India transforms into a lush green paradise during the monsoon season (June to September), offering breathtaking landscapes, rejuvenated waterfalls, and a refreshing ambiance. If you love the idea of misty hills, roaring waterfalls, and vibrant greenery, here are the best monsoon travel destinations in India and what to do there.
1. Munnar, Kerala
Why Visit: Munnar becomes a magical hill station during the monsoon, with its tea plantations and mist-covered valleys.
- Attractions: Tea gardens, Attukal Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park
Things to Do:
- Visit the Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
- Explore Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point.
- Enjoy a scenic drive through tea plantations.
- Trek to Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India.
2. Coorg, Karnataka
Why Visit: Also known as the “Scotland of India,” Coorg is known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and rolling hills.
- Attractions: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp.
Things to Do:
- Visit Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls.
- Take a coffee plantation tour.
- Explore Dubare Elephant Camp.
- Trek to Tadiandamol Peak.
3. Cherrapunji & Mawsynram, Meghalaya
Why Visit: These places receive the highest rainfall in the world and boast stunning waterfalls and caves.
- Attractions: Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Caves, Living Root Bridges
Things to Do:
- Visit Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters Waterfalls.
- Explore Mawsmai and Arwah caves.
- Walk on the Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
- Enjoy the lush green landscapes of Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village.
4. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Why Visit: Udaipur’s lakes look even more enchanting during the monsoon, reflecting the beauty of the city’s palaces and forts.
- Attractions: Lake Pichola, City Palace, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Things to Do:
- Boat ride in Lake Pichola.
- Visit Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace for panoramic views.
- Explore City Palace and Jag Mandir.
- Enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
5. Lonavala & Khandala, Maharashtra
Why Visit: Located in the Western Ghats, these twin hill stations become a paradise during monsoons with waterfalls and lush greenery.
- Attractions: Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake, Lingmala Waterfall
Things to Do:
- Visit Bhushi Dam and Tiger’s Leap.
- Trek to Rajmachi Fort.
- Explore Karla and Bhaja Caves.
- Try hot corn and local delicacies.
6. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Why Visit: Known for its scenic viewpoints and strawberry farms, Mahabaleshwar looks breathtaking during monsoon.
- Attractions: Bhushi Dam, Tiger’s Leap, Karla Caves
Things to Do:
- Visit Arthur’s Seat and Wilson Point for stunning views.
- Explore Lingmala Waterfall.
- Enjoy boat rides in Venna Lake.
- Visit the historic Pratapgad Fort.
7. Shillong, Meghalaya
Why Visit: The “Scotland of the East” is at its best during monsoons with misty hills, waterfalls, and pleasant weather.
- Attractions: UNESCO World Heritage Site, rare alpine flowers, Hemkund Sahib
Things to Do:
- Visit Elephant Falls and Sweet Falls.
- Enjoy Umiam Lake’s scenic beauty.
- Explore Ward’s Lake and Lady Hydari Park.
- Shop at Police Bazaar.
8. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
Why Visit: This UNESCO World Heritage Site blooms with colorful alpine flowers during the monsoon.
- Attractions: Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyons
Things to Do:
- Trek to the Valley of Flowers National Park.
- Visit Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site.
- Spot rare Himalayan flora and fauna.
- Enjoy panoramic mountain views.
9. Wayanad, Kerala
Why Visit: Wayanad is a monsoon paradise with dense forests, waterfalls, and paddy fields.
- Attractions: Backwaters, Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Things to Do:
- Visit Meenmutty and Soochipara Waterfalls.
- Explore Edakkal Caves.
- Enjoy a safari at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Stay in a treehouse amidst nature.
10. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Why Visit: The only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu becomes a cool retreat with lush greenery and misty hills.
- Attractions: Dudhsagar Falls, Spice Plantations, Fort Aguada
Things to Do:
- Visit Dilwara Temples.
- Enjoy a boat ride in Nakki Lake.
- Trek to Guru Shikhar, the highest peak in Rajasthan.
- Explore Achalgarh Fort.
11. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Why Visit: Kodaikanal, “The Princess of Hill Stations,” looks stunning in the monsoon mist.
- Attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Pillar Rocks, Bryant Park, Bear Shola Falls, Dolphin’s Nose
Things to Do:
- Boating in Kodaikanal Lake.
- Explore Pillar Rocks and Bryant Park.
- Visit Bear Shola Falls.
- Trek to Dolphin’s Nose for breathtaking views.
12. Agumbe, Karnataka
Why Visit: Known as the “Cherrapunji of the South,” Agumbe is famous for its heavy rainfall, lush landscapes, and biodiversity.
- Attractions: Jogigundi Falls, Barkana Falls, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Kudremukh National Park, Agumbe Ghat
Things to Do:
- Visit Jogigundi and Barkana Falls.
- Explore the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station.
- Trek to Kudremukh National Park.
- Witness stunning sunsets at Agumbe Ghat.
13. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Why Visit: While Spiti remains cold throughout the year, monsoon offers a unique opportunity to experience its stark beauty.
- Attractions: Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Tabo Monastery, Pin Valley National Park
Things to Do:
- Visit Key Monastery.
- Drive to Chandratal Lake.
- Explore the ancient Tabo Monastery.
- Enjoy a scenic drive through high-altitude landscapes.
14. Matheran, Maharashtra
Why Visit: A monsoon-friendly destination, Matheran is a car-free hill station known for its misty views and lush trails.
- Attractions: Panorama Point, Charlotte Lake, Echo Point, Louisa Point
Things to Do:
- Trek to Panorama Point for stunning views.
- Ride the toy train to Matheran.
- Visit Charlotte Lake.
- Explore Echo Point and Louisa Point.
15. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Why Visit: Famous for coffee plantations and waterfalls, Chikmagalur is a monsoon haven.
- Attractions: Mullayanagiri Peak, Baba Budangiri, Hebbe Falls, Jhari Falls, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Things to Do:
- Visit Hebbe Falls and Jhari Falls.
- Explore Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak.
- Take a coffee estate tour.
- Trek to Baba Budangiri.
Conclusion
The monsoon season in India brings out the most vibrant and scenic landscapes, making it an ideal time for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts. Whether you wish to explore misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, or lush green valleys, these destinations promise an unforgettable monsoon getaway. Pack your rain gear and get ready to explore the beauty of India in the rain!