During monsoon, India becomes the land of greenery, misty hills, waterfalls and cool weather. While some tourists plan trips to India during winters or summers, monsoon season provides a totally new experience for visitors. Hills turn into green, lakes get filled with water, forests become alive and tourist hotspots tend to be less crowded.

Those people who love nature, road trips, taking pictures, trekking and simply enjoying beautiful landscapes will definitely find something exciting to do during this season. From the Western Ghats to the Himalayan range, there are numerous spots which become even more charming due to the beautiful showers.

In this guide, we will talk about the top 10 must-visit monsoon destinations in India. We also provide visitors with helpful information on how to plan their journey.

Why Travel in India During the Monsoon?

There are several reasons why travelling in India during the monsoon can be an interesting and a unique experience. Many places have become more green, the waterfalls have majestic flow and there is comfortable weather in most areas.

Among the advantages of travelling in the monsoon are:

• Beautiful green landscapes
• Waterfalls at their peak
• Pleasant weather in hill stations
• Lower hotel and flight prices at many destinations
• Fewer crowds compared to peak tourist seasons
• Excellent opportunities for nature photography

Despite some difficulties that the rain may create, a well organized trip will be really exciting and unforgettable.

Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations 

1. Munnar, Kerala:

Being one of the best monsoon destinations in India, Munnar has many attractions which become so serene in the rainy season. Due to the rain, the famous tea gardens of this region become exceptionally green and the area is usually covered by the mist.

• Main sites to visit in Munnar are:
• Tea plantation garden
• Eravikulam National Park
• Mattupetty Dam
• Attukad Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls

The cool mountain weather makes Munnar a perfect destination to relax.

2. Coorg, Karnataka:

Also known as "Scotland of India," Coorg becomes particularly beautiful during the monsoon period.

• Some of its main highlights are:
• Coffee plantations
• Abbey Falls
• Raja’s Seat
• Dubare Elephant Camp
• Forests walks

Rain makes the nature of Coorg look even more beautiful and thus, it is one of the best monsoon destinations in India.

3. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand:

The Valley of Flowers National Park opens up during monsoon and is full of thousands of colorful Alpine flowers.

• Here are some highlights:
• Scenic trekking paths
• Unique Himalayan flowers
• Mountain ranges with snow
• Rich flora and fauna

It is one of the most unusual monsoon destinations in India for trekking enthusiasts.

4. Udaipur, Rajasthan:

Though Rajasthan is known as a desert state, it rains here sometimes and Udaipur becomes particularly beautiful at that time.

Main attractions include:

• Lake Pichola
• City Palace
• Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
• Fateh Sagar Lake

5. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya:

Cherrapunji is known for recording some of the highest rainfall in the world.

Visitors can come here to see:

• Living Root Bridges
• Nohkalikai Falls
• Seven Sisters Falls
• Limestone Caves
• Green Valleys

If you enjoy dramatic landscapes and don't mind frequent rain, this is one of the best monsoon destinations in the country.

6. Lonavala, Maharashtra:

Located close to Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala becomes one of the busiest monsoon getaways every year near these two busy urban hubs.

Main attractions here are:

• Bhushi Dam
• Tiger Point
• Rajmachi Fort
• Karla Caves
• Many waterfalls

Close proximity to the destination makes it an ideal weekend getaway.

7. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra:

Mahabaleshwar has a cool climate, rich forests and wonderful view points in the monsoon season.

Make sure to visit:

• Arthur's Seat
• Venna Lake
• Lingmala Waterfall
• Elephant's Head Point
• Strawberry Farms

Foggy mornings and green valleys make it one of the most relaxing monsoon destinations.

8. Wayanad, Kerala:

Wayanad offers visitors forests, wildlife, falls and spice plantations.

Popular tourist destinations are:

• Edakkal Caves
• Soochipara Falls
• Banasura Sagar Dam
• Pookode Lake
• Wild Life Sanctuary

Rainfall rejuvenates the forests and makes the waterfalls even more spectacular.

9. Goa:

Though Goa is known for its beaches, the monsoons bring out yet another side to the state.

These are some of the things tourists could do in Goa:

• Dudhsagar Falls
• Green landscape
• Spice plantation visits
• River cruise
• Quieter beaches

In addition, hotel costs are comparatively cheaper when compared to those in the winters.

10. Shillong, Meghalaya:

Shillong has nice weather, waterfalls, lakes and roads due to the monsoon.

Some of its main attractions are:

• Elephant Falls
• Umiam Lake
• Ward’s Lake
• Laitlum Canyon
• Police Bazaar

Due to its cool climate, Shillong is among the most comfortable locations in North-Eastern India to visit during monsoons.

Best Time to Visit These Monsoon Destinations

India's monsoon season is from June to September; however, there are slight variations depending on location.

Before planning your trip, you should make sure that you check weather conditions locally particularly in case you plan to trek or visit mountains.

Important Monsoon Travel Tips

Some planning is necessary when travelling during the rainy season.

These are some useful tips:

• Make sure to check weather forecasts before your journey.
• Be ready to have flexible travel plans in case of heavy rains.
• Don’t go for a trek in case there is a warning regarding the same.
• Carry water resistant bags for your documents and gadgets.
• Always wear good grip shoes to avoid slips.
• Choose hotels which have good connectivity through roads.
• Begin your road trip in the morning to avoid the evening downpour.
• Having these things in mind will help you with a pleasant travel experience.
• Being prepared helps ensure a smoother travel experience.

Budget Tips for Monsoon Travel

The first benefit of monsoon travels is that they are relatively cheaper as compared to the travel during the peak season.

In order to make your monsoon travel budget friendly, you can do the following:

• Book your flights in advance .
• Travel during weekdays rather than weekends.
• Go for guesthouses/homestays.
• Use public transport wherever possible.
• Take the advantage of off season discounts at hotels and other accommodations.
• Travel in small groups to save transportation costs.
• Try to book attraction tickets online.

Things to Pack for a Monsoon Trip

It always helps when you pack the essential things, making your journey more comfortable.

Remember to carry along:

• Light raincoat
• Umbrella
• Backpack cover that repels water
• Clothing that dries fast
• Waterproof shoes
• Additional pairs of socks
• Power Bank
• Phone cover for waterproofing
• Personal medications
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer
• Water Bottle
• Small Towel

Conclusion:

The rainy season brings about a whole new face to India. Hills turn green, waterfalls run in full force, forests look rejuvenated and the cool weather makes sightseeing more enjoyable in several parts. No matter whether you love the tea gardens of Munnar, flowers blooming in Uttarakhand, the waterfalls of Meghalaya or beautiful locations like Coorg and Wayanad,  there is a perfect monsoon destination in India for every traveller.

With adequate planning, appropriate clothing and knowledge of weather, your monsoon vacation can prove to be both safe and memorable. If you wish to take a break from the summer heat and enjoy some of the breathtaking locations in India, it definitely pays to consider monsoon travel destinations in India. For more relevant information, read our blog pages on Holidaybreakz.co.in.

FAQs:

1. What is the best monsoon destination in India?
Some of the well known options include Munnar, Coorg, Cherrapunji, Valley of Flowers, and Wayanad with beautiful scenery during the rainy season.

2. Is it safe to visit during monsoons in India?
Yes, it is usually safe to visit during monsoons provided that one keeps an eye on the weather forecast and stays away from flood zones/landslides during heavy rains.

3. What is the best time of the year to visit during monsoons in India?
July and August are regarded as the best months as many waterfalls, forests and hills look most beautiful during this time.

4. What is the state known for monsoon tourism?
Kerala, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand are some of the most visited states during monsoons because of their beautiful landscape and scenic beauty.

5. What should I pack for my monsoon trip?
Some of the things to pack include dry clothes, waterproof jacket, rain proof shoes, extra socks, small umbrella and waterproof cases for the electronic devices and important documents.