Most Popular Places to Visit in India During Monsoon

Monsoons are a great time to pack your bags and explore the various tourist attractions in India. This list highlights the most popular places to travel during monsoons and soak in the spirit of the rains! Your next travel destination awaits you!

Most Popular Places to Visit in India During Monsoon Season

The love affair between us Indians and the monsoon season is timeless! Monsoon rains bring lush greenery, breathtaking beauty and cool climates – this is the perfect recipe for travel! If you are wondering what to do on those long weekends around monsoon season, we have you covered!

From one travel buff to another, here are the best Indian places to visit in the monsoon season! There are suggestions here from the north, south, east and west! So if you are planning a short sojourn or a long vacation, these locations give you a variety in duration, culture, experience and more!

Having been to many of these travel destinations myself as a seasoned monsoon traveller, I rediscover my love for the rain every year. I can safely say the beauty of the rain’ll spellbind you! Read on and discover your next travel destination!

1. Cherrapunji

This cozy town tucked away in the East Khasi hills of Meghalaya is a paradise for monsoon lovers. Cherrapunji receives an average of 11,777mm of rainfall each year, making it one of the wettest places on Earth. Cherrapunji, meaning ‘the land of oranges, receives maximum rainfall from March to October yearly. November to February are usually dry months with minimal rainfall. Aside from its abundant rains, Cherrapunji is known for several unique aspects that make it a coveted travel destination.

Cherrapunji is known for its unique living room bridges made from rubber trees. These are suspension bridges that are made from living roots through a phenomenon called tree shaping. These roots have been built for centuries by the Khasis and the Jaintias, the indigenous population of Cherrapunji. These bridges cross overflowing rivers and water bodies, a common feature across this humble town. 

Cherrapunji is a perfect holiday destination for nature enthusiasts and lovers of adventure, waterfalls, treks and exploration by foot. If you’re heading to this humble town, don’t forget to pack yourself some heavy-duty trekking shoes from Wildcraft! You will need all the support and grip on those adventurous treks to reach some breathtaking viewpoints. Also, make sure to indulge in the legendary Sohra Pulao, which is a delicacy in this part of India. It is a delicious mix of rice, vegetables and spices! Cherrapunji is a hit monsoon destination for travellers who enjoy being close to nature in all its glory.

2. Lonavala

Take a welcome break from the maddening rush of your city life and head to Maharashtra’s most famous hill station. Lonavala, named after a Sanskrit term for all the surrounding caves, offers a complete tourist experience to visitors. From religious attractions to historical sites and wonders of nature, there is something in it for every traveller.

Monsoons are a great time to visit Lonavala when lush greenery takes over the surrounding hills. The famous Pawna Lake and Bhushi Dam fills the brim, making boating doubly fun! The Narayani Dham temple boasts beautiful architecture and wide open spaces, which are well-enjoyed in the rains. Lohagad Fort is a must-visit for its beautiful view, especially when the clouds have overtaken the horizon. Many Bollywood movies have also been shot in Lonavala, so if some valleys and points seem familiar, know that it has been a famous shooting spot for the silver screen!

All you fitness freaks out there, Lonavala will be a culinary delight! So, follow my mantra of carrying resistance tubes on your holiday instead of sulking over the calories. This helps you get in a resistance training workout without taking any holiday weight back home! Cultsport has top-quality resistance tubes and workout gear that are easy to carry wherever you go. 

Don’t forget to sink your teeth into the delectable Lonavala chikkis! Lonavala is also home to the famous Mapro Garden, so indulge in lip-smacking strawberry cream, squashes, jams, pizzas, sandwiches and more! Maval Maratha also gives you a taste of the local Marathi cuisine, a must-try for anyone not from Maharashtra. Enjoy some piping hot Maggi in the rain with hot chai and revel in the beauty of the Indian monsoons! Overall, Lonavala is undoubtedly one of India’s Best Monsoon Tourist Destinations!

3. Darjeeling

This beautiful hill station at the foothills of the Himalayas is one of the best places to visit in monsoons with family. Nestled in the northernmost portion of West Bengal, Darjeeling is a UN Heritage Site. It is particularly famous and thronged by tourists for the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga mountain.

Darjeeling experiences relentless rainfall monsoons. So, choose this gorgeous hill station only if you are ready for an ultimate downpour. Nevertheless, visiting Darjeeling in the monsoons is undoubtedly a great idea if you love the sound and the feeling of heavy rains. The weather can get a little tumultuous on your skin, so it’s wise to always keep some lacto calamine handy from Wellify Piramal.

Darjeeling has plenty of experiences and attractions for people of all ages. The fun and scenic toy train ride is a must-do for its breathtaking views and one-of-a-kind experience. Going to Darjeeling and not visiting the tea plantations is an absolute crime! I would go as far as to suggest booking a tea plantation tour and activity package where you can pluck the leaves, take a guided tour of the factory and understand the complete process of plantation to cup.

On the food front, Darjeeling doesn’t disappoint. From the flavourful Naga cuisine to momos, sael rotis and Sherpa delicacies, Darjeeling is an absolute food fest! You can wash all the spices down with the varieties of tea available that are a burst of flavour in itself! Darjeeling is certainly a must-visit for more reasons than one!

4. Chikmagalur

If you are a coffee aficionado, Chikmagalur must be on your travel list! This small hill station tucked away in southwest India, Karnataka, is home to some of the most celebrated coffee plantations in the country. No wonder that Chikmagalur is referred to as the coffee land of Karnataka.

Monsoons in Chikmagalur are as serene as can be. After all, nothing can beat the experience of sipping on some piping hot coffee and watching the rain trickle down. There is also plenty to see, such as the Mullayanagiri Peak, Hebbe waterfalls and the scenic Mahatma Gandhi Park, all of which get doubly beautiful in the rains. But, the crowning glory of the Chikmagalur travel experience is the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Being a wildlife enthusiast, I knew I had to head to Chikmagalur amidst elephants, leopards and tigers! We hopped into a safari jeep and were on the road for two hours before we saw a parade of wild elephants in the distance. Engines off, not a sound – we marvelled at that awe-inspiring sight and marvelled at our good luck for the encounter! Absolute paisa vasool of planning a trip to Chikmagalur, in my opinion!

Chikmagalur offers some exciting options in food. Seduce your taste buds with the Malnad cuisine of Chikmagalur, which includes bamboo shoots, raw jack fruit, Obattu (sweet flat bread), akki (rice) roti, kosambari and more. However, predominantly veg cuisine, the food in Chikmagalur will strike you for its unique blend of spices. It is, in fact, extremely healthy and light on the stomach.

Aside from the breathtaking views and the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Chikmagalur is also extremely diverse and rich in culture. Overall, a lovely monsoon experience at Chikmagalur, except for the frequent power cuts thanks to the rains. So load up on those power banks to stay connected! I luckily ordered two 20,000 mAh power banks from Vijay Sales just before my holiday, so I was sorted!

5. Auli

India’s premier skiing destination is just as picturesque in the monsoons! Auli has some great luxury resorts and adventure sports activities that lure people from not only India but all over the world. Just know that the temperatures at Auli could go down to as low as 10 degrees Celsius, so carry plenty of warm wear!

Many resorts and homestays also organize 2-night camps that include trekking, rock climbing and a host of other fun activities. So if you are an adrenaline junkie, Auli could be your true calling this monsoon season! Just make sure to carry a handy camping kit that includes a Swiss knife, rope, sleeping bag, headlamp, duct tape and emergency lights. Don’t fret; Amazon India has a complete range of camping essentials, from kitchenware to survival tools and tents. It’s the safest and easiest way to get your hands on camping equipment.

It is best to plan a trip to Auli just at the onset of monsoons or towards the end of the monsoons to avoid any potential landslides. So, the beginning of July or mid-September is an ideal time to head to this heavenly abode. Incidentally, there is also a one-day Mata Murti Ka Mela happening every year in September. According to the Puranas, the Ganges River descended to Earth on this day, bringing life & sustenance to Earth.

Auli is just as hospitable to your taste buds as your mind and body! The local delicacies include Kachmauli (stuffed goat with oil & spices), Bal Mithai, Garhwali cuisine, Singhal Mithai and other specialities of the region. This gives you plenty of reasons to head to Auli to satisfy your taste buds and get your adventure bucket list ticked off too!

6. Udaipur

If you’re looking for a royal experience without the fuss of heavy rains and adventurous activities, head to the Kashmir of Rajasthan. Udaipur is a cosy and gorgeous town nestled in the Land of Kings. It is just the perfect leisure and relaxed holiday spot if that’s your idea of downtime. Monsoons in Udaipur are pleasant and moderate, offering a reasonably humid climate that is easy no matter which part of the world you’re coming from.

Simply gaze at the palaces and the beauty of Udaipur and spend your time soaking in the ‘Rajputana’ ambience during your monsoon holiday. A palace in Udaipur is built especially for gazing at the monsoon clouds and soaking in the spirit of the rains. The Sajjangarh palace is 3100 ft above sea level and must be at the top of your Udaipur sightseeing list too.

Aside from that, there is a gorgeous park called Saheliyon ki Bari, Lake Pichola and Nehru Garden, where you can spend time strolling around and absorbing the ambience. Karni Mata Temple is a place of worship atop a hill and accessible by cable car, making for a cherishing experience.

Udaipur is filled with culinary delights. Dine in the lap of luxury at the Udaivilas or explore local delicacies such as Dal Bhaati Churma, Laal Maas, Kachoris, Mirchi Bada and much more! Udaipur is known for its sweet dishes ranging from Mal pua to Mawa Kachori and the world-famous Ghewar! Oh boy, it is indeed a foodie’s paradise! Having gone there, I urge you to let go of your inhibitions and try all the yummy food. Just get in 10,000 steps a day by keeping track of your efforts in a BeatXP MARV Smartwatch. That’s my fitness mantra on all my holidays. 

7. Wayanad

Wayanad is a lush green forest town that is one of the best places to visit during monsoons in South India. Wayanad usually has heavy monsoons that bring with it a humid climate and moderate temperatures. Wayanad gets its rainfall from the southwest monsoon and an extended rain in October & November as an effect of the northeast monsoons.

From camping trails to bird-watching and beautiful waterfalls, there’s something for every kind of traveller in Wayanad. If you are a fan of history and anthropology, Eddakkal Caves are a must-visit. You can view ancient images and petroglyphs dating back to the Neolithic age. Wayanad is also a great place to spot and even interact with elephants. Several elephant camps allow visitors to bathe and feed these majestic creatures.

Wayanad can be a haven for mosquitoes and other insects during the monsoons. Loading up on mosquito repellents and antibacterial ointments before heading to Wayanad is wise. Just order a bunch of antiseptic creams, insect repellants and mosquito patches from Netmeds so the forest creepy crawlies got nothing on you. For baby-friendly kits, head to MomsCo and secure your little one’s skin before venturing into the greenery of Wayanad.

If food is your main calling, Wayand is undoubtedly a hotspot! From Fish Moilee, Nadan Beef Fry, Appams with Veg/Chicken Stew and the traditional Kerala meal, Wayanad is a gastro-fest! Finish it with some piping hor, enter payasam, and you will slip into a deep slumber. Well, only for a while before the pouring monsoon rains wake you!

8. Pondicherry

Do a holiday out of the ordinary and head to a beach destination this monsoon season! What better beach holiday than the French town of India? Pondicherry is pouring of French culture from its beautiful cobbled streets, delectable cafes, seaside promenade and mustard-coloured villas! What’s not to love? My all-time favourite destination for a mix of sea, sand, sunshine and some lip-smacking food, Pondicherry is the best escape for those who love the feel of Goa minus the pouring tourists!

While Pondicherry has its fair share of tourists, it is not as bustling as India’s party capital, Goa. So if you are looking for a quick getaway this monsoon and are eager to dip your feet in the sea, Pondicherry is my top pick!

For a touch of spirituality and calm, head to Auroville. You can stay at the Ashram for a few days and soak in the vibe. Stroll along the promenade beach and step into the several cafes lining the coast. Explore the various freshly brewed beers at Catamaran Brewery, Tamil Nadu’s first and only brewery. Hire a bright yellow bike akin to the city’s spirit and set off on a city bike tour. Take a ferry to the white-sand paradise beach and play with the sea waves. Pondicherry is a true ode to tropical life!

Where there’s a beach, there is the sun. And even in the peak monsoon season, the sun shines brightly. So load up on all the sunscreen you can. Invest in a good medicated sunscreen from Dr Batra’s and give your skin the best protection against the sun. 

For the shopaholic traveller, Pondicherry has plenty of adorable cutlery, clay kitchenware, handmade soaps and perfumes made by local artisans.

9. Orchha

This princely town in the heart of the country is a great getaway spot and one of the best places to visit in India any time of the year. For those who do not enjoy humid or cold climates and the gushy winds that monsoons bring, Orchha is your best bet for a holiday in the monsoon season.

Interestingly, Orchha is the only place in India other than Ayodhya where Lord Ram is the king of the town. The Rama Raja temple in Orchha is dedicated to Lord Ram and is a must-visit for anyone who is an ardent follower and believer in Hinduism.

Orchha’s mighty river Betwa is also one of the best spots in the country for river rafting. You can also take a pit stop and walk along the banks of the river, soaking in its beauty. The only time I did river rafting, I was left with a nasty bout of nausea after all the bumps and jumps. Thankfully, some ayurvedic digestives and anti-nausea medication from Dr Vaidya saved the day. So ensure you carry your stack of Ayurvedic medicines on the river-rafting day.

Orchha offers some mouth-watering delicacies from the heartland of India. From the famous Bundelkhand kebabs to Bhutte ke kees and Mawa-Bati, tourists are spoilt for choice! Shopaholics can also revel in the beautiful metalworks sold in Orchha that capture the region’s authentic culture. All in all, Orchha is a great offbeat travel destination this monsoon.

10. Ziro

This splendidly beautiful town in Arunachal Pradesh is famous for its Pine Hills and rice fields. Relatively untouched and unexplored compared to the other tourist spots in India, Ziro is a sight to behold. It is declared a World Heritage Site by the UN. Ziro Valley in the monsoons is pleasant, and it is one of the best times of the year to visit the valley. As Ziro experiences a frigid winter much below zero degrees Celsius, monsoons are an ideal time to visit this breathtaking locale.

Ziro Valley is also famous for housing the Apatani Tribe. They are nature worshippers and practice sustainable farming in their rice paddies. This tribe has a simple rice, fish, vegetables and pork diet, sustaining themselves on their local produce and living a secluded, peaceful, yet fulfilling life.

For all wildlife lovers, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary houses the beautiful clouded leopard, giant squirrel and Asian palm civets, among other attractions.

Ziro Valley is one of the most beautiful yet underrated places to visit in the rainy season in India. It often misses attracting tourists because of its remoteness and tough travel terrain. Reaching this part of the country is no mean feat, especially if you are from the eastern or the southern cities.

Those long travel hours can mean having to use plenty of public restrooms. Always carry PeeSafe toilet sanitiser sprays that ensure you don’t carry the germs commonly found in public restrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which city is best to visit in monsoon?

One can visit many cities during the monsoons in India, including Mahabaleshwar, Udaipur, Orchha, Chikmagalur, Pahalgam, Goa, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, among others. Choosing the city to visit depends on your interests and your idea of travel (leisure/adventure/nature).

Which city has the most rainy days in India?

Mawsynram is the wettest place on Earth and receives the highest rainfall in India. This town in Meghalaya has an average rainfall of around 11,872 mm annually. Intereestly, Maysynram holds the Guinness World Record for the highest rainfall received by any region ever, for 26,000 mm in 1985.

Which part of India is least affected by monsoons?

The north and the far north regions of India are least affected by monsoons compared to the central and south of India which enjoy good rains during monsoon season.

Which beach is best during monsoons?

Vizag, Lakshadeep, Goa, Puri, Gorkarna, Pondicherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are among India’s most sought-after beach destinations. These locations are great holiday destinations during the monsoon season.

Which are the driest places in India during monsoons?

Some of the driest places in India during the monsoons include Thar, Rayalseema, Ladakh, Bundelkhand, Vidarbha & Pench, among others. These locations are great destinations for those who love travelling but do not enjoy the monsoons.