If you are someone who doesn’t like to step out in the sweltering heat or biting cold, probably monsoon vacationing is the best time for you to experience nature’s aura, provided you don’t mind soaking in the rain. Perhaps, this monsoon, instead of shutting yourself inside the four corners of the house, let your hair lose, set your paper boats on sail and dance to the rain drops with joy.
Here are seven fascinating monsoon destinations in India for the nature and adventure lover in you:
Lonavala, Maharashtra: This quaint little hill station on the outskirts of Mumbai, is your perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the city. Get backpacking, and head to this place atop the Sahyadris and surrounded by the ghats. Don’t be surprised if you can feel the clouds take you along as they move from one destination to the other. Tiger Point, a Buddhist Cave and a waterfall near Budhi dam are some of the major attractions of this place. A few hours drive from Mumbai, Lonavala has its own railway station too. But missing out on the road journey to this spot can be too much to ask for.
Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand: Perhaps the best time to visit this National Park is monsoons as it isn’t very crowded then but some part of the Park remains closed for safety reasons. There are however, four zones- Dhikala, Durga Devi, Jhirna and Bijrani that remain open to visitors throughout the year. Hardly 6 hours drive from the national capital, Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise. For those who love rafting, monsoon is probably a good time to head to this place as the Kosi remains depthless rest of the year. Hop on for some jungle safari, enjoy the flora and fauna present in abundance at this National Park.
Bishnupur, West Bengal: Located at a distance of about 150 km from Kolkata, lies the hub of hub for terracotta architecture, crafts and culture- Bishnupur. Being the capital of Malla dynasty of Mallabhum for over 1000 years, Bishnupur today is one of the main centres of culture in Bengal. Built in the 16th century, the terracotta temples of Bishnupur are worth a watch. Monsoon makes the place lively and fresh. Apart from the temples, the terracotta crafts and Baluchari sarees - made of a pure silk weave and feature motifs representing Indian mythology- are to die for.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: The “princess of hill stations” is one of the best monsoon destinations in India. Located in the Palani hills of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal has plenty to offer to nature lovers. From beautiful waterfalls, to lakes and lush greenery and spectacular views of the Ghats and hills, Kodaikanal is well connected by air as well as rail.
Goa- Yes, you might have been there innumerable times but monsoon offers a fresh new look to this ever hot tourist destination in the west. Dudhsagar Falls, located in the southern part of Goa – Mollem and in close proximity to the Karnataka border, this waterfall is at its best and is much-admired throughout the monsoon. Embrace the nature, take a dip in the waters of this waterfall that resembles literally, ‘sea of milk’ during the monsoons.
Alibaug, Maharashtra- A beautiful town located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, it has been popular because of its scenic beauty and a hinterland of the Israeli-Jews. Filled with rich history, appetizing sea food and culture, this tiny tourist place has a lot in the offing. The nearest railway station is located at Pen, connected to Panvel in Mumbai through the Central Railway station. One can then reach Alibaug by local transport (buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws).
Kutch, Gujarat- The northwest of Gujarat is abode to the largest district in India - Kutch. Rann of Kutch has 18 cultural tribes which makes the place well-liked among travellers. The never-ending desert plains give an enigmatic view in the monsoons especially as other part of the year, this desert looks like a white bed of land. From cultural shows depicting the tradition and culture of Gujarat to camel safaris, a lot can be enjoyed by the tourists visiting this destination.
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