Monsoon brings along all shades of green, spreading them across the beautiful hills and plains of the country. The rain-drenched beauty of these landscapes mesmerises us with the breathtaking beauty. From lush green mountain ranges to gushing rivers, you can enjoy it all under an overcast sky and a balmy climate. If you’re planning a trip to Kochi or any other city with heavy rains during the monsoon season, consider renting a car in Kochi or any other city to explore the city and its surroundings seamlessly. With summer vacations coinciding with this season, it’s time for you to book your tickets, buy travel insurance online, grab your travelling bag and embark on a journey to some of the best monsoon destinations in India.
If you are struggling with several options of destinations across India, then here’s a list to help you choose one:
- Ranikhet, Uttarakhand – If it is scenic beauty you are looking for, the hills of Ranikhet have plenty to offer. There is an immense forest cover in the vicinity that makes road tripping a delight in this region. Several shrines of Hindu deities in Ranikhet are worth visiting. You can also indulge in some mild trekking if the weather permits. Kathgodam is the nearest railhead, while the nearest airport is Pantnagar.
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – If you want to avoid rain altogether, the rainshadow belt of Spiti Valley could be your ideal monsoon choice. With an overcast sky and a slight drizzle at most, you can enjoy the stark beauty of the cold desert. Driving through the lower hills requires caution due to the rainy conditions, and you should be well-prepared with tarpaulins and raincoats. Needless to say, a ride to such a high altitude is not for the faint-hearted, but with adequate alertness, care and comprehensive travel insurance you will have an adventurous monsoon story to tell.
- Shillong and Cherrapunji, Meghalaya – To see rainfall in full glory, you can visit the wettest place in the world. Cherrapunji is a couple of hours’ drive from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. The unique terrain is rightly named Scotland of the East, with majestic cloud cover, mighty waterfalls and lush greenery all around. If you want to enjoy the city vibe, go for a shopping and pub-hopping spree in Shillong. Shillong is well connected with the nearest railhead and airport Guwahati.
- Goa – Always buzzing with tourists, monsoon is when you can avoid the crowd and find quiet stretches on Goa’s picturesque beaches. If you had your quota of the Arabian sea, you can scoot inwards for a heritage tour, trek and even enjoy the rural Goanese lifestyle. Goa has its airport and the road trip from Mumbai is worth its hype.
- Munnar, Kerala – An all-weather destination, Munnar can be quite picturesque in monsoons. A boat ride in Kundala Lake, a trip to the tea gardens, elephant ride at Carmelagiri Park are some of the tourist attractions. The waterfalls offer a spectacular view, buoyed by the rainfall, and in Anamudi peaks you get the highest peak in south India. Cochin is the nearest airport while Aluva is the closest railhead to Munnar.
- Pondicherry – Staying with the south, the French legacy of Pondicherry is an instant hit. It has all the old-world ingredients that make it a delightful monsoon destination. The French-styled villas and colonial homes, the laidback cafes and the cobbled-stoned streets crisscrossing the town make it a photographer’s delight. Enjoy the rain with local cuisines and walks by the beaches. Villupuram is the nearest railway station, while the road trip from Chennai is worth a try.
- Jog Falls, Karnataka – On the other end of a 6 to 7-hour long drive from Bangalore lies the convergence of four majestic waterfalls, the famous Jog Falls. This 830 feet fall gets its crowning glory in monsoon, fueled by a Sharavathi river packed to the brims. June to September is the ideal time to visit the Jog falls, which remains engulfed by the greenery of the Western Ghats. You can trek to the base of the falls, but any further adventure would call for rather robust travel insurance.
- Kutch, Gujarat – Situated in the arid parts of western India, Kutch gets average rainfall in monsoons. As the weather cools down, a trip to the Rann of Kutch becomes a pleasant experience. You can even go for a seaside camel ride at the Mandvi beach or delve into ancient history among the Dholavira ruins.
- Udaipur, Rajasthan – Often featured as one of the best cities in the world, Udaipur sheds much of its sepia-toned tint for a sprinkling of green during monsoon. Magnificent royal properties like City Palace, Lake Palace and the imposing Monsoon Palace are popular tourist haunts. Besides, you can enjoy the cultural shows, do a little shopping or experience the thriving café culture in the city.
- Orchha, Madhya Pradesh – Ending with the heartland of India, Orchha combines royal grandeur with monsoon scenery, adding a touch of divinity along the way. You can enjoy the intricate architecture of palaces like Jahangir Mahal and Rani Mahal, get a spiritual high in its temples and enjoy the Betwa riverside.
From heavy rainfall to rainshadows, and beaches and deserts along the way, India is full of endless possibilities when it comes to monsoon destinations. Travel insurance equips you to meet any setbacks along the way—be it loss of luggage, theft or medical attention. Domestic travel insurance plans ensure that your travel is stress-free and enjoyable. So, book your tickets today and your travel insurance tomorrow because the monsoon is here and nature beckons.
