Exploring Offbeat Monsoon Destinations in India

It’s that time of year when the rain gods smile down on us, showering the country with downpours. Travelling during monsoon in India is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of the exotic, offbeat monsoon destinations that get unleashed during these months. Tourists will surely fall in love with Incredible India when they see how the hills and mountains are covered in luxuriant foliage, how the lakes flood with sparkling water, and how the waterfall scenes are transformed into heavenly scenes.

Being a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, there are a plethora of offbeat places to visit during monsoon in India that come alive during the monsoon season. While popular tourist spots may be bustling with visitors, hidden gems across the country offer a serene and immersive experience. From misty hills to vibrant valleys and lush green landscapes, these destinations will captivate your senses and provide a unique perspective on monsoons in India.

If you wish to experience nature’s marvel in its purest form, you must cease the monsoon in India. The country offers various magnificent monsoon sites; nonetheless, let’s look at some of the offbeat places to visit during the rainy season in India to plan your next trip!

Coorg, Karnataka

 

If you want to feel like you are in a fairy tale, a stunning spot to visit during the monsoon season is Coorg, a hill station in Karnataka. The rolling hills, wildlife, and lush vegetation that elevate this captivating region of India are especially breathtaking in the rainy season. As the rain intensifies, the waterfalls of Coorg awaken from their slumber. They cascade down the hills with unrivalled vigour, their symphony of rushing water harmonising with the rhythmic pattern of raindrops. Each waterfall has a unique personality, and a story to tell, and as you stand in awe, you become a part of it.

The monsoon season, when the rains have cooled the air and the terrain is at its most lush and green, is the perfect time to go hiking in Coorg and you can find the region’s distinctive flora and fauna. With its mist-covered hills, flowing waterfalls, and emerald coffee plantations Coorg has earned the nickname “Scotland of India” and is a must-visit tourist destination of the country.

Here are some comfortable homestays in Coorg to check out during your visit.

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Pushkar, a city in Rajasthan is a unique destination that offers visitors a different perspective on the state from the usual desert, palaces, forts, and royalty.  During the monsoon season, the hills surrounding the town undergo a remarkable transformation, turning a bright shade of green, and the temperature drops, making it an ideal spot for a short escape. The monsoons in Pushkar bring respite from the scorching desert heat and create a cool and pleasant ambience. Bird enthusiasts can witness the avian diversity that the season brings. From colourful kingfishers to majestic peacocks, the skies above Pushkar become a spectacle of feathery beauty.

The lush surroundings provide a beautiful escape from the busy city streets and highlight the area’s natural beauty. As you explore the hundreds of temples and bathing ghats, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of peacocks and prayers, creating an idyllic atmosphere.  In Pushkar, spirituality meets adventure. There is something for everyone to discover in Pushkar, whether you’re interested in strolls, adventurous treks or cultural experiences.

While Pushkar is far from the main cities of Rajasthan, here are some comfortable cottages  in Jaipur and Udaipur for your visit.

Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Located in Lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Valley is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travellers who seek solace in nature. Surrounded by lush green hills and interspersed with paddy fields, this quaint little town offers a serene environment that is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Although it experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, the valley town never fails to mesmerise visitors with its raw beauty and tranquil ambience. For nature lovers, the monsoon in Ziro is a paradise of biodiversity. The pine forest which is about 3 kilometres away from the town makes a wonderful picnic spot, while Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only about 4 kilometres from the town, provides possibilities for safari.

Ziro is also home to the Ziro Music Festival, an annual celebration of music and art. And it is during the monsoons that the festival takes on a whole new level. As the rain falls, the music echoes through the valleys and a surreal ambience envelops the festival grounds. If you seek an unconventional destination that will transport you to a world of misty valleys, cultural richness, and inner serenity, venture to Ziro during the monsoons.

Lonar, Maharashtra

Lonar is a town located in the Maharashtra Buldhana district, close to Jalna town in the Aurangabad district. In contrast to the plateau that Lonar Town is located on, this town has grown up around a sizable crater. Around 50,000 years ago, a meteor impact caused this crater to be created. A lake has now been created in the crater as a result of the monsoon. The monsoon rains fill the crater lake with a kaleidoscope of colours. Shades of blue, green, and turquoise mingle, creating a mesmerising palette that reflects the ever-changing sky.

Lonar’s monsoon magic doesn’t stop at the lake. The ancient temples and ruins that dot the town become shrouded in an enigmatic aura during the rainy season. When the lake fills the entire floor and rises halfway up the height of the crater during the peak monsoon, the nearby temples are submerged underwater. Beyond the historical treasures, the monsoon season in Lonar offers a chance to embark on unique treks. Adventure through the lush forests surrounding the crater, where the rain-kissed trees form a natural canopy above you. Discover hidden waterfalls that cascade down the slopes, their thunderous roar harmonising with the symphony of raindrops.

If you are thinking about visiting Lonar, you may have to make a pit stop along the way. You can check out some comfortable homestays in Pune.

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

The picturesque town of Orchha is located in Madhya Pradesh’s Niwari District, just over the Betwa River. This town is well known for its stunning landscapes and unique Bundela architecture. The monsoons bring a vibrant green hue to the surrounding landscape, turning Orccha into an oasis of lushness. The majestic Betwa River flows with renewed vigour, its waters teeming with life. The trees sway gracefully in the breeze, their leaves glistening with raindrops, as if nature herself is celebrating the arrival of the monsoons.

The monsoons in Orchha also provide a unique opportunity to witness nature’s light and sound show.  During the rainy season, the monsoon festivals, such as the Teej, fill the town with joyous celebrations, traditional dances, and music that echoes through the streets. The ethereal beauty of Orccha will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal, a quaint hill station known as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” becomes an offbeat destination hub like no other, where the monsoon rains transform it into a mystical haven of tranquillity and romance. It is home to numerous shimmering lakes, and during the monsoons, these pristine water bodies come alive with a captivating charm.  One of the most enchanting experiences during the monsoon in Kodaikanal is taking a leisurely boat ride on the tranquil waters of the lakes.

The hill station is also famous for its serene viewpoints. The rolling hills, dotted with tea gardens covered in clouds, create a sense of wonder and awe. For the adventurous souls, Kodaikanal’s monsoon season offers a chance to chase waterfalls. From the mighty Silver Cascade to the enchanting Fairy Falls, each waterfall tells a story of its own, enticing you to witness their raw power and beauty. Monsoons in Kodaikanal will linger in your heart long after you’ve bid farewell to its enchanted embrace.

Here are a few homestays in Kodaikanal for you if you’re thinking about visiting one of the greatest locations to go to during the rainy season.

Leh, Ladakh

The little, tranquil town of Leh, nestled deep inside the towering peaks of the Himalayas and filled with mud-brick buildings and Tibetan monasteries, is easy to fall in love with at any time of year. However, it is especially lovely during the monsoon season. With the downpour, the barren mountains and valleys, typically in shades of brown and grey, undergo a breathtaking alteration. Monsoon in Ladakh breathes life into the barren landscapes where the flora and fauna emerge in full glory.  The rivers and streams that wind across the rough terrain of Ladakh are also awakened by the monsoon rains.

For adventure enthusiasts, Ladakh’s monsoon season acts like a thrilling playground. The monsoons in Ladakh also provide a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. The Hemis Festival offers a chance to witness ancient rituals and masked dances, where the monks and locals come together to honour spiritual traditions. Embrace the magic that Ladakh has to offer during the monsoons.

If you are planning a trip this monsoon in Ladakh, you will have to make a stop and these beautiful homes in Kashmir guarantee a relaxing break.

Visiting these offbeat monsoon destinations in India in the monsoon provides an opportunity to escape the crowds and accept a more intimate connection with nature and local cultures. It allows you to immerse yourself in the unique traditions, festivals, and flavours that define these hidden gems, providing a truly immersive and authentic travel experience.

You’ll need a place to stay and recuperate if you intend to see these magnificent destinations. Check out some homestays that add a dash of contemporary luxury to your visit. You can find a combination of hospitality and elegance at these StayVista spaces.