A hot cup of kadak chai and pakodas - this mostly sums up the monsoon season in India!
Mornings that make it so hard to get out of bed, wishing you were cuddled up in your comforter, watching the rain fall, dreaming to eternity and listening to the sounds of rain.
But no matter how amazing rainy days are, it's pretty hard to get out of home, where the auto drivers only shake their heads to say 'NO' to wherever you want to go, and the floods of Mumbai make it impossible to reach anywhere in time! Even in Delhi, the traffic is crazy and you just spend hours sitting in your cab.
And that's the reason why, it's best to plan a monsoon weekend getaway from the cities to enjoy the best of what monsoon has to offer!
In this article, I will take you through the best places around all the major cities that you can explore during the monsoon and wake up to nothing but pure bliss. So get a cup of chai and scroll down to bookmark your ideal place.
Rains are the best when you are not stuck in the city traffic!
Monsoon Getaways from Delhi
1. Manesar
Not too far away is a place that offers utmost serenity - Manesar. Only 43 km from Delhi, Manesar is clad in lush green landscapes and placid lakes. Manesar is home to colourful migratory birds flying in and out which will leave you spell bound. During the monsoon season, you can go for a boating trip at the Damdama Lake, get mesmerised watching the birds at Sohna or simply relax at one of their finest resorts!
Hotel Recommendations:
1. Heritage Village Resort & Spa Manesar
2. Lemon Tree Hotel, Tarudhan Valley, Manesar
2. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is a 230 km drive from Delhi and comes alive especially during the rains! If you are a nature lover, you can immerse yourself in the rich flora and fauna and witness the activities of the resident animals of this national park. Get away on a weekend and stay in one of the beautiful resorts there this monsoon. Take a jeep safari into the Jhirana and the Sitabani zones of Jim Corbett National Park and witness the exotic wildlife.
Hotel Recommendations:
1. Country Inn Tarika Riverside Resort Jim Corbett
3. Nahan
A drive of 243 km takes you to a quaint town in Himachal Pradesh called Nahan, tucked amidst the Shivalik Mountains. If you are looking for a less commercialised place to drive to from Delhi, this place won't disappoint you. In monsoon you can be assured of great discounts and stay in some of the best resorts at a low price. Take three days off to enjoy some peace and unwind with your loved ones
Hotel Recommendations:
2. Amos Stays - Short term luxury boutique stays
4. Mussoorie
Home to the famous author Ruskin Bond, the 'Queen of Hills' Mussoorie takes on a picturesque look during monsoon. A very famous hill station in Uttarakhand, it is usually replete with breathtaking flora and fauna. An ideal place to wake up to every morning, make sure you drive up to this beautiful location this monsoon from Delhi. For all those waterfall lovers, witness the magic of Kempty falls as it gushes in full force.
Hotel Recommendations:
1. Rokeby Manor
2. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie
Monsoon Getaways from Mumbai
1. Igatpuri
Igatpuri is blessed with gushing waterfalls during the monsoons in Maharashtra. A scenic and peaceful destination near Mumbai, this place is perfect for a weekend getaway! If you are wondering what you can do in Igatpuri apart from exploring old forts, majestic waterfalls, and tall mountains, this is a good choice for those who love adventures like rock climbing and trekking. Explore Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Konkankada valley and the Randha falls and Tringalwadi Fort, placed at an altitude of 3000ft to witness a panoramic view of rain-soaked Igatpuri.
Hotel Recommendations:
1. Eko Stay Gold - Bougan Villa
2. Kaas Plateau
Also known as Maharashtra's 'Valley of flowers' - Kaas Plateau was declared as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2012. Located in Panchgani, this place is magical during the monsoon season with lakes, flowers and butterflies all around. You'll get to see varieties of beautiful flowers and butterflies at an altitude of 1200 meters! The Kaas Valley blooms during the monsoons and turns into a dreamland!
Hotel Recommendations:
1. Grand Victoria The Fern Resort & Spa, Panchgani
2. Galaxy Residency, Panchgani - MTDC Approved
3. Malshej Ghat
Teeming with waterfalls, lofty forts and historic temples, Malshej Ghat is an ideal retreat from Mumbai, Pune and Thane during the rainy season. The best part is that you can see migrating pink flamingos from July to September. A hot cup of chai while relaxing by waterfalls will be an absolutely blissful experience.
Hotel Recommendations:
2. Weekend Villa at Nature's Lap (Malshej Ghat)
4. Mahabaleshwar
Located at a distance of about 285 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune in the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is a hill station known for its strawberries. This quaint place will give you much-needed pleasant nights along with freshly-plucked fruits sourced from the several orchards around this place. Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. Plan a weekend away with your friends here and relish some delicious hot corn on the cob and chai!
Hotel Recommendations:
1. Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa
5. Lonavala
Located at an elevation of 624 m above sea level, Lonavala is situated in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, close to Pune and Mumbai. This hill station is blessed with lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, making it a good choice for those who wish to go camping, trekking and indulge in other adventure sports.
Hotel Recommendations:
2. Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa
Monsoon Getaways from Bengaluru
1. Savandurga Hills
Known as one of the largest monoliths in Asia, Savandurga Hills offers magnificent panoramic views without a doubt. Only 60 km away from Bengaluru, tucked amidst the Savandurga State Forest, this trail is famous for its challenging climb. You'll be rewarded by some amazing views of Magadi, Manchabele and Thippagondanahalli reservoirs and Arkavathi river. Plan a getaway from Bengaluru and experience the magic of Savandurga Hills.
Hotel Recommendations:
2. Chikmagalur
Lush forests, fresh vegetables, home-cooked food and hikes that will connect you with nature - you can experience all of this in Chikmagalur, one of the popular monsoon getaways near Bangalore. Located in the Mullayanagiri Range in south-western Karnataka, plan a road trip with your loved ones to these hills this monsoon.
Hotel Recommendations:
2. Gateway Chikmagalur - IHCL SeleQtions
3. Nandi Hills
Located at a distance of 35 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is perched at an altitude of 4850 ft above sea level. Being one of the most popular hill stations near Bangalore, this place has earned its name for being picture-perfect and serene. Take a road trip with your family over a weekend and enjoy the rains whilst driving through curvy roads and enjoy the rains in the outskirts of Bangalore.
Hotel Recommendations:
1. KSTDC Hotel Mayura Pine Top Nandi Hills
4. Coorg
Also known as ‘Scotland of India’ and ‘Kashmir of South’, Coorg is one of the best locations to visit during the monsoons in India. Plan a romantic getaway with your partner or a weekend break with your family to this scenic and refreshing hill station in Karnataka. De-stress in one of the many luxurious resorts here or unwind in a homestay, enjoying the nature's bounty that this place is blessed with!
Hotel Recommendations:
2. Amritara Ambatty Greens Resort
Monsoon Getaways from Kolkata
1. Kurseong
Located near Darjeeling, Kurseong is known as the 'land of white orchid.' Tucked away high up in the hills spread along a forested ridge, experience this hill station's beauty and tranquility during the monsoon season. Wake up to the rains in the morning, and enjoy a perfect rejuvenating weekend retreat from Kolkata.
Hotel Recommendations:
2. Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa Darjeeling
2. Digha
Digha is a popular beach of West Bengal and is an ideal destination for those who want to chill by the beaches and have some fun! Located at a distance of about 195 km from Kolkata, it is a party destination that you can visit over the weekend. Don't forget to try the seafood here!
Hotel Recommendations:
1. Le Roi Digha
3. Balasore
Located in Balasore, Odisha, a unique tribal village resort, Roopark Village in Panchalingeswar is certainly an experience in itself. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and stay in quaint mud and thatch huts. Spread over nearly five acres of land, Roopark Village offers a holistic escape from the chaos and cacophony of urban life. Wake up to the chirping of birds, walk around lush green fields, and enjoy delicious local cuisine as it drizzles outside your rustic hut.
Hotel Recommendations:
4. Uttarey
Blessed with nature, Uttarey is located on the western part of Sikkim, bordered by Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and West Bengal. It is a scenic village on the gentle northern slope of the Singalila Range, making it an apt getaway from Kolkata. You can take an overnight train to NJP, from where this place is only 150 km away.
Hotel Recommendations:
2. Royal Barsey Homestay, Okhrey
No matter in which metro city you're living, these are some of the best destinations you can visit this monsoon season. Plan a quick getaway without further ado and make some memories splashing around in rain! Don't forget to devour Maggi, chai, coffee and pakoras though!
This rainy season in India make the most out of the romantic weather with a road trip to your favorite locations.
Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments below and we will make sure we include your suggestions too!
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