Top 10 Places To Visit In Monsoon In India

With its vast and varied landscape, India transforms into a paradise during the monsoon season. The rain showers bring a fresh lease of life to its terrain, making it an ideal time for travellers to explore its beauty. From the foggy hills in the North to the verdant backwaters in the South, the monsoon paints the country in shades of green and blue.

Here’s a rundown of the top 10 places you must visit in India with your friends, family or a solo experience during the monsoon season.

Munnar – Kerala (20°C)
Udaipur – Rajasthan (25°C)
Coorg – Karnataka (18°C)
Shillong – Meghalaya (15°C)
Goa – (28°C)
Lonavala – Maharashtra (22°C)
Darjeeling – West Bengal (17°C)
Alleppey – Kerala (25°C)
Orchha – Madhya Pradesh (27°C)
Kodaikanal – Tamil Nadu (19°C)

1. Munnar, Kerala – The Emerald Green Tea Estates

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When it comes to best places to visit in rainy season in India, Munnar in the Western Ghats is an attractive hill station that becomes even more enchanting during the monsoon. The rains transform the already lush tea gardens into a vibrant green canvas that stretches as far as the eye can see.

How to Reach: The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport, approximately 110 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar. Alternatively, you can reach Munnar by train via Aluva Railway Station, 110 km away, followed by a taxi or bus ride.

Why Visit: Munnar’s misty landscapes, waterfalls like Attukal and Nyayamakad, and sprawling tea estates make it a monsoon paradise, getting lost in the tea plantations or enjoying a warm cup of local tea as you watch the rainfall is an experience in itself.

Local Culture & Food: The town thrives with local art forms like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu. Don’t miss out on trying the local cuisine, especially the Kerala-style fish curry.

Things to Do: Trekking, plantation tours, and wildlife spotting in Eravikulam National Park are popular activities during this season.

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan – A Royal Monsoon Retreat

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ Udaipur’s charm multiplies a hundredfold in the monsoon. The rain-washed landscapes and cool weather provide a perfect backdrop to explore its historic forts and palaces.

How to Reach: Maharana Pratap Airport (Udaipur Airport) is the nearest airport, about 22 km from the city center. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach Udaipur. Udaipur is also well-connected by rail and road to major cities in India.

Why Visit: The magnificent City Palace reflecting on the serene waters of Lake Pichola is a sight to behold during the monsoon. Boat rides in the lake, with views of the palaces and temples, are particularly magical in this weather.

Local Culture & Food: Udaipur’s rich history is mirrored in its vibrant cultural scene—folk dances, music performances, and art exhibitions abound. Sampling Rajasthani dishes like Dal Bati Churma and Laal Maas in the cool monsoon weather is highly recommended.

Things to Do: Explore the city’s royal heritage at City Palace, Monsoon Palace, and take a stroll through Saheliyon ki Bari, a beautiful garden.

3. Coorg, Karnataka – The Monsoon Wonderland

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Coorg, or Kodagu, is often referred to as the Scotland of India. The monsoon season brings out the best in Coorg, with its coffee plantations and wooded slopes getting a fresh lease of life.

How to Reach: The nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore Airport, about 160 km away. Alternatively, Bangalore Airport is 265 km away. You can hire a taxi from either airport or take a bus to Coorg. Mysore Railway Station, 120 km away, is the closest railhead.

Why Visit: Trekking through rain-soaked forests and plantations is a surreal experience. The Abbey and Iruppu Falls are in full flow, offering spectacular views.

Local Culture & Food: The Kodava cuisine, with specialties like Pandi Curry (pork curry) and Akki Roti (rice rotis), is a must-try. The local culture, with its unique traditions and festivals, is fascinating.

Things to Do: Exploring Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, trekking in Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and visiting the Namdroling Monastery.

4. Shillong, Meghalaya – The Abode of Clouds

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Shillong, known as the abode of clouds, lives up to its name during the monsoon. The city and its surroundings offer lush landscapes and numerous waterfalls.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport, about 30 km from the city. However, it has limited connectivity. The more convenient option is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, about 125 km away. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong.

Why Visit: The misty hills, roaring waterfalls like Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai Falls, and the panoramic views from Shillong Peak are mesmerizing.

Local Culture & Food: Meghalayan cuisine offers unique dishes like Jadoh and Nakham Bitchi. The city’s vibrant culture, music scene, and local markets are also worth exploring.

Things to Do: Boating in Umiam Lake, exploring Mawlynnong Village, and walking on the Living Root Bridges.

5. Goa – A Different Monsoon Charm

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The party capital of India shows a different side during the monsoon. The beaches are serene, and the hinterlands become a vibrant green, offering a tranquil retreat.

How to Reach: Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport) is the main gateway, located about 30 km from Panaji. Goa is also well-connected by rail and road. From the airport or railway station, you can hire a taxi to reach your destination.

Why Visit: The Dudhsagar Falls are a majestic sight in full flow. Spice plantations and wildlife sanctuaries offer a different monsoon experience.

Local Culture & Food: Seafood is a staple here, with dishes like Goan Fish Curry dominating the menu. The state’s Portuguese heritage is reflected in its architecture, festivals, and music.

Things to Do: Visit spice plantations, explore the lush countryside on a bike, and enjoy the quieter, more serene beaches.

6. Lonavala, Maharashtra – The Misty Getaway

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This hill station comes alive with verdant greenery, cascading waterfalls, and mist-covered hills, making it a popular monsoon getaway.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, about 70 km away. Lonavala is also well-connected by rail and road to Mumbai and Pune. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport or railway station to reach Lonavala.

Why Visit: The viewpoints like Tiger’s Leap and Lion’s Point offer spectacular views of the landscape. The Bhushi Dam and Lonavala Lake are also worth visiting.

Local Culture & Food: Chikki, a traditional sweet, is a must-try here. The local Marathi culture is evident in the cuisine and festivals.

Things to Do: Trekking to Rajmachi Fort, visiting Karla Caves, and enjoying the waterfalls.

If you’re in Maharashtra and looking for the best places to visit during the rainy season in Maharashtra, you can check out our blog post here.

7. Darjeeling, West Bengal – The Queen of Hills

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

The monsoon paints the tea gardens of Darjeeling in vibrant hues of green. The cool and misty weather adds to the charm of this hill station.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, about 70 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to Darjeeling. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 62 km away, from where taxis and shared cabs are available.

Why Visit: The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, offers scenic vistas. The tea estates and the view of Kangchenjunga at sunrise from Tiger Hill are breathtaking.

Local Culture & Food: Taste the famous Darjeeling tea and try local Tibetan dishes like Momos and Thukpa. The blend of cultures is seen in the food, festivals, and daily life.

Things to Do: Visit the tea estates, ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

8. Alleppey, Kerala – The Backwater Heaven

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is best known for its houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters. The monsoon enhances the beauty of the backwaters, making it a must-visit.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 83 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Alleppey. Alleppey is also well-connected by rail, with Alleppey Railway Station serving the town.

Why Visit: The lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, and tranquil backwaters create a stunning landscape. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in August is a major attraction.

Local Culture & Food: Enjoy traditional Keralite cuisine on a banana leaf. The culture is rich with classical dances, colorful festivals, and unique art forms.

Things to Do: Stay in a houseboat, visit Alappuzha Beach, and experience the Snake Boat Race.

9. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh – The Hidden Gem

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Orchha, with its grand historical monuments, temples, and the Betwa River, becomes a picturesque site during the monsoon.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Gwalior Airport, about 125 km away. Jhansi Railway Station is the closest railhead, around 16 km from Orchha. From Jhansi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Orchha.

Why Visit: The Orchha Fort complex and Jehangir Mahal are must-visits. The lush surroundings and less crowded monuments offer a peaceful retreat.

Local Culture & Food: The Bundelkhandi cuisine, with its spicy flavors, is worth trying. The town’s history is reflected in its architecture and local crafts.

Things to Do: Rafting in the Betwa River, exploring the fort complex, and visiting the Raja Ram Temple.

10. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu – The Princess of Hill Stations

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Kodaikanal is a haven of tranquility, especially during the monsoon when the mist envelopes its hills and waterfalls, creating a mystical atmosphere.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, about 120 km away. Kodai Road Railway Station is the closest railhead, around 80 km from Kodaikanal. From Kodai Road, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodaikanal.

Why Visit: The Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, and the Pillar Rocks offer stunning views. The waterfalls in the area, particularly Silver Cascade, are a sight to behold.

Local Culture & Food: Try the homemade chocolates and the local South Indian cuisine. The culture is laid-back, with art, music, and nature walks being popular among locals and visitors alike.

Things to Do: Boating in Kodaikanal Lake, trekking to Dolphin’s Nose, and visiting Coaker’s Walk for panoramic views.