source)
A place of mountain routes and beautiful monasteries, solitude is best attained here. With little rainfalls, splendid Pangong Lake, rugged mountain ranges and picturesque Nubra valley and a motorcycle and you’re set for enriching ride. June- September is a peak season here in Ladakh but you could beat most of the crowd if you plan a trip through Leh.

6. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand (Source)
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand (Source)
Name any difficult to pronounce flower and chances are you’ll find it here. The Valley of Flowers in July is carpeted by a wide range of flowers and many exotic ones too; Wild roses, blue corydalis, saxifrage, geraniums to name a few. July is easily the best time to visit Valley of Flowers with large sprawl of nature, as the places literally blooms in the monsoons.

7. Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Town at the base of the hill (Source)
Town at the base of the hill (Source)
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu enjoys most of the little rainfall that happens in Rajasthan. The diverse flora and majestic mountains pull people to this quaint little hill station. Also rich in history and architecture, there are glorious ancient buildings you can’t get enough of. Visiting Mount Abu in July is going to be an experience you won’t forget easily.

8. Coorg, Karnataka

Kaveri River, Coorg (Source)
Kaveri River, Coorg (Source)
Karnataka’s own little paradise, Coorg is beautiful no matter what time of the year. However, Coorg is prettiest during the monsoons. Between July-September, the mountains and valleys cover themselves with various shades of green and little sprouts of vibrant colors of the flowers soothes the eyes from the rather harsh summer. Take a walk in the rain through the valleys or just watch the mountains play Hide n’ Seek in the mists.

9. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Pichola Lake, Udaipur (Source)
Pichola Lake, Udaipur (Source)
Rajasthan receives one of the lowest rainfalls in the country, making it an ideal destination to visit during monsoons with just enough rains for a pleasant climate and easy travel. Udaipur is one of the popular places to visit in Rajasthan during monsoons.  Udaipur, the city of lakes, has been regarded as one of the most romantic destinations in India and imagine the romance that’s possible during the rains. Sajjan Garh, a palace situated 1100 ft. high above the surrounding and 3100 ft. from sea level, offers a panoramic view of the city and its lakes. Interestingly, it is also called as the Monsoon Palace.

10. Kerala

Athirappally Waterfalls, Kerala (Source)
Kerala (Source)
Saving the best for the last, Kerala is a paradise in the monsoons. Kochi, KovalamKozhikode are some of the beautiful places in Kerala. Lush green, fresh and rejuvenating, the rains literally brings the city bursting with life. Be it the rice boat cruises in the backwaters or relaxing at one of the many Ayurvedic spas, even a simple walk in this beauty state and enjoying the delicious cuisine Kerala has to offer, makes it a holiday well spent.
These were the more popular places however if you’re looking for some offbeat places to visit, then the following list would interest you more.

1. Jog Falls, Karnataka

Jog Falls (Source)
Jog Falls (Source)

2. Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Nubra Valley, Ladakh (Source)
Nubra Valley, Ladakh (Source)

3. West Sikkim

Dubdi - Oldest Monastery in Sikkim (Source)
Dubdi – Oldest Monastery in Sikkim (Source)

4. Khandala, Maharashtra

Khandala Hill station (Source)
Khandala Hill station (Source)

5. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Jung Falls at Tawang (Source)
Jung Falls at Tawang (Source)

6. Amarnath, Jammu and Kashmir

Cave Temple of Lord Amarnath (Source)
Cave Temple of Lord Amarnath (Source)

Bonus:

Konkan Railways

Konkan Railway (Source)
Konkan Railway (Source)
The best journey route of the Indian Railways network, a train journey through the Konkan Railways will leave nothing short of spellbound. The scenic mountains in the Western ghat look as picturesque as a painting when the train cuts through the Sahyadri ranges, numerous waterfalls, lakes, colorful farms and a rail track above the sea! All of this comes to its prime in the monsoons and offers such beautiful scenes from the comfort of a train.

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