Monsoon is finally here and it is time to revive the travel plans which you had shelved because of summer.
Though traveling during rain comes with its own set of problems; however, it is a welcome change from the searing heat of the summer. The waterfalls and greenery make it a pleasant setting for a holiday.
There are many monsoon destinations in India. We list five must visit destinations this year.
COORG
Also known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is one of the rainiest places in india. Situated in the southern part ofKarnataka in the Western Ghats, it has become a popular monsoon honeymoon destination. Monsoon in Coorg is the most romantic season of all.
You could visit one of the many coffee plantations in Coorg. Fields and forests covered in spectacular greenery, gurgling streams and the Kodava populace offer enough incentives to take a gentle stroll.
You could also visit River Kaveri, which is venerated. Head to the Talakaveri pilgrim centre from where Kaveri originates in the Brahmagiri Hills, Omkareshwar Temple or the Nagarhole National Park.
MANDU
Resting on the crest of the Vindhya Range, Mandu stands on a rocky outcrop planted amidst a bed of green. The fortified city is also home to the love story of Rajput princess Rani Roopmati and the last Sultan of Malwa, Baz Bahadur.
The architectural ruins attract day-trippers from Ujjain and Indore throughout the year. But it is during the monsoon that the rustic facades of the city’s mahals and darwazas attain a rich red tint. You could take a history lesson and visit the country’s first ever marble monument, the tomb of Malwa’s second king Hoshang Shah.
Don’t forget to visit the courtyard of Roopmati’s Pavilion which reverberates with romance and its front lawns look its best with peacocks and kharmours roaming around. The several minarets and domes of Mandu may be lost in time, but find themselves gracefully whenever it rains.
SPITI VALLEY
A desert mountain valley in the Himalayas, Spiti is dotted with Buddhist monasteries and is often called the Middle Land or Little Tibet. Between July and October is pretty much the only time you can go to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, given the weather and road conditions.
All the houses are white washed and have black painted windows and door frames to keep the houses warm and safe from rain and snow. The area located just south of Ladakh, is one of the most sparsely populated regions in India and is the perfect place to get away from the crowds. Kilometers of the high altitude desert stretch in the rain shadowed side of the Himalayas promises to be perfect get-away.
The rugged awe-inspiring snow-clad mountains are a standing invitation to you if you love to hike or seek an adrenaline rush. The entire district is full of natural scenery where you can imbibe its natural grandeur. The customs, myths and beliefs of the simple people is another unique feature of this border highland.
The stunning landscape of the Valley of Flowers, in North Indian state of Uttarakhand, comes alive with the monsoon rains. July and August are the best time to see the wildflowers in full bloom in the Valley of Flowers.
It is the perfect destination for you if you love hiking and exploring nature, as it requires a 15-17 km trek up a steep mountain trail to get there.
The high-altitude Himalayan valley has around 300 different varieties of flowers, which appear as a bright carpet of colour against a mountainous snow capped background. Carpeted with red potentillas, geraniums, asters, gentians, anemones, delphiniums, blue corydalis and wild roses the national park becomes a package made in heaven.
Goa surprisingly has a lot to offer than just its beaches. Monsoon is off-season in Goa. So, chuck the thoughts of milling crowds and lack of privacy. Being the lean season, don’t be surprised if you get some awesome deals.
Take a walk through Goa’s colonial past, sit in a restaurant and enjoy Goan food. Though beaches would be out of action for quite some time, discover the other treasures of Goa.
Don’t forget to witness the feast of saints Peter and Paul celebrated at the end of June. Locals sail on rafts while performing plays and songs. Head towards Divar Island, off the coast of Panaji where you can experience the traditional Bonderam flag festival. It is more of a violent festival involving mock fights and commemorates the protest by locals against the Portuguese. The festival is held towards the end of August.
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