Best Travel Destinations In India During the Rainy Season
India’s monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September, The Best Travel Destinations In India transforms the landscape into a lush, green paradise. The rainy season may be off-season for some, but for the savvy traveler, it’s the perfect time to explore certain destinations that come alive with scenic beauty, misty hills, and fewer crowds โ all on a budget. Here are the top three travel spots in India that are perfect for a monsoon getaway, complete with travel tips, hotel options, and things to do.
๐ฟ 1. Munnar, Kerala โ Tea Gardens in the Mist
Why Go?
Munnar is a dreamy hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala. During the rainy season, the rolling tea gardens are covered in a blanket of mist, the waterfalls gush with renewed energy, and the valleys come alive with greenery.
Top Attractions
- Attukad Waterfalls โ Best seen in the monsoon.
- Eravikulam National Park โ Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
- Tea Museum โ Learn about Munnar’s rich tea heritage.
- Echo Point & Kundala Lake โ For picturesque views and boating.
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Best Budget Hotels:
- Green Ridge Holiday Home: Approx โน1,000/night, centrally located.
- Zion Cottage: Homely vibe and scenic views, around โน900โ1,200/night.
- Munnar Heritage Cottage: Great for families, under โน1,500.
How to Reach:
- By Road: Well-connected via Kochi (approx. 130 km). Buses and cabs are easily available.
- By Train: Nearest station is Aluva (110 km), then a 3-4 hour drive.
- By Air: Cochin International Airport (110 km).
Transport Within Munnar:
Auto-rickshaws, local buses, and cabs are available. For budget travel, shared jeeps to tourist spots are ideal.
Local Experience:
The people of Kerala are known for their hospitality. Try home-cooked meals and enjoy a warm cup of local cardamom tea in the rain.
Best Travel Destinations In India
๐ 2. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya โ Clouds, Caves, and Waterfalls
Why Go?
Known as one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunji offers an unmatched monsoon experience. It’s where the rain doesn’t dampen the mood โ it adds to the magic. Think lush hills, living root bridges, gushing waterfalls, and surreal cloudscapes.
Top Attractions
- Nohkalikai Falls โ India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
- Double-Decker Living Root Bridge โ A unique natural marvel.
- Mawsmai Caves โ Stunning limestone formations.
- Eco Park โ Great views and picnic spots.
Ideal Duration: 4-5 days (including Shillong)
Best Budget Hotels:
- Saimika Resort: Scenic and serene, โน1,200โโน1,500/night.
- By The Way Guesthouse: Backpacker-friendly, โน700โโน1,000/night.
- Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort: Slightly higher budget but includes meals and experiences.
How to Reach:
- By Road: From Shillong (55 km) via shared taxis or rented vehicles.
- By Air: Fly to Shillong Airport or Guwahati Airport (170 km).
- By Train: Nearest major railhead is Guwahati. Then take a cab/shared taxi to Shillong and onward.
Transport Within Cherrapunji:
Local taxis or rented scooters from Shillong. Thereโs limited public transport, so group travel helps reduce costs.
Local Experience:
The Khasi people are warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Many locals open their homes as guesthouses. Try local Khasi cuisine like Jadoh and spicy pork curry.
Best Travel Destinations In India
๐พ 3. Udaipur, Rajasthan โ Romance in the Rain
Why Go?
While Rajasthan is known for its deserts, Udaipur, the City of Lakes, takes on a magical charm in the monsoon. The palaces shimmer with raindrops, the lakes are full, and the Aravalli hills provide a green contrast to the cityโs architecture.
Top Attractions
- Lake Pichola & City Palace โ A boat ride here is unforgettable.
- Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh) โ Sunset views over rain-kissed valleys.
- Bagore Ki Haveli โ Cultural shows and museum.
- Fateh Sagar Lake โ Great for evening walks and local snacks.
Ideal Duration: 3 days
Best Budget Hotels:
- Zostel Udaipur: Rooftop views, dorms from โน600, rooms from โน1,200.
- Banjara Hostel: Popular with backpackers, โน700โโน1,000.
- Hotel Udai Palace: Centrally located and affordable.
How to Reach:
- By Road: Well-connected via buses from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur.
- By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station has good connectivity.
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport (22 km from city center).
Transport Within Udaipur:
Auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis, and cycle rentals are available. Walking around the old city is scenic and free.
Local Experience:
Rajasthani culture is rich and welcoming. Locals will often share stories of royal heritage, and traditional food like Dal Baati Churma is a must-try. The city is peaceful in monsoon and less crowded, perfect for romantic or reflective getaways.
โ Rainy Season Travel Tips:
- Carry waterproof shoes, quick-dry clothes, and a poncho or rain jacket.
- Pack light, but bring necessary medicines, mosquito repellent, and power banks.
- Avoid flood or landslide-prone routes; always check weather updates.
- Book hotels with good reviews about cleanliness and water drainage.
๐ Best Time & Holidays
- Total Trip Duration: Plan a 3 to 5-day trip for each spot.
- Ideal holidays: Long weekends in JulyโSeptember.
- Club your trip with local festivals like Onam in Kerala or local fairs in Rajasthan for an added cultural touch.
โจ Final Thoughts:
Traveling in the rainy season in India can be a magical and budget-friendly experience if planned right. Whether itโs the misty tea gardens of Munnar, the cloud-covered cliffs of Cherrapunji, or the monsoon palace views in Udaipur โ each destination offers a unique mood. Go slow, sip chai in the rain, and let Indiaโs monsoon beauty soak into your soul.
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