Monsoon! That time of the year when the Earth dances in the hues of greens and browns, with the sweet fragrance of soil. This season calls for an ideal time to explore the exotic landscapes of India that are engulfed in the magical spells of Monsoons. However, most people consider monsoon unsafe for travel. However, if you are to let go of the fear and embrace the adventures that this season offers, you are sure to have a lifetime experience.
So give yourself the much-deserved break this Monsoon, being closer to nature. We have specially curated a list of the Best Places to Visit in Monsoon in India. These destinations are safe, off-beat, and above all pocket-friendly!
Offbeat Monsoon Destinations in India: Budget-Friendly Destinations
Exploring the stretches of India during the Monsoon season is an experience of a lifetime. You get closer to nature as you are likely to witness magnificent mountains clad in greenery, lakes overflowing with shimmering water, and glorious waterfalls. India has a wide range of Monsoon-friendly destinations to choose from for a remarkable holiday with your friends and family. So here is a list of the Best Places to Visit in Monsoon in India–
Coorg –
The first on our list is one of the best places to visit in the monsoon in South India, Coorg (Karnataka). Covered in dense forest with a wide variety of flora and fauna, Coorg makes for a perfect destination during Monsoon. The enchanting waterfalls, vast coffee plantations, and delicious local cuisines are some of the major reasons to consider traveling here.
Must-See-
- Raja’s Seat
- Abbey Falls
- Kaveri River
- Madikeri Fort
- Nagarhole national park
Famous for-
- Hill Stations
- Waterfalls
- Coffee Plantation
Shillong-
When it comes to selecting the top 10 places in India that turn lush green during monsoon, Shillong in Meghalaya tops our list. Known as the ‘Scotland of the East, Shillong is an abode of clouds and captivating beauty. Misty clouds, lush green landscapes, and rumbling waterfalls surely give enough reasons for visiting Shillong, Meghalaya. A road trip around the hills and staying at budget-friendly cozy hotels with gorgeous views, and trying out the local delicacies, make for a perfect vacation.
Must See-
- Mawlynnong
- Umiam Lake
- Elephant Falls
- Shillong Peak
- Don Bosco Museum
- Mawsynram
Famous for-
- Hill Stations
- Waterfalls
Munnar
Yet another gem of South India that makes it to the list of top 10 places in India that turn lush green during monsoon is Munnar, Kerala. This hill station is one of the best monsoon destinations in India. The magic of the Rains adds to the beauty of the Western Ghats. Misty clouds engulf the mountain tops, and seasonal waterfalls make the landscape even more serene. The best thing about a monsoon vacation is, that the hill station is crowd-free, and hotels and resorts offer great discounts.
Must see –
- Echo Point
- Attukad Waterfalls
- Tea Museum
- Tea Gardens
- Eravikulam National Park
- Wonder Valley Adventure
- Amusement Park
- Kundala Lake
Famous for –
- Hill Stations
- Tea Gardens
- Treehouse stay
Valley of Flowers
One of the best places to visit during the monsoon in north India, is the Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand. The Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and the monsoon season just adds to its beauty. The mountain flowers of every possible shade, bloom after the rain, and it is a sight not to miss! With more than 400 varieties of flowers in their full bloom, this valley is a part of the national park that you can reach after an easy trek. This is a perfect destination for spectacular views of unique flowers in multiple shades.
Must See-
- Valley of Flowers National Park
Famous for –
- Natural Beauty
- Hill Stations
- Trekking
Udaipur
One of the best places to visit in India from August to September is Udaipur, Rajasthan. The city receives one of the lowest rainfalls in the country, but just enough rain for a pleasant climate after a really hot summer. The city is located in the lap of the Aravalis and is revered as the “City of lakes”. Udaipur is one of the most offbeat destinations to travel to and offers many budget-friendly stay options as well.
Must-See-
- Monsoon Palace
- Sajjan Garh
- Lake Pichola
- Bagore-ki-Haveli
Famous for-
- Lake
- Palaces
- Temples
- Shopping
Alleppey –
Another gem tucked away in the Gods’ Own Country, Kerala is Alleppey. The rain makes the backwaters all the more beautiful, and one can embark on a backwater cruise to explore the beauty of this place through its lakes, river, and canals. The weather is perfect, cool, and dust-free, which also makes it a perfect time to go here for ayurvedic treatments, for which is it famous.
Must-See –
- Backwater Cruise
Famous for –
- Houseboats
- Alleppey Beach
Kodaikanal
One of the best places to visit in the monsoon in South India is Kodaikanal. Fondly called ‘The Gift of the Forest’, Kodaikanal, offers a scenic beauty further magnified during monsoon. This small hill town creates a refreshing vacation, with Coaker’s Walk and Bryant Park offering picturesque trails Te rains, making the waterfalls worth seeing, and if you are very lucky you can experience a rare phenomenon called ‘Brachem Spectre’ where you see yourself in the clouds.
Must-See –
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Bear Shola Falls
- Pillar Rocks
- Thalaiyar Falls
- Coakers Walk
Famous For:
- Boating
- Sightseeing
- Trekking
Cherrapunji
A gem of northeast India and the place that receives the highest amount of rainfall, Cherrapunji, in Meghalaya that travelers must experience in the monsoon. From dense forests to massive farmlands, green pastures, and local houses, all of it creates a backdrop that is similar to the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands. Waterfalls flow in their full strength, and you can explore the living root bridges and caves.
Must see –
- Nohkalikai Waterfalls
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge
- Dawki
- Mawlynnong
- Mawsmai Caves
Famous For –
- Hill Station
- Waterfalls
Wayanad
Wayanad is a popular monsoon destination in India that is blessed with bountiful rains. This hill town is snuggled in the lap of Western Ghats and is blessed with picturesque beauty, waterfalls, wildlife, adventure, and more. Tourists exclusively visit Wayanad to enjoy the rains and the ‘Neelakurinji’ vivid blue flowers which bloom once in 12 years. You can embark on trekking and mountain expeditions, and create memorable experiences.
Must See –
- Edakkal Caves
- Chembra Peak
- Pookode Lake
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Soochipara Falls
Famous For –
- Treks
- Hill Station
- Stay in a Treehouse
Orchha
A perfect getaway to enjoy the magic of the monsoons is the city of Orchha. Monsoons turn this otherwise dry corner of Malwa plateau into the greenest and the most exotic spots on earth. The Betwa River is revived and the town settled on its banks is adorned with picturesque scenery of lush greenery, rolling hills, and bliss. The city also offers historical forts, palaces, magnificent temples, memorials, and heritage that re-creates the nostalgia of a by-gone era.
Must-see –
- Jehangir Mahal
- Orchha Fort
- Ram Raja Temple
- Raja Mahal
- Chaturbhuj Temple
Famous For –
- Historical Forts
- Palaces
- Magnificent Temples
- Memorials
Mahabaleshwar
Tucked away in the beauty of the Sahyadri range, a part of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is one of the best places to visit in the monsoon in India, from foggy roads to lush green mountains, clouds that engulf the mountain tops, the hill station is a pure bliss during Monsoon. The view is surreal from the Elephant’s Head Point.
Must See –
- Elephant’s Head Point
- Chinaman’s falls
- Dhobi Waterfall
- Arthur’s Seat
- Venna Lake
- Wilson Point
Famous For-
- Hill station
Goa
The party capital of India, Goa is an offbeat monsoon destination in India. It is surely a major attraction point with its pristine beaches, never-ending view of the sea, and other picturesque sceneries. It turns into an ideal place for all nature lovers during the rainy season. You can go trekking, heritage tours, shopping, birdwatching, etc.
Must See:
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls
- Aguada Fort
- Baga Beach
- Mandovi River
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chapora Fort
Famous for:
- River rafting
- Trekking
- Heritage tour
- Bird watching
- Safari Tour
- Mandovi River Cruise
Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley referred to as mini Tibet, is one of the most unusual places in India to visit during the Monsoon. The mystical mountain range, picturesque natural beauty, and snow-clad summit of the Himalayas make it a thrilling destination for adventure enthusiasts. It is a great place for camping, and wildlife viewing. The Lhalung monastery will give you a serene and calming vibe if you are looking for it.
Must See–
- Spiti and Lahaul valley
- Monasteries
- Villages
Famous for-
- Natural beauty
- Adventure sports
Pondicherry
A perfect destination for travelers in the monsoon season is Pondicherry. From mouth-watering local cuisines to adventure sports, and a lot of other fun places to visit. The old-fashioned houses in the french colony, the pristine beaches, and the endless view of the sea have always intrigued visitors and lured travelers for a long time now. Moreover, the rainy season adds to the charm, romance, and beauty of this town.
Must See-
- Auroville
- Beaches
Famous for-
- Beaches
- Sunset
- Cuisines
- Watersports
- Honeymoon destination
Malshej Ghats
If you are living in Mumbai and want to go away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Malshej Ghats provides an offbeat destination near Mumbai to have a peaceful time around. One of the finest hill stations in Maharashtra, Malshej Ghats observes a huge crowd of travelers and families on vacation, especially in the monsoons. The hill station is blessed with a diversity of flora and fauna, often leaving the visitors mesmerized by its natural beauty.
Must See–
- The natural beauty of the place
Famous for–
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Bird watching
Alibaug
Another very famous monsoon destination in Maharashtra is Alibaug. A small town located in the Konkan region offers natural beauty and beaches. Its scrumptious cuisines, culture, nightlife, and rich history, make it a perfect destination for monsoon. Some of the popular activities to enjoy here includes banana rides, jet-skiing, and horse riding.
Must See–
- Kaluba Fort
- Magnetic Observatory
- Alibaug Beaches
Famous for–
- Beaches
- Honeymoon
- Pristine location
- Nature-loving
Andaman and Nicobar
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the best places to visit in India during the monsoon. It is a group of more than 500 islands, with thrilling watersports to enjoy, an abundance of natural beauty, and exotic locations that make it a perfect destination for all. Enjoying watersports when the sea currents are rapid during the monsoon, adds up to the fun and excitement of avid travelers.
Must-see–
- Havelock Island
- Neil Island
- Ross Island
- North Bay Island
- Bharatang Island
Famous for–
- Beaches
- Adventure activities
- Watersports
- Seafood
Ladakh
Lying in the lap of the two world’s mightiest mountain ranges – the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges in Ladakh. It is among the top places for adventure in India, with amazing landscapes, picturesque views, snow-covered peaks, high-altitude lakes, and numerous mountain passes. It s a paradise for travel enthusiasts, and there are plenty of trekking opportunities in Ladakh during the Monsoon season and people can indulge in other adventure activities as well.
Must See-
- Hemis Monastery
- Nubra Valley
- Zanskar River
- Leh
- Pangong Lake
- Thiksey Monastery
Famous For-
- Trekking
- Jeep Safari
- River Rafting
- Bike riding
Quick Monsoon Trip Tips
Monsoon is a beautiful season, but it comes with its own set of risks. Hence we have compiled a list of tips you must take note of –
- Landslides are a common phenomenon, especially in hilly areas, so decide the destination keeping in mind the adversities.
- Carry all the rain gears in your backpack.
- Use good quality right gears for trekking and hiking at any destination during the rainy season.
- It is advisable to not eat roadside food or any uncovered items as they can lead to diseases.
- Always keep yourself updated with the weather forecast of the place you are visiting.
- While driving or riding in the monsoon you will have to be very careful as the roads may get slippery
- Always carry an emergency kit with you.
Key Takeaways
We hope our article on the best places to visit in the monsoon in India has been insightful and informative. Take note of your monsoon tips to plan your next Monsoon vacation. Bookmark this article for your future reference, or simply connect with our team at HotelDekho.com for travel guides, and more!
