Best Places to visit during the Indian Monsoon!

When we think of monsoon in the cities, we usually picture puddles of muddy water, clogged roads, traffic jams and slowed pace of life. If that’s the case with you, you need to escape the city life and head to some of these amazing destinations for Monsoon.
These escapades where you can experience the beauty of the exotic locations, the gentle winds, light rains and the smell of the earth. Monsoon provides such a blissful relief against the scorching heat and should be enjoyed thoroughly.

Munnar, Kerala

The surging hills of Munnar, famous for its lush green tea plantations is an incredible place to visit in the monsoons. The mountain panorama is breath-taking while it engulfs in mist. It is blessed with a pleasant climate and one of the most beautiful hill stations in South India. It is a must go place if you’re looking for a quite vacation with your loved ones.

One advice to travelers would be to carry umbrellas or rain coats with them.

What to do:
> Spot some exquisite wildlife at Anamudi which is also the highest peak in the western ghats.
> Enjoy nature walks at beautiful lakes in Devikulam.
> Visit the Attukal and Cheeyappara Waterfalls.
> Visit the Eravikulam National Park – a habitat for endangered mountain goats and Hydel Park and Mattupetty Dam for some more adventure with flora and fauna.
> Other go to places include - Top Station, Photo Print, Kundama Dam Lake and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to reach: By Air – Nearest Airport is Cochin – 110 km and Madurai International Airport – 140km
By Train – Nearest Railway station are Aluva and Ernakulam
By Road – Road journey from Cochin is about 130 km through NH49

Munnar Tea Plantations on the hills
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Waterfalls
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Udaipur, Rajasthan

One of the most beautiful Heritage cities in India, Udaipur exudes regal grandeur. The city of Maharaja’s and lakes doesn’t leave a single chance to give you the royal feeling. It is spectacular during monsoons and is also known as the ‘Venice of the East’.

The city, surrounded by Aravalli hills, is home to many sophisticated and architectural gems, blue lakes and a whole lot of Rajasthani culture especially handicrafts.

What to do:
> The Monsoon Palace built to keep track of the movement of monsoon clouds offers a remarkable view against the backdrop of greenery and lakes.
> Other famous tourist destinations include Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake – which also offers some boating and other minor water sports.
> City Palace from where you can boat to Jag Mandir, viewing the central locations of Udaipur and also the Bollywood made famous – Oberoi Udaivillas Hotel.
> Wake up and go for a morning jog or trek to the Udaipur Ghat and fall in love with the peace of the city.

How to reach: By Air - Nearest airport is the Maharana Pratap Airport in Dabok – 22 km.
By Train - Udaipur Railway Station

City Palace
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Fatehsagar Lake
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Kutch, Gujrat

Kutch is one of the largest districts in India. Located on the northwest side of Gujrat, this desert plain gives a surreal view of the horizon especially in the monsoon. It has white salts giving it a white desert look. It is one of the most beautiful places in Gujrat and well-liked by travellers.

The Rann of Kutch festival organised every year attracts a lot of visitors to experience the culture of Gujrat.

What to do:> The Rann of Kutch, a stretch of salt marshes is the go to destination. The never-ending desert plains with surreal horizon in the monsoon give an enticing view.
> The full moon nights are a special time to be in Kutch, cultural programs are organised at Dhordo to celebrate the culture and traditions.
> Also, a must go is the Moon light camel safari.
> Other must visits include – Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary – to view the last few remaining bustards in India.
> Kutch museum, Mandvi Beach – a one of a kind white sand look beach, Prag Mahal, Aina Mahal and Vijaya Vilas Palace.

How to reach: By Air – Nearest Airport is Bhuj – 70 km
By Train - Kutch Express is available from Bombay via Ahmedabad upto Gandhidham.
From here, one can reach this destination by road. State run bus service is efficient as well.

White Deserts of Kutch
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Prag Mahal
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Ladakh, J&K

Unlike the rest of India, Ladakh doesn’t experience heavy rainfall making it perfect go to. Enclosed between the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, Ladakh is a spectrum of colours with a big hint of blue in the form of lakes. The rugged landscape along with dispersed green patches and snow-clad mountains makes it a favourite amongst road trip enthusiasts.

The terrain has mountains, deserts and lakes providing an opportunity to experience the best of India. It has a history of Buddhist culture and celebrates it with full enthusiasm. The escapade is truly a journey to never forget.

What to do: > The Buddhist monasteries and historical monuments are a big hit with the tourists.
> It has an 800-year-old Kali Mandir fascinating a lot of travellers.
> There are also a variety of adventure sports from para gliding to hiking.
> River rafting is also offered at Shayok River in Nubra Valley.
> Nubra Valley has Khardung La – the world’s highest motorable road which a must goes for those who love road trips or bike trips.
> The Zanskar River allows treks and the views are spectacular. The blue Pangong Lake, famous from many Bollywood movies is also a big tourist attraction.
> To celebrate culture, one must go to the Leh Ladakh festival which has the locals dress in traditional costumes and song and dance to glory.

How to reach: By Air- Nearest Airport – Leh. It is well connected by flights from Delhi, Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh.
By Train - Closest route is from Jammu Tawi rail network – 700 km.
By Road - Ladakh is located 434 km from Srinagar and 494 km from Manali. You can hire a cab or a jeep or board a JKSRTC bus to reach Ladakh. Alternatively, you can embark on a bike trip to Leh from Srinagar, Manali or Chandigarh.

The Blue waters of Pangong Lake
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Leh Ladakh Festival
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Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett is known as one of the places to catch a glimpse of the Indian tiger, however it is much more than that. During monsoons, the park is not crowded and the weather is pleasant. There are four zones – Dhikala, Bijrani, Durga Devi and Jhirna. The Jhirna zone is open throughout the year.

However, tourism is only allowed in the certain areas of the Corbett to maximize the chances of viewing its spectacular landscape and the diverse wildlife living in the park.

What to do: > River rafting is popular at Corbett during monsoon as the Kosi river gets abundant supply of water.
> Wildlife enthusiasts also enjoy the ultimate Jungle Safari in the deep lands of the forest to explore the serene flora and fauna. > Riding on an elephant back is also possible during monsoon in Corbett as Elephant Safaris are also organized.
> It’s easier to spot animals like boars and antelopes and some bird species like parakeets, quails and barbets during the rainy season.
> The ultimate prize is however when on gets to catch the glimpse of the Indian Tiger.

How to reach: By Air – Nearest Airport is Dehra Dun – 100 km.
By Train - The Nearest Railway Station is Ramnagar Railway Station – 85 km, which is connected to the major cities of Uttarakhand.
By Road – Ramnagar – the closest town is well connected via road to Lucknow, Nainital, Ranikhet, Haridwar, Dehradun and New Delhi.

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Looking for a trip away from the hills and beaches, head to wildlife destinations.
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Go beyond the muddy roads and traffic jams this time. Choose your destination and spend the monsoons in the lap of nature!

Created By -
Namrita Singh

Monday, 3 July 2017