Top 10 Breathtaking Places to Visit in India During Monsoon for a Magical Rainy Getaway

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The monsoon season brings a sense of relaxation and stillness to our lives. As soon as the first dew drop touches our cheeks, we feel a gush of emotions running through us. That’s when our hearts sing and say, “It’s time for a vacation.” The soothing climate attracts us towards the Indian landscapes, asking us to catch a break and explore them. However, with a plethora of options to choose from, how does one select the ideal places to visit in India during monsoon?

The monsoon in India is more than just a weather shift—it’s a dramatic transformation that breathes life into the land, turns cities lush, and makes the countryside come alive in vibrant green hues. Covering nearly the entire country from June to September, the monsoon is both essential and awe-inspiring, shaping agriculture, culture, and travel in profound ways.

Why visit during monsoon?

• Essential lifeline: 80% of India’s rainfall powers agriculture and hydroelectricity .
• Spectacular scenery: From misty hills in Kerala and Karnataka to thundering waterfalls like Athirappilly Waterfalls in Kerala,  and Chhattisgarh’s Chitrakote Falls
• Budget-friendly travel: Luxury hotels slash prices, and iconic monuments are serene with fewer crowds .
• Photography paradise: Dramatic skies, vibrant greenery, and misty landscapes offer prime photo ops .

List of Places to Visit in India During Monsoon

During this season, destinations across India showcase their most romantic and scenic sides. Kerala’s backwaters, already serene, become dreamlike under cloudy skies and drizzling rain. Hill stations like Munnar, Coorg, and Lonavala turn misty and magical, while waterfalls in Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh thunder down with renewed vigor. Even bustling cities like Mumbai and Kolkata reveal a quieter charm as monsoon showers wash over colonial architecture and bustling markets.

 

1. Munnar, Kerala

Munnar in Kerala is a magnificent sight, especially during the monsoon and is among the top Places to Visit in India During Monsoon. The small town along the Western Ghats is known for its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and scenery. However, these attractions turn even more magical during the rainy season.

Attractions to Explore:

•   Walk through rain-soaked tea plantations
•       Check out the beautiful Kundala Lake for a boat tour
•       Ride an elephant at the Carmelagiri Park
•       Soak in the valleys of Eravikulum National Park

Travel Tip: Sometimes, heavy rainfall results in a landslide. Check the weather forecast and tread carefully.

ALSO SEE- 8 Best luxury resorts in Munnar

2. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Cherrapunji receives the maximum amount of rainfall every year. A place as beautiful as this shall not be missed out on.

Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is famed for its near-constant rainfall and stunning natural beauty. During the monsoon, the entire landscape bursts into a thousand shades of green. Gushing waterfalls like Nohkalikai—the tallest plunge waterfall in India—roar with renewed life. Mawsmai Caves, filled with dramatic limestone formations, become even more intriguing in the damp, echo-filled quiet. Living root bridges, created over generations by the local Khasi tribe, glisten with dew and feel like something from a fairytale.

But what truly sets Cherrapunji apart during the rains is the surreal atmosphere. The clouds dip so low that you often walk through them, giving the whole region an ethereal feel. Morning fog lifts to reveal panoramic views of deep gorges and winding rivers, while the earthy scent of wet soil and pine fills the air.

Attractions to Explore:

•       Trek through the Living Root bridge
•       Be awestruck by the Nohsngithiang Falls, a seven-segmented waterfall
•       Go on an adventurous expedition to the Mawsmai Caves
•       Meet the natives of Mawsynram Village and learn about their heritage

Travel Tip: Roads can be slippery due to heavy rain. Walk and trek carefully to avoid mishaps.

3. Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Lonavala is a favourite quick getaway destination for Mumbai and Pune residents. As soon as monsoon hits, the town turns into a green paradise with mist-covered valleys and waterfall-embraced hills.

Mahabaleshwar is 3 hours away from Lonavala, and is an equally fascinating attraction. This town is known for its strawberry farms and promises a memorable experience during the monsoon.

Attractions to Explore:

•       Hike to Rajmachi Fort
•       Plan a picnic and witness the waterfall at Bhushi Dam
•       Enjoy a boat ride at Venna Lake
•       Check out the gushing Lingmala Waterfall

Travel Tip: Pack rain essentials to ensure that your experience isn’t compromised.

ALSO SEE- Is it Safe to Travel to India?- Travel Advisory for India

4. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur receives moderate rainfall, making it a pleasant yet safe travel destination in India. Monsoons elevate the scenic beauty of the palaces and lakes instead of causing traffic inconvenience. So, if you are a history buff and looking for the perfect time to visit Udaipur, the rainy season is your best friend.

Attractions to Explore:

•       Tour the beautiful Lake Pichola, an architectural marvel
•       Walk up to the Monsoon Palace and get a panoramic view of the city skyline
•       Walk through the Saheliyon ki Bari with your partner

Travel Tip: The rainfall is moderate in Udaipur, making it a comfortable choice for travellers.

ALSO SEE – Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

5. Mount Abu , Rajasthan

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan, and turns into a magical wonderland during monsoon. The destination is perfect for those who are looking for a quiet escape and want to experience serenity.

Attractions to Explore:

•       Explore tribal handicrafts and cuisine
•       Book a boat tour at Nakki Lake
•       Visit temples and seek blessings from the deity

Travel Tip: The weather becomes quite pleasant during monsoon, making it suitable for expeditions.

ALSO SEE- Best Places to Visit in Western Ghats, India

6. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling, the Queen of Hills, turns into a paradise during the monsoon. This scenic town in West Bengal has tea gardens enveloped with raindrops and clouds floating everywhere. Sit on your balcony, enjoy a hot cup of Darjeeling tea with your partner, and let go of the worries.

Attractions to Explore:

•       Go for a Himalayan railway ride
•       Watch the glorious sunrise at Tiger Hill
•       Explore the fragrant tea hills

Travel Tip: The toy train ride during monsoon is an unmissable experience.

7. Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg is an evergreen tourist destination. However, its glory amplifies during the monsoon. The gushing waterfalls, dense forests, and plantations make it a magical paradise for everyone. What makes Scotland of India irresistible is its cool climate and pleasant surroundings.

Attractions to Explore:

•       Taste freshly-brewed coffee from the plantation
•       Trek through spice plantations and cloud-covered slopes
•       Play and take care of elephants at the Dubare Elephant Camp

Travel Tip: Coorg is not a hot spot during the monsoon season, making it ideal for tourists looking for solitude.

ALSO SEE-North India or South India – Where to Travel?

8. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

The Princess of Hill Stations isn’t to be missed on the list of places to visit in India during the monsoon. Its forests, hills, and lakes come together to promise a magical experience to whoever visits. Kodaikanal is also a romantic destination, owing to the fresh air and morning mist everywhere.

Attractions to Explore:

•       Please your eyes with the beautiful sight of Bear Shola and Silver Cascade Falls.
•       Take a boat ride in the rain at Kodaikanal Lake.
•       Witness the blooming flowers at Bryant Park, especially during the rainy season.

Travel Tip: Rainfall can be intense in Kodaikanal, so plan your vacation accordingly.

9. Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong is a safe travel destination during the monsoon season, as urbanisation always ensures comfort. Although it receives significant rain, the Meghalaya Capital has a well-established drainage system. You can easily explore the town’s aesthetic attractions like lakes and waterfalls.

Attractions to Explore:

•       Take a boat ride or enjoy a picnic at the Umiam Lake.
•       Explore the three-tiered Elephant Falls.
•       Enjoy solitude at Ward’s Lake, a charming attraction amid Shillong.

Travel Tip: You can savour the traditional food items like jadoh, momos, and tungrymbai.

10. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

Ranikhet is a hidden gem in Uttarakhand, and turns into a delightful sight for tourists during the monsoon. This town is away from the city centre and is perfect for those looking to escape. The weather remains pleasant throughout the season and promises nothing but cosy memories.

Attractions to Explore:

•       Enjoy the tranquillity of Chaubatia Gardens
•       Indulge in bird watching at the Majkhali Woods
•       Relax and bask in the sun at Bhalu Dham

Travel Tip: Bring waterproof gear to reap the maximum benefits of the weather

For travelers, monsoon is the perfect time to experience India without the heavy crowds. Hotels and homestays often offer discounted rates, and the landscapes are at their most photogenic. While the weather can be unpredictable, the rewards—mist-covered valleys, cool mountain air, vibrant festivals, and fewer tourists—make it worth the journey.

Still, the monsoon requires a spirit of adventure. Roads may be slippery, transport delays are common, and travel plans may need flexibility. But for those who embrace the season, India during the rains offers an unforgettable and uniquely soulful experience.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring the Western Ghats, or enjoying a quiet chai by the window, the monsoon reveals India in its most poetic form.

That’s where this blog acts as a mini travel guide. It lists the destinations that turn into a magical paradise between June and September. So, if you are planning to go on holiday but are confused about where to go, dive in and finalise.