Travel is a beautiful word; it evokes memories of childhood vacations, when there was little to worry about but the pending homework, it is a word that transports people to a place of fond memories or unfulfilled dreams. Travel in its true essence is more than ticking places off a bucket list. In fact, travel is a constant stream of experiences; good, bad, ugly, exciting, frightening, but in the end, all of them are downright marvelous.
When talking about travel experiences in India, there is nothing quite like the tales that emanate from every rain-drenched person in the country. There is so much to see and enjoy in the country, but in the monsoons, every destination gets a fresh and rejuvenated look. The streets are washed clean, little streams collect sufficient water to become raging rivers, the vegetation glows a healthy green, children come out to play in the puddles and float paper boats, and you desire a cup of hot coffee and samosa as you stare out of the rain-drenched window. There is no better travel memory than the ones associated with the monsoon experience in India. Enjoy a glimpse of some rain-drenched images from the monsoon travels in India, that we absolutely love!
Humayun's Tomb In The Rains, Delhi
Monsoons in the capital city of Delhi is a welcome break from the incessant heat of summers and biting cold of the winters. Explore the many places of historic and cultural significance such as the Humayun's Tomb, supposedly the first such garden-tomb to be built in India.
Photo Courtesy:Panoramas
The Unique Charm of South Indian Temples In The Rains
There is a special charm associated with South Indian temples, especially in the rains. The otherwise sweltering town of Kanchipuram has much to offer during the monsoon season. Explore the Ekambareswara temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, which is also the largest temple complex in the city.
Photo Courtesy: McKay Savage
Temple Stones Washed In The Rains
Thirukadaiyur is a temple town located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Experience the mesmerising temple architecture, that is only further enhanced during the rains. Regardless of the weather, rituals go as per the norm. The mixture of heady temple fragrances and the smell of rain will make the trip unforgettable.
Photo Courtesy: Natesh Ramasamy
Football Fever In The Monsoons
Monsoon is not always the time to sit indoors. It is the time to get out there and enjoy the rains, like the group of boys in West Bengal, who were caught up in the football fever.
Photo Courtesy: Dipanker Dutta
Riding The Rains
Pune and the surrounding areas come alive during the monsoons. The landscape that dries up mercilessly during the summers turns green and lush after the first rains. The ideal place to go for a weekend getaway or drive!
Photo Courtesy: Shankar S
Monsoon Glory At The Waterfalls
Monsoons are the best time to make a visit to the many waterfalls that India is famous for. Make a trip to the scenic town of Wayanad and relax amidst the soothing nature. Make sure you visit the Soochipara Falls that falls from a height of 656 ft and looks glorious in the monsoons.
Photo Courtesy: Sankara Subramanian
The River Grows
Shoranur is a small town in Kerala, situated on the banks of river Bharathapuzha. Located near Palakkad, this little town has much to offer. The surrounding scenic vistas and the river that grows with the monsoons are a must-visit.
Photo Courtesy:P Das Arayil
Lush Greenery Born Of Rains
A popular holiday destination in Maharashtra, Lonavala is an idyllic hill station. Located in the Sahyadri ranges, the place offers many activities for tourists from exploring caves to trekking amidst the scenic beauty of the hills. Situated at a short distance from Mumbai, it makes a great weekend getaway.
Photo Courtesy:solarisgirl
City Lights Reflected In The Rain
You can enjoy the rains even in a busy city like Mumbai. While the rains are welcome as a relief from the heat, it also makes certain places in the city more beautiful. Make sure you visit the marine drive and enjoy the splash of the waves!
Photo Courtesy:Michael Kohli
Houses That Got A Fresh Coat Of Rain!
Pune is a city that offers plenty of weekend getaway options. The nearby hill stations are great for a monsoon trip. Take yourself to relax and rejuvenate amidst the greenery of the postcard town- Panchgani.
Photo Courtesy:Suddhasatwa Bhaumik
Hot Snacks On A Rainy Afternoon
Among the popular hill stations in Maharashtra is Mahabaleshwar, situated a short distance from Pune. There is much to see here such as caves, viewpoints and lakes. It is also a great place to camp out and enjoy the clear night sky. Head to Mahabaleshwar for a great monsoon outing.
Photo Courtesy:Dhinal Chheda
Rain Drenched Western Ghats
The mountains that constitute the Western Ghats begin at the Gujarat-Maharashtra border and traverse through the states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is considered to be among the top biodiversity hotspots in the country and can provide the most scenic vistas and adventurous drive during the rains.
Photo Courtesy: ptwo
Enjoying The Shower
Monsoons provides one of the best times to observe nature. The activity of watching birds dry themselves after a shower can last more than a few minutes. Though most sanctuaries are closed to visitors during peak monsoons, the surrounding nature in cities also come alive during the season and proves to be a welcome break from the concrete jungle.
Photo Courtesy: Nikhil Verma
Approaching Rains
Though Goa is popular as a winter getaway, to enjoy the sunny beaches and cool waters. It is also an interesting monsoon destination. The abundant greenery, overflowing streams and even the beaches take on an unique charm during the rains.
Photo Courtesy: Aniket Thakur
A Heavenly Dip
Kudremukh is a beautiful place in Karnataka that has a lot to offer during the monsoons from lakes to national parks and trekking activities. You must visit the Kadambi Falls at Kudremukh, which displays its full force during the monsoons. Surrounded by thick forests, the waterfall is popular among tourists.
Photo Courtesy:Karunakar Rayker
Rain-coated Walks!
The town of Matheran in Maharashtra is a unique place. It is one of the few such places in India that do not allow the usage of motorised vehicles (except the ambulance). But there are many other fun ways to traverse through Matheran. You can opt to ride a horse or even walk the lovely trails. Also, don't miss the toy train experience from Neral to Matheran.
Photo Courtesy:McKay Savage
Monsoon Games
Nestled in the Himalayas, Sikkim is a land of much beauty, both natural and man-made. You can explore the many Buddhist monasteries, waterfalls, streams, parks and hot springs. It is definitely a unique destination for monsoon travel in the country.
Photo Courtesy:Abhijit Kar Gupta
Prosperous Harvest
The monsoons in India bring great relief to the farmers and provides scenic views for travellers across the country, as the many national and state highways cross regions of agricultural cultivation. The fields of soothing green is definitely among the highlights of monsoon travel in the country.
Photo Courtesy: Shankar S
The Ripple Effect
Udaipur in Rajasthan is also known as the 'City of Lakes'. It proves to be a great monsoon holiday destination, with the many water bodies and even monuments such as the Monsoon Palace. Built by the royals to enjoy the view of the rains, the palace also offers a great view of the city.
Photo Courtesy:McKay Savage
The Monsoon Fort
Amer in Rajasthan has a beautiful attraction that brings in travellers from the world over. The Amer Fort or Amer Palace, overlooking the Maota lake is one of the most scenic destinations during the monsoons. The old fort and palace have stunning Hindu architecture, the brimming lake and greenery only adds to the beauty.
Photo Courtesy:McKay Savage
A Rainy Evening Out
Monsoon travel in the country is incomplete without the mention of the bustling markets that provide shopping and hot treats for the taste-buds. Nothing makes the rains more enjoyable than hot snacks and chai. A view of one of India's oldest and most popular markets, the Old Market in Kolkata.
Photo Courtesy:Rajarshi Mitra
Riding Into The Storm
The monsoon season also provides the best of adventure travel in India. No, we are not referring to adventure sports such as rafting or paragliding, which is closed during the rains, but nothing stops you from taking to the roads for a monsoon drive. The view of one such exciting prospect along the national highway to Madhya Pradesh.
Photo Courtesy:Rajarshi Mitra
Taking A Leap Of Faith!
If you wish to experience the true grandeur of the monsoons, head over to Malappuram in Kerala. True to its name, Malappuram is surrounded by scenic hills and has many water streams cutting across the town. If you are willing to ignore the bad roads, Kerala can amaze you with the many monsoon destinations it has to offer.
Photo Courtesy:Dhruvaraj S
The Raging Storms
Chennai is popular as one of the most hot and humid cities in the country. But on the arrival of rains, the city becomes surprisingly cool and green. Make a visit to the beach or catch a view of the rain-drenched surroundings from the lighthouse.
Photo Courtesy:Vinoth Chandar
The Last Leg Of Monsoons
As we enter the last leg of the monsoon season, head out to one of the many picturesque destinations that can leave you drenched to the soul with happiness and unforgettable memories of nature, beauty, friendship and bonding!
Photo Courtesy:Rajarshi Mitra