Top 10 Offbeat Getaways In India For Your Next Monsoon Vacation

Tamil Nadu’s very own ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal is a perfect town to unwind and escape the rush. Nestled in the Palani hills of the western ghats, the town is known for the Kodaikanal Lake and wooded forests which you can explore in amazing weather. 

Take a dip in the scenic lakes, trek for the splashing waterfalls, or just enjoy quiet horse rides around the valleys for a perfect monsoon vacation.

Lahaul-Spiti is a district in Himachal Pradesh on NH 1, which gets completely transformed during monsoons. Lahaul-Spiti is popular for its diverse landscapes and terrains- from the cold deserts of Spiti to the flower beds of Lahaul. The Kunzum Pass is the perfect spot for bike enthusiasts who have traveled to Manali. Visit the Kye Monastery and Dhankar Gompa for a unique cultural experience.

Although Coorg seems to be getting popular with the influence of social media, it is still quite unexplored. Monsoon is the best time to visit Coorg, also known as the Scotland of India. Adorned with expansive tea and spice plantations, the experience gets even better with the first drops of rain. While there, do not forget to visit Irupu Falls on the way to Bramhagiri Peaks and Barapole River for river rafting.

Shillong is a town in Meghalaya which receives high rainfall during monsoons. North-eastern destinations often get overlooked but they are the best offbeat places with fewer tourists. A trek to the East Khasi hills will be a testament to why Meghalaya was named after Abode of the Clouds. Mawphlang groves, the sacred groves near Shillong are a once-in-a-lifetime experience during monsoons. Visit Elephanta Falls, Llyngngai Falls, Mawsawdong Falls, etc. to see some of the best waterfalls in India.

Although Pondicherry is a popular year-round tourist destination, the vacation becomes even more special during monsoons. The Portuguese-themed hotels and cafes, along with pristine beaches are perfect to chill and unwind. The ambiance of the town transforms with cool breezes and drizzles. Pondicherry is also known for its delectable cuisine and great hospitality.

Wayanad is a hill station straight out of fictional novels, a delight for monsoon travelers. Areas like Lakkidi receive some of the heaviest rainfalls in India. Experience rainforest trekking and wildlife safaris while in Wayanad or ride alongside beautiful river trails. Visit the Wayanad Heritage Museum for archaeological and tribal artifacts and Eddakal caves for Neolithic carvings. Wayanad is a peaceful retreat into nature.

Orchha is a town set up by Raja Rudra Pratap on the banks of the Betwa River in northern Madhya Pradesh. Popular for its towering temples and ghats, Orchha is also a great tourist destination during monsoons. It is a nice blend of spirituality and scenic beauty. Explore the majestic Raja Mahal for architectural grandeur, the fifteen Chhatris or cenotaphs honoring Bundela kings, the Chaturbhuj temple, and the Orchha bird sanctuary while in Madhya Pradesh.

If a scenic monsoon road trip is on your bucket list, then Malshej Ghats in Maharashtra is a great, offbeat spot for your adventures. It is a mountain pass located in the western ghats near Mumbai. Apart from majestic waterfalls and valleys, the ghats are also home to exotic species of flora and fauna. Skip the crowds of Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala, and plan a trip to Malshej this season.

Chikmagalur is a hill station in Karnataka, nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri peak. Lush green tropical forests on four sides are a view to behold during rain. Rafting in the Bhadra River, exploring the Kudremukh trek, and the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, home to hundreds of elephants and tigers, will make your trip memorable. Do not forget to experience the trek to Hebbe Waterfall through beautiful coffee plantations.

Thenmala in Kerela is a world UNESCO heritage site and India’s first eco-tourism center in India. Located on the eastern side of Kollam, it is an ideal spot for trekking, hiking, and camping. Visit Thenmala Dam for serene lakeside camps and attend Butterfly Safari to explore beautiful species of butterflies. The city also has an adventure park for mountain biking and rappelling enthusiasts. Lush green forests around the city are a treat for the eyes during monsoons.

India and monsoons have a special connection. The country turns lush green from June to September which is the best time to travel. From north to south, there are a plethora of options to explore. Beautiful hill stations, waterfalls, sanctuaries, and treks make your monsoon plans memorable. However, one must not forget to follow all safety guidelines and be careful while traveling.