Come June, and monsoon begins in most parts of India. Time to switch over from cool ice creams to hot pakoras and chai! A time of glorious possibilities, when dark clouds roll over, rain pitter-patters down window sills and you wake up to the sound of drizzling water. If this isn’t bliss, what is?
Did you miss your summer trip this year? Worry not, there are amazing monsoon destinations in India, where clouds kiss the hills, water gurgles down hills and you can enjoy the best sights and sounds of the rain.Here are 7 amazing monsoon destinations in India which you should not miss whatsoever.
Monsoon Destinations in India
1) Binsar, Uttarakhand
Let’s begin with this beautiful state in the North of India. Binsar has all the qualities you need in an ideal monsoon getaway. Just wind your way through the pine-dotted hills and passes and a whole new world opens up in front of your eyes. Binsar is best for bird watching and adventure lovers and trekkers.
Attractions: Check out the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary rich in flora and fauna. There are more than 200 species of birds, Himalayan bear, parakeets etc.
How to reach: Kathgodam Railway station is the nearest railway station to Binsar located at a distance of 119 km. It is well connected to major cities of India like Delhi etc. Pantnagar is the nearest airport.
2) Bandipur, Karnataka
From the hilly regions of the North to the South, head to Bandipur this monsoon! A wildlife sanctuary you will absolutely fall in love with, Bandipur is nestled in the Himalayas. During monsoon, the entire forest comes alive, drenched in water, clouds and mist.
Attractions: The Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve will help you spot a tiger or two. For the devoted, Biligiri Rangaswamy temple is worth a visit.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station to this park is located in Mysore city which is located at a distance of 80km from Bandipur.
3) Dudhsagar Falls, Goa
The magnificent Dudhsagar Waterfalls located in the Western Ghats is a sight to be cherished in the monsoons when in full flow! The best time to visit this place is during the months of June to September. The falls cascade down the mountains giving the appearance of milk, hence the name Doodhsagar! Besides the Doodhsagar is surrounded by lush green forests. In fact, the entire Konkan region on the West is a fascinating place to visit during monsoons.
Attractions: A visit to Goa warrants a trip to Dudhsagar Falls, hence you can enjoy the beauty of Goa during the monsoons.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station to this park is located in Mysore city which is located at a distance of 80km from Bandipur.
4) Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is a lush green hill station tucked away in the state of Kerala. It is a popular honeymoon destination and is a fun place to visit during the rains. The place looks spectacular with cloud-kissed mountains, misty looking rains and chilly weather. In fact, all you would feel like doing is crawling into bed and taking in the beauty through your window. It’s not just Munnar, any place in Kerala can be visited to enjoy the monsoons.
Attractions: Don’t miss the amazing tea garden and Photo Points in Munnar.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Aluva at 100km and nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport.
5) Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg offers you great cardamom and coffee estates, beautiful hills and a great cuisine. All this coupled with the lovely monsoon rains, it’s heaven on Earth right through. Karnataka has a dense forest area of 20% which is one of the wettest places in South India during monsoons. Do not miss making a visit to the nearby Jog Falls.
Attractions: While at Coorg, don’t miss the Namdroling Monastery, Thala Kaveri and Nisargadhama Falls.
How to Reach: The nearest domestic airport is the Mangalore International Airport, about 160 kilometres away or by train to Mysore.
6) Lonavala, Maharastra
During monsoons, the Sahyadri monsoon ranges make you want to sing and dance in the rain. The numerous attractions around Lonavala like the Lohagad fort, Karla Caves etc are a sight to behold. Lonavla is well known for its green lush spots during the monsoon with amazing little waterfalls and ponds.
Attractions: Tigers Leap, Lonavala Lake, Visapur Fort
How to Reach: The railway station of Lonavala lies on the railway line connecting Mumbai and Pune. Mumbai Airport is the main airport at a distance of 100km.
7) Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok looks all the more beautiful during monsoon and you wouldn’t have any difficulty travelling there. Sikkim is one of the most beautiful places in northeast India, a stunning place with scenic views, trekking trails, delicious food and of course, monasteries. Authentic Sikkimese food in the backdrop of rainy mountains! What more do you need?
Attractions: Rumtek Monastery, Banjhakri Falls, Ropeway Cable Car Ride
How to Reach: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kilometers away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal.
Hurry up and book your tickets right now to these exciting monsoon destinations in India! For some exciting monsoon packages, avail the MakeMyTrip coupon codes and plan your getaway.