an ideal escape from the heat of the plains.
India’s monsoon season, which runs until September, offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the country’s most beautiful places.
The rains bring life to dry lands, turning the country’s landscapes into lush, green scenes, making these months perfect for exploring new places.
From beautiful waterfalls to foggy hill towns, there are many amazing places to visit during the monsoon season.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, peace in nature, or a cultural getaway, India is the perfect place for you.
Explore DESIblitz’s top 11 picturesque destinations in India that are perfect for an extraordinary and memorable monsoon holiday.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar, situated in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is famous for its vast green tea plantations.
The hills, covered in thick tea gardens, look like a beautiful green blanket against the clear blue sky.
The climate stays pleasant with medium to heavy rainfall and an average temperature of 20°C.
Munnar’s cool climate and serene atmosphere make it an ideal escape from the heat of the plains.
For nature enthusiasts, Munnar offers a range of trekking and hiking opportunities through its exuberant forests and rolling hills.
The Eravikulam National Park, known for its endangered Nilgiri Tahr, is another key attraction.
Here, visitors can explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna while enjoying spectacular views of the Western Ghats.
Spots to visit – Munnar Hiking Trails, Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kundala Lake.
Coorg, Karnataka
Often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is blessed with coffee plantations, rolling hills, and scenic beauty.
The monsoon season enhances its charm with verdant greenery and mist-covered sceneries.
Known for its flourishing landscapes, coffee plantations, and vibrant culture, Coorg offers a unique blend of natural beauty and traditional charm.
Coorg enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year, with pleasant temperatures, a mix of wet and dry weather and an average temperature of 16°C.
Coorg is home to the Kodava people, who are divided into 1,000 clans and are known for their rich cultural heritage.
Tourists can immerse themselves in this unique culture by experiencing traditional Kodava festivals, savouring authentic local cuisine, and enjoying lively folk dances.
Popular trekking peaks include Tadiyendamol (1,745m), Pushpagiri (1,712m), and Kotebetta (1,620m).
Places to visit – Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, Dubare Elephant Camp and Raja’s Seat.
Alleppey, Kerala
Alleppey, also called Alappuzha, is a beautiful city in Kerala.
Alleppey is often called the “Venice of the East” because it is renowned for its canals, backwaters, and lagoons.
This lovely town is perfect for people who want natural beauty and a look at traditional life in Kerala.
Whether it is riding on a houseboat, watching a thrilling boat race, or just enjoying the tranquil views, Alleppey offers a special and unforgettable experience.
Every second Saturday in August, Alleppey hosts the Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake.
This event draws huge crowds and features long, narrow snake boats (chundans) that are nearly 30 metres in length.
The race is a thrilling spectacle of speed, teamwork, and tradition, making it a must-see event.
Kerala’s cuisine is a delight for food enthusiasts and Alleppey is no exception. Fresh seafood, coconut, and spices are integral to the local dishes.
The average temperature in Alleppey ranges between 24°C and 30°C. The weather is generally warm and humid, with frequent rainfall and occasional thunderstorms.
Places to visit – Alleppey Beach, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and International Coir Museum.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” due to its similarity to the Scottish Highlands.
This beautiful city is famous for its green landscapes, lively culture and friendly vibe, making it a popular spot for travellers looking for a peaceful getaway.
The city has earned a reputation as a hub for musical talent in India.
Various flowers bloom during the monsoon, adding bursts of colour to the landscape. The sight of fresh, rain-washed flowers is a visual treat.
The city is nestled in the Khasi Hills, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing climate.
Shillong and its surroundings are known for their limestone caves.
Trails like the David Scott Trail are especially popular for hiking and trekking during this season.
The climate is satisfying with medium to high rainfall and an average temperature of 15°C.
Whether you’re exploring its stunning landscapes, enjoying local festivals, or savouring traditional Khasi cuisine, Shillong offers a unique and memorable experience.
Places to visit – Ward’s Lake, Bara Bazaar, Lady Hydari Park and Museum of Entomology.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal, known as “Princess of Hill Stations”, is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu.
Known for its cool weather and lovely views, it’s a great place to get away from the busy city life.
The rain brings out the rich colours of the landscape, making it look like a painting.
It’s perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat.
Kodaikanal is also home to the endangered grizzled giant squirrel.
The centrepiece is its stunning lake, Kodaikanal Lake, which is shaped like a star.
It has unique shola forests and evergreen trees like magnolia, mahogany, myrtle and rhododendron.
The waterfalls, such as Bear Shola Falls and Silver Cascade Falls, are particularly spectacular during the monsoon season.
The weather typically has some rainfall and an average temperature of 22°C.
Explore the calm hills, looking out for birds, unique flowers, and the rare grizzled giant squirrels.
Places to visit – Kodaikanal Lake, Pillar Rocks, Dolphin Nose and Berijam Lake.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Nicknamed the “Queen of the Hills”, Darjeeling is situated in the eastern Himalayas and is known for its breathtaking views and historical significance.
It attracts visitors who are looking for natural beauty and a touch of colonial elegance.
The town provides stunning views of the Himalayas, including the impressive Kanchenjunga, which is the third-highest mountain in the world.
The constant drizzle during monsoon season creates a mystical environment that adds a layer of charm to the surroundings.
Darjeeling, originally a small village, gained prominence in the mid-19th century when the British established it as a hill station.
Its cool climate and scenic beauty quickly made it a popular destination.
Darjeeling’s tea plantations are now renowned worldwide for producing some of the finest and most sought-after teas.
The tea is known for its diverse range of flavours, which are categorised into different flushes or harvests.
The climate is pleasing with medium to heavy rainfall and an average temperature of 18°C.
Places to visit – Kanchenjunga Mountain, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Mahakal Temple and Barbotey Rock Garden.
Mawsynram, Meghalaya
Mawsynram is a small village in the northeastern state of Meghalaya.
Approximately 60 kilometres from Shillong, Mawsynram draws visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty and distinctive climate.
Mawsynram is located 15 km west of Cherrapunji, sitting 1,400 metres above sea level.
Situated in the grand forests of the Khasi Hills, Mawsynram has been crowned the rainiest place in the world.
Mawsynram has a subtropical highland climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year.
The temperatures are generally mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C.
Mawsynram is home to numerous waterfalls, including the famous Nohkalikai Falls.
The village celebrates traditional Khasi festivals like Shad Suk Mynsiem and Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, showcasing local music, dance and rituals.
Mawsynram is also a key spot for enjoying water activities like kayaking and swimming.
Places to visit – Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Khreng Khreng Viewpoint, Mawsmai Falls and Mawlyngbna.
Pelling, Sikkim
Pelling, located in Sikkim’s eastern Himalayas, is a peaceful hill station known for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range.
Pelling was once covered in dense forests that were home to many wild animals.
At 1,900 metres above sea level, Pelling offers stunning views of nearby mountains such as Koktang, Frey, Rathong, Kabru North, and Kabru South.
It’s a popular spot among nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to escape the noise of city life.
The region is home to picturesque waterfalls such as Khecheopalri Falls and Changey Falls, which enhance the natural beauty of the area.
The Bhutias are the main community in Pelling and are closely connected to the ancient Pemayangtse and Sanghachoeling monasteries.
Other tribes in the area include Limboos, Chettris, and other Nepali tribes.
Places to visit – Kanchenjunga Falls, Rabdentse Ruins, Singshore Bridge and Chenrezig Statue.
Pondicherry, Pondicherry
Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a charming coastal town in southern India.
Pondicherry is renowned for its French colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and tranquil beaches.
This blend of Indian and French influences makes it a popular destination for travellers.
The town boasts several beautiful beaches, such as Promenade Beach, Auroville Beach, and Paradise Beach, ideal for relaxation and leisurely strolls.
The town’s French Quarter, with its colourful colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, and quaint cafes, reflects its colonial past and adds a European charm.
The older ‘French’ part of the town is full of quiet, clean streets, lined with bougainvillaea-draped colonial-style townhouses.
Some people here still speak French.
During monsoon season, the climate is not too overwhelming, with low to medium rainfall and an average temperature of 26°C.
Places to visit – Paradise Beach, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Rock Beach and the French War Memorial.
Lonavala, Maharashtra
Lonavala is a resort town about 106 km southeast of Mumbai.
It serves as a popular getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Lonavala offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and hills, making it a great spot for photography.
During monsoon season, the region transforms into a verdant paradise with numerous waterfalls and mist-covered hills.
The main reason you’d want to come here is to visit the nearby Karla and Bhaja Caves which, after those at Ellora and Ajanta, are the best in Maharashtra.
The climate remains cool throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C.
Lonavala’s natural beauty makes it an ideal location for camping. Several campsites offer tent accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Pavana Lake and Lonavala Lake provide opportunities for peaceful boating experiences amidst beautiful scenery.
Places to visit – Della Adventure Park, Lonavala Lake, Lohagad Fort and Bhushu Dam.
Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Cherrapunji, or Sohra, is a remarkable destination that offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and ecological significance.
This town is often celebrated as one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving heavy rainfall throughout the year.
Situated at an elevation of about 1,484 metres, Cherrapunji is perched on the southern edge of the Khasi Hills.
Its geographical position ensures that it receives abundant rainfall, especially during the monsoon season.
The sight and sound of Cherrapunji’s gushing waterfall can be mesmerising and an unforgettable experience.
The average annual rainfall exceeds 11,000 mm.
Its majestic waterfalls and captivating landscapes make it a must-visit place for those seeking an immersive experience.
The local population of Cherrapunji primarily comprises the Khasi tribe, who celebrate various festivals such as Shad Suk Mynsiem.
Places to visit – Mawsmai Cave, Kynrem Falls, Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge and Dain-Thlen Falls.
India’s monsoon season brings a magical transformation to its landscapes, turning them into vibrant tapestries of green that captivate the senses.
From the serene backwaters of Kerala to the misty hills of Mawsynram, each destination offers its unique charm during the monsoon season.
These top 11 spots highlight the diverse and spectacular features of India’s monsoon season.
Embrace the rains and explore these captivating spots to witness India in its most picturesque state.
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