Places to visit during monsoon

The monsoon, the season for dark clouds and rain, the season of hope for those who harvest, the season that spring life to greenery across the country, a phenomenon of great significance. It is also this time of the year – from June until September – when the monsoon winds from the southwest sweep across the subcontinent slathering earthy scent, reviving the rivers, and painting the surroundings in a riot of green.

From the Western Ghats with its cascading waterfalls foamy and white as a bridal veil, mist-covered hills, and thriving wildlife to the Northeast showcasing vistas of forests soaked in rain and rivers, the Monsoon is also the time to revere nature through festivals, music, traditions almost as if the cultural heritage of the subcontinent peaks during this season. And despite the downpours that can be dreading for tourists, the monsoon season reveals a side of India that is captivating and ensuring of an unforgettable experience for those who venture to explore.

Here are some places to visit during the Monsoon:

1. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a year-round tourist attraction but during the monsoon season, it offers a unique and serene experience, with fewer crowds and the islands’ natural beauty at its peak. The lush greenery is vibrant, and the landscapes are refreshed by gentle rains.

Havelock Island, known for its stunning Radhanagar Beach overshadowed by tall towering trees is a great place to unwind on a long stroll beside the river with your loved ones and experience sunsets like never before.  

Neil Island is yet another place to explore, renowned for its natural coral bridges and lush green forests offering solace and calmness as one traverses through them.

In the capital, Port Blair is the historical cellular jail, also known as “Kala Pani” a site in which most freedom fighters were held captive. It is a site with a somber tone that reminds us all of the exploits of the British.

And finally, Baratang Island, accessible via a thrilling boat ride through mangrove creeks with limestone caves and Mud Volcano.

2. Goa:

During the Monsoon, Goa offers refreshing retreats and party-like experiences with its beachside resorts and old Portuguese forts. The rain transforms Goa’s landscapes into green paradises with vibrant and colourful flowers and overflowing waterfalls.

The Dudhsagar Falls, cascading with full force, is a breathtaking sight amidst the mist and greenery. Anjuna and Vagator beaches are perfect spots to chill with a hot drink as waves hit the shore from the Arabian Sea.

Monsoon in Goa also brings alive its rich cultural heritage with festivals like Sao Joao, where locals celebrate with music, dance, and colourful processions. The scent of the spice plantations, the aroma of which is carried throughout the city and the bustling crowds makes one experience the place in its most verdant and vibrant form.

3. Kerala:

During the monsoon season, when the Western Ghats are blanketed in the fog with cascading waterfalls like Athirappilly and Meenmutty creating mesmerizing scenes, the “God’s Own Country” comes alive with vibrant greenery and rejuvenating rains.

While the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom offer serene houseboat cruises through rain-washed canals, where the lush surroundings and rhythmic raindrops create a tranquil ambiance the hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad are draped in a lush green carpet, perfect for exploring tea gardens and misty landscapes.

Festivals such as Onam bring the state alive with vibrant cultural displays, traditional dances, and floral decorations. The coastal regions, including Kovalam and Varkala, showcase dramatic monsoon skies and thundering waves, adding to the charm.

4. Vaishnodevi:

Visiting Vaishnodevi during the rainy season is a spiritually enriching and visually captivating experience. Nestled in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, the journey to the revered shrine becomes even more mystical with the gentle monsoon showers enhancing the verdant surroundings. On the way to the shrine is a 12-kilometer trek from Katra decorated with mist and drizzles, with a cool breeze brushing past your hair. While the paths may be slippery and challenging, the pilgrims’ fervor and the monsoon’s beauty make the journey incredibly fulfilling. This season also means fewer crowds, allowing for a more personal and peaceful darshan of the deity. Despite the rain, the monsoon imbues the pilgrimage with a unique sense of devotion and natural splendor, making it a memorable and spiritually uplifting experience.

Conclusion:

The monsoon season in India unveils breathtaking sceneries across the country’s diverse landscapes, offering unique travel experiences across its regions.  Embracing the monsoon’s refreshing allure, travelers can explore India’s hidden gems, indulge in local festivities, and connect with the environment in its most vibrant form. Thus, the monsoon season offers a unique and memorable journey for those willing to explore India’s rainy-season wonders.