Looking for monsoon destinations in India? This post covers some of the breathtaking monsoon destinations, recommended by Top Indian Travel Bloggers. It will help you to plan your monsoon getaways.
The overcast sky, rhythmic sound of rainfall, umbrellas, clogged roads, and puddles of mud, are the things that come to one’s mind when we think of the monsoon season in India. Rains are magical. It is during the monsoon season, nature paints the most dramatic landscapes around.
When nature adorns the gorgeous and refreshing green color, everything looks absolutely enchanting. If you are someone who enjoys the rain, you are bound to hit the road to chase the monsoon. It allows you to get drenched and dance in the rain and makes your romance with nature in its true form.
The freshness around you is not just pleasing to the eyes, but the rains give you much-needed relief from the heat waves. India flaunts numerous destinations where you could enjoy the monsoon season at its best. Don’t restrict yourself to your home and watching rain from the balcony of your house in the city. Pack your bags and explore some of the most exciting destinations in your own incredible India.
Table of Contents
Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
How about chasing the monsoon in the Second Wettest Place on earth – Cherrapunji? There can’t be a better place than Cherrapunji in Meghalaya to enjoy the rains. Known as “Abode of Clouds”, Meghalaya is the perfect destination to be in during the monsoon season.
The Khasi hills look absolutely spectacular with the astonishing green color and the hovering clouds above them. From roads to fields, it gives you the most picturesque scenery. While visiting this gorgeous state in Northeast India, Cherrapunji should be on top of your list if you are traveling during monsoon season.
Also Read: CHASING THE MONSOON IN CHERRAPUNJI, MEGHALAYA, INDIA
Situated on the southern edge of the Khasi Hills, Cherrapunji was originally known as “Sohra”. The British pronounced it as “Churra” before it got its popular name as Cherrapunji. It shares its international border with Bangladesh on its south.
Around 60 km away from Shillong, Cherrapunji offers some eye-arresting vistas. Dotted with towering Khasi Hills, valleys, lush green farmlands, forests, pastures, and scattered small villages, Cherrapunji flaunts unparalleled scenic landscapes.
Also Read: ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ILP & PAP PERMITS FOR NORTHEAST INDIA (ALL STATES)
The gushing waterfalls, countless water streams, caves, root bridges, clean villages, etc., the place makes you appreciate nature like never before. The unpredictability of the weather is another exciting reason to be here. You never know when you will be welcomed by the rain.
The descending clouds engulf the landscapes, bringing down the visibility of the road to null in no time. The incessant rain and the hanging clouds in the sky are the most exciting things to watch out for in Cherrapunji during the rainy season. When in Cherrapunji, do visit the Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge and the magnificent Nohkalikai Falls. Don’t forget to carry an umbrella and raincoat to enjoy the magic of the monsoon in Cherrapunji.
Also Read: THINGS NO ONE TOLD YOU ABOUT NORTHEAST INDIA : A COMPLETE GUIDE
Chitrakote Falls, Bastar, Chhattisgarh
Not many people would think of visiting Chhattisgarh for a monsoon escape. But, it’s an incredibly beautiful destination, especially during the rains. Although the entire state of Chhattisgarh is captivating, the iconic waterfalls, Chitrakote, are a sight to behold. The sight gets even more magical when it’s raining!
The Chitrakote Falls are the widest falls in India with a height of 59 ft (29 meters). No wonder it’s known as the Indian Niagara Falls. I can’t forget the moment I reached the site – the falls look much wider and denser in the monsoon. It was all misty and dreamlike.
So, if you are visiting Chitrakote, don’t just go and come back. Slow down and soak in its beauty. I’d recommend you should stay at Dandami Luxury Resort, which is in the same vicinity. I stayed there for a night, which let me see the falls through the day, hear the gurgling sound at night and witness its magnificence in the early morning glow. Besides the falls, you can also explore the rest of Bastar district, which is the treasure trove of tribal art of Chhattisgarh.
Also Read: WHY BASTAR IN CHHATTISGARH SHOULD BE ON EVERY TRAVELLER’S BUCKET LIST
How to reach
The best way to reach Chitrakote Falls is by your own car. There are buses from Raipur to Jagdalpur, but the journey is quite long and tiring. So, it’s better to avoid it. It takes 6 hours to reach Jagdalpur from Raipur, and nearly an hour to reach Chitrakote Falls from Jagdalpur.
Contributor: Renuka Walter from Voyager For Life
Bisle Ghat and Forest, Karnataka (Western Ghats)
There is no better place to enjoy the monsoons than the rain forests as it is where it absolutely pours! This is where you can see Mother Nature at her richest and wildest best! Streams, rivers and waterfalls move with a deafening roar and the rain forest sees wild action at every possible inch.
Karnataka’s Bisle Ghat and forest are one such mind-blowing monsoon holiday destination. Home to some of India’s most spectacular rainforests, it is one of the lesser-known monsoon trails of Karnataka and a hotspot of biodiversity. It is small, yet insanely beautiful. It is accessible only via a small forest highway but therein lays its charm. Go here to listen to the roar of the rains, catch a glimpse of some of its rare wildlife, experience its vividly green forests and mountains through rainforest treks, and view some of the tallest mountain peaks of this region, and to simply soak in the joy of the season of abundance.
How to reach
Bisle ghat and forest is part of a small forest highway that connects the temple town of Kukke Subramanya and the estates of Vanagoor. The nearest airport would be Mangalore, though Bangalore airport would offer a wider array of choices. By road, Bangalore to Bisle should be about 240 km and it should take you anywhere between 4 to 5 hours of road travel. Coorg’s northern edge is just a few kilometers from this belt.
Contributor: Sankara from Be On The Road
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Monsoon is not a season; it is God’s affirmative answer to a million prayers from the Indian Subcontinent. They talk a lot about the Spirit of Mumbai, but if you want to experience the Spirit of Mumbai, come during Monsoons. Monsoon in Mumbai is not a season but is a friendly duel between the City Maximum and the forces of nature. The duel continues for weeks at a stretch, taking only short breaks, with the city refusing to give up & the Rain Gods working overtime to give it all. At times the city falters & does not want to get up, but local trains take a lead in pushing the city, which gets up cursing with a smile & starts running again.
You see kids in colorful raincoats walking to the school bus stop. You see office goers carrying their shoes in bags while they try to find a grip on the waterlogged street in plastic sandals. But if you want to listen to the heartbeat of Mumbai, sit silently at Marine Drive, listen to the duet of approaching thunder & crashing waves & you will find a young Raj Kapoor & Nargis crooning to “Pyar Hua Ekrar Hua”. Mumbai is not a city, it is the manifestation of a million musical dreams coming true simultaneously on a screen larger than 70 mm, larger than life itself, and sung collectively by Mumbaikars.
How to reach
Mumbai is well connected with all the major cities in India and internationally. You can fly down or opt for trains to reach Mumbai.
Contributor: Prasad NP from Desi Traveler
Goat Village, Raithal, Uttarakhand
The Goat Village in Raithal was a magical place to visit during the monsoon. We went in the month of August. Fresh greens surrounded us in all directions. Colorful mushrooms and wild orchids were blooming. The clouds had descended down on the mountain tops. And every once in a while, when the sun showed up between the gaps, we could steal a glimpse of the snow-clad peaks. The most revered peak visible from here is the Shrikhand Mahadev. August was also the perfect time to visit because a festival called Andudi is celebrated by the locals. It can be roughly translated to the Butter festival. They celebrate it on the meadows of Data Bugyal. Raithal to Satara Bugyal makes for a moderately easy trek. You can camp at the top, or stay in with a local.
The Goat Village itself is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate. Away from the tourist glare (and internet), you can just relax here, go for short walks, observe the birds and the butterflies, participate in the farming activities or just revel in the simple local life. Places like Harshil and Nagori in Uttarakhand can be visited as day trips. Gangotri itself is less than 100 km away.
Also Read: HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE CORN VILLAGE NEAR MUSSOORIE?
How to reach
The nearest airport or railhead is Dehradun. From Dehradun, you take the route to Uttarkashi. From Uttarkashi, the road goes parallel to the river Bhagirathi (this is also the road that leads to Gangotri). At Bhatwarii, you take the uphill diversion towards Raithal. Shared jeeps are available from Dehradun to Uttarkashi and then onward to Bhatwari. At Bhatwari, ask around if all the jeeps have returned to Raithal. If not, you can get shared transport here as well. Else, you will have to hire a private jeep.
Contributor: Sandeepa & Chetan from SandeepaChetan’s Travel Blog
Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
The under-explored Malshej Ghat is a seasonal secret destination of Maharashtra, which very few outsiders know about. It is a mountain pass that comes alive during the monsoon months that starts in June in Maharashtra. The beauty of Malshej Ghat starts to reveal itself as soon as you reach the road approaching the Malshej Ghat. The numerous waterfall, dramatic tunnels, verdant valleys, and misty atmosphere will give you company even as you drive through the pass. As they say sometimes the journey is as beautiful as the destination. As such there are no ‘points’ to see in Malshej Ghat.
A visit to Malshej Ghat during the crazy monsoons of Maharashtra includes activities like sampling local food, bird watching, taking a bath in a random waterfall, a village walk, long drives, small hikes, and treks, or even aimless walks in random places. Malshej Ghat is also known for the migratory flamingos which stay here from July to September. A walk in the villages gives you a glimpse of the traditional Maharashtrian lifestyle. Many locals speak only Marathi and eat only Marathi food which makes it an authentic experience. At some places, you will see as many as 10 waterfalls cascading down green mountains simultaneously. It’s a sight to behold.
How to Reach
You can reach Malshej Ghat by either a self drive or if you are on a shoestring budget then you can take a state transport bus which takes just 1.5 hours from Kalyan. Kalyan has a local railway station, which is connected with most local railway stations of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Look out for the Ahmednagar bound bus. Kalyan and Karjat are the nearest railway stations. Malshej Ghat is also close to Pune and can be accessed via buses or self drive.
Contributor: Abhinav Singh from A Soul Window
Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
Perched on a picturesque plateau in Central India, Mandu was once named the ‘City of Joy’ by a monarch long forgotten. This one-time capital of the Malwa Sultanate has seen dynasties rise and fall. It has witnessed the destiny of India being written within the intrigues of its palaces and during the battles outside its ramparts. Famous names and fascinating tales, on which pages have been colored in the History books of the subcontinent, lie buried in its desolate tombs and palaces.
Mandu is not only an architectural and historical gem, but is also one of the most romantic places in India, especially when the monsoons arrive. Its corridors are still haunted by the legendary, and tragic, love of Sultan Baz Bahadur and his beautiful Queen Roopmati – lovers who even death could not separate; their tales still alive in the folklore of Malwa. After all, this was the city that inspired the Taj Mahal!
Also Read: AN EXCEPTIONAL SAFARI EXPERIENCE IN KANHA NATIONAL PARK WITH PUGDUNDEE SAFARIS
How to reach
The nearest railway station and airport are in Indore from where Mandu can be reached by a 2-hour long drive via Dhar. The best place to stay is the Malwa retreat, owned by MPTDC.
Contributor: Purnendu Singh from Shadows Galore
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
The curving roads shone with their rain-washed brilliance. The fragrance of exotic herbs mingled with the intoxicating earthy fragrance of Petrichor. The monsoon had worked its magic and romance seemed to hang low in the air. Kodaikanal, the gift of the forest, is simply irresistible in the monsoon. Its enchanting beauty dazzles and mesmerizes visitors who love to head to the hill station, come monsoon. Yes, the summer is when most people pack their bags and head to the calming and pleasant embrace of Kodaikanal, but if you want to romance Kodaikanal then there is no better time than the monsoons to head out there.
Kodaikanal is located at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level and is embellished by numerous waterfalls, lakes, and lush green forests. It is an excellent place to commune with nature and leave the stresses of city life far behind. One of the most popular hill stations of South India, Kodaikanal does get crowded during the summers but is relatively secluded during the monsoon. The best way to enjoy the picturesque hill station is to stay away from the center of the town and incorporate long hikes and drives into the woodlands that surround it.
If you love the rains, then you must head to Kodaikanal, they together make for an irresistible combination.
How to reach
One can fly to Madurai and from there take a bus or cab to reach Kodaikanal. If you are in Chennai or Bangalore, you can take a direct bus to Kodaikanal.
Contributor: Sandy & Vijay from Voyager
Bangriposi, Odisha
There are a few places that take an alluring appearance during the monsoon, and Bangriposi is one of them. Situated in the Thakurani range of the beautiful state of Odisha, Bangriposi literally means, ‘beautiful daughter of hills’. The best part of Bangriposi is its serenity. With its mountains, hills, verdant forests, waterfalls, and the Buribalam River, Bangriposi is truly an enchanting place. With the rains, the place looks greener and fresher. The trees and shrubs have different shades of green, while the Buribalam River flows with all its glory over the rocky terrain. The waterfalls too cascade down with their full might and force. The Buribalam River also has a historic connection. It is the place where freedom fighter Bagha Jatin had fought with the British.
Once you are done admiring the beautiful surroundings, you can take a trip to the Dwarsini Temple and the Bonbibi Temple. Both the temples are in honor of local deities and venerated by the locals. If you happen to visit Bangriposi during the weekends, do not forget to visit the local Haat (market). It is a colorful place where you will see the tribes with their fares. Other places of interest near Bangriposi are the Sulaipat Dam and the Bankbal Dam. During the monsoon, both these places look mesmerizing with the clouds hanging over the vast stretches of water.
How to reach
Bangriposi has a quaint railway station, but not all trains stop there. The nearest one is at Balasore. From Balasore, you can take a trekker or a car to Bangriposi. There is one DMU passenger train from Balasore to Bangriposi at 10 AM. The train journey is extremely beautiful as it passes through the jungles and countryside of Odisha.
Blogger: Agni & Amrita from Tale of 2 Backpackers
Tadiyandamol, Coorg
Monsoon unravels a different landscape in India with green carpets sprawling across many parts of the country. Western ghats which stretch for more than 1600 km is probably the densest and greenest part and a favourite with trekkers and nemophilists alike. In the monsoons, Coorg in southern Karnataka offers some of the best trekking options in the Western Ghats. Tadiyandamol, near Kakkabe, is one of the highest peaks in Karnataka and is a popular moderate trek with magnificent views and lush greenery all along. Coorg is laced with expansive coffee plantations and the trek takes you past them to the towering hills nearby.
Engulfed by mist and drizzles, the trail meanders its way past gurgling streams, forest patches, goat tracks, vantage points, grasslands, and a few hills before it ends atop Tadiyandamol. Though the low visibility and the ubiquitous leeches might be a deterrent on the way up, the Tadiyandamol trek is definitely one of the best monsoon treks in India. The intermittent drizzles are always refreshing and the different shades of green that the monsoon splashes further accentuate the charm of this wonderful trek.
How to reach
One can fly into Bangalore and then drive to Coorg, which is six hours away. Honey valley estate at the base of Tadiyandamol is a good option to stay.
Contributor : Niranjan Das from Tales Of A Nomad
Binsar, Uttarakhand
Binsar, a picturesque, hidden forest is perched at an altitude of 7913 feet in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is encircled by a vast wildlife sanctuary spreading up to 46 km and is home to many rare animals, birds and wild flowers. Binsar lies 95 Kilometers from Nainital, 35 kilometers form Almora, and 423 kilometers from Delhi.
As soon as you enter the Binsar wildlife sanctuary you are transferred to a different era. It seems time clock had frozen years back here and sunlight never had an opportunity to kiss the place. In the monsoons, the place brings a lot of surprises. If at one moment, there is a pitter-patter of raindrops, another moment it will be misty with floating clouds in the valley, followed by thunderstorms and continuous rain throughout the day and night. Overall the place looks super green, fresh, foggy and smells earthy.
Registration Fee for Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary- INR 150 per person and INR 250 for vehicle.
Also Read: THE WINDING ROADS AND MY AFFAIR WITH THE HILLS: BINSAR, UTTARAKHAND
How to reach
Binsar can be reached via air, road or rail. The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport and the nearest railway station is at Kathgodam. Further from both the stations, distance to Binsar can be covered by taxis or buses.
Contributor: Suruchi & Tashi from AllGudThings
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Aye Carumba, where do I begin.
So at first, I was like why on earth would anyone want to travel or explore India during Monsoon Season. But it makes sense as we here in New Orleans have Hurricane Season and though it can be a bit hectic with monster rains & even worse, hurricanes (your typhoons) it is a grand time to explore the states along the Gulf of Mexico.
Plus Darcee (my wife) & I loved our 6 weeks in India, that we are planning our return hopefully by 2022 with the improvement of the world’s health. Thus, I think she would LOVE all the different locations of waterfalls. For example, the Chitrakote Falls of Bastar looks grand. I actually said out loud that it looked like Niagara until I read that it is actually called the Indian Niagara. Haha.
But my favorite was the magnificent Nohkalikai Falls you shared I think in the picture in Cherrapunji! I could imagine looking out from the Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge to watch them flow amid the rains during the Monsoon season!
How beautiful & romantic is it all.
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You have a way with words. Your descriptions make it feel as if I’m there already. And those beautiful and exquisite pictures builds a memory of been there without been there. Thanks for the post.
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I would definitely recommended this places in next year in the season of monsoon. Above pictures look so amazing and beautiful. Thanks for this article.
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I love Indian monsoon and really miss a lot as I do not see rains where I live. My favorite are Mumbai rains, Malsej ghat in Maharashtra and western ghats of Karnataka. Thanks for sharing other recommendations as they look worth visiting. I would love to go for Cherapunji.
I always avoiding monsoon season when traveling in Asia, but I won’t any longer. You are most certainly right, monsoon season awakens nature and definitely creates some diverse landscapes. I would love to venture to Cherrapunji. Those waterfalls and cliffs look stunning! I’m sure the area is quieter in monsoon season as well. It might feel as if the heavens are putting on a show just for you!
Mandu looks and sounds very romantic! I’ve not been to India before, so only heard of Mumbai! I can imagine monsoon season is quite something there, and you’ve listed some interesting places to experience it. Hoping I can get to see one for myself one day!
Nice set of destinations to visit during Monsoons. I expected the western ghats here but what surprised me were Mandu and the Goat Village. Mandu – never realized how gorgeous it can be with the rains. As for Goat Village- I admit that I had never heard of it. Sounds like an amazing place to discover.
Kodaikanal has been on my wish loist for years. I recently visited The Goat Village. It is surely a place to unwind and forget the world. Mumbai, I would personally visit for the sea.
This is quite a refreshing post for me Parnashree, considering that I am stuck in the middle of a scorching heatwave in UK, that too without a Fan ?
Have been to most of the places on this list, but i would love to somehow wake up and find myself in the Raithal, surrounded by clouds for a change.
Woah! The Cherrapunji is just breathtaking. I had no idea about this beautiful scenery in North East India. It is definitely worth the visit.
So far, I was able to visit only 2 on your list. One is Mandu and the other is Mumbai.
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I always wanted to visit Cherrapunji. Insightful post. Thanks for Information
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Thank you for sharing a informative information with us.
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Actually, India is the best country for enjoying monsoon weather. You share the destination is really awesome and beautiful. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya is the best place for monsoon weather. Great information you shared on this blog. Thanks!
GREAT LIST FOR TRAVELLING MONSOON DESTINATION … YOUR ARTICLE IS VERY INTERESTING
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I must admit, your work is nothing but awesome. Love all the destinations.
Thanks for sharing this post. Helpful and Informative.
It would be great if you can provide more details about it. Thanks you
The rains would usually cause nostalgia for me. But reading through, i feel excited. I feel like it would definitely be epic to experience the rains, the monsoon in those Destinations.
This is a great list and we would love to visit as many as we could. Cherrapunji is definitely is our top choice. It’s just so beautiful. It looks something straight from a postcard. We’re also considering Binsar.
This is so interesting. I always thought that it was bad to travel during monsoon season so I guess I learned something different! Binsar, Uttarakhand and Cherrapunji would be my favorites. I love how green and lush it is and that waterfalls appear out of nowhere. This must be so gorgeous to see.
Great blog, and all information are good, thanks for sharing
Personally I like the list of your monsoon destination, but i will prefer winter season as i used to it. But information you provided is nice definitely tried this Monsoon.
I love monsoon and I would like to go always like these places, thanks for providing a huge list of great places in India.
Cherrapunji one of the best place in my bucket list. its a place that will help you make memories like none other and have the time of your life!
I appreciate your details and depth writing style, Great guide and all so many places I would love to visit these places.
I prefer traveling during the off-season to avoid the crowds and monsoon season is perfect. I’m a fan of waterfalls, so the waterfall locations immediately caught my eye. The land is so much greener during monsoon season too. Great reminder not to forget traveling during monsoon season.
I have been to Mumbai and Pune before but I want to visit Chitrakote Falls, Bastar, Chhattisgarh. It looks amazing! Hope I can go back to India and explore more areas. There’s so much to see in your huge country.
Wow, Chitrakote Falls look truly spectacular. I love waterfalls and natural sights like this so I don’t know why I’ve never considered visiting India during monsoon season. I suppose we all just naturally think we’ll avoid that time of year but you’ve certainly made me think differently. We were in Mumbai recently, and I do agree with what you say. It was our favourite city in India and Marine Drive is just such a lovely place to be. Our hotel room overlooked the bay here and I could have just stared at it all day.
Cherrapunji is always our all time favourite, Monsoons look ethereal there. The rest of the places looks heavenly also. I think we need to plan one monsoon trip now! Thanks for including us.
Hi
Your article is very interesting. Keep it up your good work.
Regards
Anjan Das
Such a wonderful list of surreal places. Glad to have contributed, Parnashree.
Beautiful! India turns so much more beautiful in the monsoons! Would love to visit Goat village.
Thanks for including our write-up. Loved reading about all the wonderful destinations one can explore during the monsoon season in India.
nice places for a monsoon trip for short weekend getaways