Well, as opposed to what one might have heard about the monsoons in India, this is the best time to get up and go and enjoy the many attractions of nature. Now that the summer has gone by and we are in the midst of the monsoon season, travelling becomes quite affordable compared to what it was during the peak summer season. Moreover the maddening summer vacation rush usually found at many popular tourist destinations in India, also becomes negligible. In case you did not know the monsoon pattern of the Indian sub-continent, here are some interesting facts. There are 2 monsoons prevailing in India – the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon. The quantum of rainfall that happens in the country is brought about by the southwest monsoon. Also during this time one needs to exercise a little bit of caution and plan your trip in advance, as some places are restricted to visitors due to slippery terrain, gusty winds, mosquito and other insect hazards, fallen trees, landslides etc.

Monsoon trekking has become a popular recreational activity. Accommodation and fares are cheaper during this period too.

Let’s explore some of the best monsoon destinations of thr different zones in India

North Zone:

1. Jammu and Kashmir

During June and July, two of the best monsoon destinations in North India–ie the road to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir and Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh – come alive with tourists who want to perience the monsoon.

2. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

This place is one of the most preferred hill stations during the monsoon, as the rain showers blesses the place with lush green forests offering a majestic view of the Himalayan topography.The spectacular monsoon gives Garhwal’s deep valleys its many waterfalls and rivers that flow across the dense forest and feeds the high-altitude lakes. Also the rains here allow for the blossoming of many types of flowers. The meadows (bugyals) which are home to alpine flowers and other variety of flowers are also quite popular. This rich bio-diverse area is also home to rare and endangered species like the Asiatic black bear, the snow leopard and many rare birds. Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Kausani and Chamba are a pleasure to visit during the monsoon season.

West Zone:

1. Udaipur

Udaipur in Rajasthan is one of the most romantic monsoon destinations in India Although located in the arid desert zone of the country it transforms into a lively pleasant place with the onset of the rains. Popularly referred to as ‘the Venice of East’ and ‘City of Lakes’, the Udaipur lake with its emerald water blending with the lush green surroundings and hills looks amazingly beautiful during the monsoon season. Also lakes like Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, etc. are just as beautiful as the Udaipur Lake during the rainy season.

2. Goa

It is no surprise that Goa is the most happening destination during the monsoon as this is the time when staying in Goa becomes quite affordable. Long walks under an umbrella are recommended. And they curl up with a hot cup of coffee in your cosy room.

The best weekend monsoon getaways in Western India are monsoon treks in the Sahyadris, in the Western Ghats.

East Zone:

1. Meghalaya

This hilly region on the eastern side of the country has earned the reputation of included in the ‘Top 8 Wettest Place in the world’. Cherrapunji and Mawsynramare very close to each other and are the two wettest places on Earth with a yearly rainfall of 11,872 millimetres.

Needless to say all of north eastern states are surrounded by scenic valleys with spectacular waterfalls which add to the beauty of the area. Also Sikkim is a popular tourist destination for its Enchey Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Ridge and Nathula Pass.

2. Gangtok

Another monsoon destination is the one that falls along the Shivalik Hills, yes we are talking about Gangtok which has a calm and mild climate and experiences a good amount of rainfall accompanied by strong winds from June to August.

South Zone:

South India is no exception since it has many hill stations like Kodaikanal, Munnar, Coorg and Ooty which are blessed by the monsoons every year, which is why this part of the country becomes so charming and so makes for a pleasant and romantic holiday outing.
Also other monsoon destinations in the South like the Vythiri Jungle Resort in Wayanad, Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village in Kerala, Valparai, Hogenakkal falls, etc. are some of the most popular and sought after places to enjoy a wonderful stay during the monsoon season.
Go out and get soaked in rain. You will not regret it! Needless to say, please exercise a little caution…