With the monsoons still in swing, many destinations drenched in rain and wrapped in clouds await your travel plans, writes Abhi Singhal
The rains are loved by everyone widely and travel during such times makes it even more beautiful as the clouds touch the ground. When the skies darken and the monsoon drops kiss the earth, India’s landscapes undergo a magical transformation. From the cloud-draped cliffs to blooming plateaus, the rains breathe new life into nature’s canvas. Whether it’s the floral carpets of Kaas Pathar or the rain-soaked beauty of Cherrapunjee, these destinations promise lush escapes and unforgettable memories. Here’s a guide to five picture-perfect monsoon getaways, each offering a unique blend of adventure, peace, and seasonal splendour. Pack your raincoat and let the journey begin.
Love Letters of Cherrapunjee
Often referred to as Sohra, it is the rain that makes Cherrapunjee a beautiful destination. The breathtaking place resides in the misty hills of Meghalaya and is an enchanting destination to explore during the monsoon season. It transforms into a rain-drenched paradise where nature puts on a mesmerising show. Already renowned as one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunjee comes alive with cascading waterfalls, verdant forests, and emerald terraced slopes that glisten under persistent rain. The monsoon breathes magic into the landscape as the clouds drift low, clinging to moss-covered trees and ancient cliffs. The living root bridges reveal the ingenuity of local tribes. Streets turn into playful streams and the air is thick with petrichor, the earthy aroma after rain. With every droplet, Cherrapunjee tells a story of forgotten legends, hidden trails and the timeless beauty.
Wild Blooms at Kaas Pathar
Kaas Pathar, or Kaas Plateau, will make you stunned during the rains with 850 species of plants and flowers. It is located in the Sahyadri sub-cluster of the Western Ghats, just 25 kilometres from Satara in Maharashtra. Being recognised as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, this lively plateau bursts into a spectacular bloom during the monsoon season. For a brief period of about two weeks, the landscape transforms into a living carpet of wildflowers in hues of yellow, pink, blue and white. It is also a home to endemic birds, bees, spiders, and snakes, Kaas is a biodiversity hotspot. Waterfalls, ponds, and surrounding forests add to its natural charm, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Magical Canvas of Coorg
Often called the “Scotland of India,” it is during the monsoon that Coorg turns magical. It is a misty, green paradise tucked away in Karnataka’s Western Ghats. The rains breathe life into its sprawling coffee plantations, forested hills and tumbling waterfalls. They create a refreshing escape for nature lovers. Despite the seasonal showers, Coorg remains a safe and accessible destination, thanks to its dependable infrastructure and mild weather. Abbey Falls becomes a thunderous spectacle, while Raja’s Seat offers panoramic views often cloaked in romantic mist.
Heavenly Escape of Lonavala
Resting between Mumbai and Pune as a perfect monsoon escape, renowned for its mist-covered hills, cascading waterfalls and refreshing greenery, Lonavala awaits you during the monsoon. Easily accessible and safe for travel even during the rains, the place offers a peaceful yet invigorating retreat for weekend travellers. The monsoon transforms the region into a heaven, with gentle showers enhancing the natural beauty without major disruptions. Popular spots like Bhushi Dam become lively hubs where visitors enjoy splashing in the flowing water over rocky terrain.
Walks of Nature at Wayanad
In the verdant Western Ghats of Kerala is a picturesque destination that truly comes alive during the monsoon known as Wayanad. Light to moderate showers sweep across the region, enhancing the greenery and charm of its rolling hills, spice plantations, and misty landscapes. With well-maintained roads and reliable infrastructure, Wayanad remains a safe and accessible monsoon getaway. Highlights include Banasura Sagar Dam, India’s largest earthen dam and the Soochipara Falls, perfect for nature walks and photography.
Elephants say hi at coorg
At Dubare Elephant Camp visitors can interact with elephants by feeding, bathing, and observing them up close. Talacauvery, the sacred origin of the River Cauvery, is equally enchanting during this time, wrapped in rain-washed foliage.