Best Monsoon Destinations in India for July and August

When you plan your annual vacation, you often think about travelling in summer or winter. But have you considered travelling in the rainy season? Well, the most magical holidays happen when you go offbeat and make an epic monsoon trip. India is incredibly beautiful, and with the rains, the lush green blanket of Mother Nature unravels itself. Plan your next holiday in the rainy season. Take a look at this article to know where you can go during the rainy season in India.

Top Monsoon Destinations in India

1. Lonavala, Maharashtra

Lonavala is a complete holiday destination. It has a good mix of natural beauties, such as lakes and waterfalls, and man-made attractions such as world-class theme parks. During the rains, Lonavala really comes alive. If you want a quick getaway over the weekend, you can plan a trip to Lonavala and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.

2. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Looking for some Indian travel destinations in the southern part of the country? Well, look no further than Kodaikanal. Pitted as one of the most picturesque hill stations in India, Kodaikanal offers lush green valleys, serene water bodies and dramatic waterfalls. It is one of the most romantic places to visit during the rainy season in India.

Pro tip – Taste the locally grown and produced chocolate in Kodaikanal. You get the freshest and most luscious sweet treats in this part of India!

3. Coorg, Karnataka

If Kodaikanal screams chocolate, Coorg yells coffee! One of the premium coffee-growing regions of India, Coorg, is a monsoon wonderland. Plan a trip here in the monsoons and walk through the blooming coffee estates. Along with that, see the most gorgeous Abbey Waterfalls while trekking up earthy trails and inhaling misty winds. Coorg, therefore, is among the best places to visit in India in August.

4. Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong is a crown jewel in India. Apart from being naturally endowed, the place is also among the cleanest in the country. The local culture and traditions are so deep-rooted that they embrace you with warmth the moment you set foot here. Thus, if you are wondering where to visit in India in July, consider going to Shillong. See the clear lakes, walk on a living root bridge and experience the coexistence of nature and humanity!

Pro tip: Take some time out and visit Mawlynnong, which is Asia’s cleanest village. You will see something you will not see anywhere else in India!

5. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

Combine your Shillong trip with a halt at Cherrapunjee, one of the wettest places in India. Obviously, Cherrapunjee finds an honourable mention in the list of best places to visit in India in August! During the monsoon, nature takes a dramatic turn in Cherrapunjee. But the incessant rains don’t feel monotonous. Rather, they work to cleanse your soul and give you a fresh perspective on life.

6. Pondicherry

Pondicherry, or Puducherry as it is officially known, is absolutely gorgeous! Though it is a beach destination, it has a strange attraction in the monsoons. It is a scenic and peaceful Indian travel destination where you can spend hours at an aesthetic cafe, staring out at the furious waves crashing against the shoreline, while the rain soaks the city streets around. Capture some of the most dramatic moments in this colonial town and have an unforgettable vacation.

7. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

North India is a traveller’s paradise with innumerable travel destinations dotting every corner. And among them, some, like Ranikhet, stand out. Ranikhet is a very popular Indian travel destination. It is especially attractive in the rainy season. You get to walk through low-hanging clouds, sit next to a gushing waterfall, and hike up some of the most rustic trails.

8. Wayanad, Kerala

God’s own country, Kerala, has some of the best places to visit in India in August. Start your trip from Wayanad. Discover misty, plantation-covered mountains everywhere you look. Drive through beautiful hilly roads, and stop over at a dramatic waterfall.

Pro tip –  While you’re there, don’t forget to savour the famous Wayanadi biryani. Wayand indeed fills your tummy and your senses!

9. Munnar, Kerala

If you travel to Kerala, do not leave without visiting Munnar. Anyone who asks where to visit in India in July will surely be directed to this gorgeous hill station down south. Munnar is a natural paradise. You can admire nature, and also enjoy thrilling adventures, such as ziplining, boating and camping.

10. Goa

You may have been to Goa several times, but have you gone there when the rains come lashing down? You may not automatically think of Goa when you think of where to visit when raining, but this incredible Indian travel destination may leave you stumped! Goa is beautiful in the monsoon. You won’t get to enjoy too many beach activities, but you can explore the waterfalls, go on unforgettable treks and bathe in a small stream deep inside the jungle.

Pro tip: Look for off-season discounts at the high-end hotels and resorts. You often get discounted deals at this point, so try.

Where to Visit in India in July?

Best for Waterfalls and Greenery

If waterfalls and greenery come to your mind when you think of the rainy season in India, then you can head over to the hills. Visit these destinations:

• Cherrapunjee for spectacular waterfalls and living root bridges
• Coorg for coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, and lush forests
• Munnar is known for its stunning tea gardens and mist everywhere
• Wayanad for waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic drives
• Lonavala for a quick and relaxing weekend break

Best for Treks and Nature

Admiring the natural beauty while going on some fabulous treks is an integral part of any monsoon vacation. So, where to visit in India in July if this is what you love doing the most? Here are some great options:

• Ranikhet for pine forests, Himalayan views, and peaceful walking trails
• Kodaikanal for nature walks, waterfalls, viewpoints, and great photography
• Shillong for its untouched natural beauty, National Parks, and beautiful drives through hilly roads

Best for Less Rain and Road Trips

Road trips are also an essential part of your monsoon travels. If you wish to focus on the drive, here are some great destinations for you:

• Goa for relaxed river cruises, exploring the hidden gems
• Pondicherry for enjoying the rains in a colonial environment

Best Places to Visit in India in August

August is the peak monsoon season in India. Here’s a look at some of the best places to visit in India in August:

1. Best for Couples

Whether you are going on your honeymoon or simply wish to spend some quality time with your beloved, the most romantic Indian travel destinations welcome you with open arms. Here are the top romantic places to visit in August:

Coorg

Misty, dreamy and perfect for a romantic holiday! Plan a trip up the hills with your partner and enjoy it to the fullest.

Goa

Goa is a great destination for young couples. Even when it rains and the beach is off-limits, you can find many cool things to do. During the day, go on hikes and treks, or swim in a stream in a forest. At night, explore the energetic nightlife and make some unforgettable memories.

Ranikhet

Couples who enjoy each other’s company while relaxing in an idyllic environment find Ranikhet to be the best place where to visit when raining.

2. Best for Families

Wayanad

Travelling with your kids and elderly parents? Then head over to a beautiful place, which also has many activities to pursue. Wayanad is a great option, as it ticks both boxes.

Kodaikanak

When travelling with your loved ones, you surely look for destinations that are safe and family-friendly. Kodaikanal is one of the top places in this category, so it is ideal for a monsoon family vacation.

Shillong

Peaceful, clean, and tremendously serene – Shillong is the perfect place to visit when raining.

3. Best for Adventure

Cherrapunji

Whether you like standing next to a fuming waterfall in the midst of a lashing downpour, or you love walking on wet trails, Cherrapunji will give you every opportunity to have a thrilling monsoon vacation.

Lonavala

Though easily accessible, Lonavala is a great Indian travel destination for those who love adventure activities. This quiet town in Maharashtra offers a host of thrilling sports such as paragliding, ziplining, bungee jumping and so on. The activities are suspended when the weather gets very bad, but are usually functional amid light rain.

Munnar

Like Lonavala, Munnar also offers a host of fun activities that speak to the adventure junkie inside you! From off-roading in a deep jungle in a rugged jeep to zipping over deep gorges on India’s longest zipline, you can indeed have some amazing thrills when you visit Munnar in the monsoon.

4. Best for Slow Travel

Pondicherry

Travellers who enjoy the old-world charm thoroughly enjoy spending the monsoon break in Pondicherry. This beautiful town has a great blend of natural beauty along with man-made structures. While on the one hand, you have the gorgeous waterfront and sleepy fishing villages, on the other, you have world-famous structures such as Auroville

Goa

Goa in the monsoon is perfect for all kinds of travellers, including those who simply wish to relax. Look for a good off-season deal at a top hotel. Check in, and enjoy the hospitality, go to the spa and spend some relaxing moments in this beautiful Indian travel destination.

Monsoon Tour Packages in India

Many leading tour operators, such as Thomas Cook, offer some wonderful monsoon travel packages. Here are some benefits you get when you choose a Thomas Cook package:

Well organised

Thomas Cook is one of the oldest and most successful travel companies in the world. Thus, you get very well-organised and well-executed trips. Everything from your travel to your accommodation is taken care of, making it perfect for you to enjoy your holiday.

Affordable

You get safe and reliable tours at the best prices. This is one of the main reasons to choose a Thomas Cook tour package when exploring the best places to visit in India in August.

Flexible

You get many travel destinations to choose from. If you are wondering where to visit in India in July, check out the many packages and find a suitable place to explore.

Monsoon Packing Checklist

1. Waterproof shoes
2. Rain jacket
3. Umbrella
4. Power bank
5. Emergency medicines
6. Quick-dry clothes

FAQs:

1. Which is India’s best monsoon destination?

India has several beautiful monsoon destinations spread across the country. You can choose the hills of Uttarakhand or the beaches of Goa, depending on your preferences.

2. Where to visit in India in July and August?

You can explore the Himalayan hill stations like Ranikhet and Nainital. You can travel south to the tea and coffee plantations of Munnar and Coorg. Or you can enjoy relaxing by the sea in Goa or Pondicherry.

3. Where to visit when it’s raining in India?

You can visit a quiet hill station or go to an adventure hub. You can choose a beach destination or spend a few days in a coffee estate. There are many options to choose from.