India's Top Monsoon Destinations

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India's Top Monsoon Destinations

You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s a part of it. - Denzel Washington
Many love monsoons and simply love getting wet in rains. After a dry and scorching summer, monsoon is a change in everyone's life. With monsoon coming in, India welcomes with a lively nature with beautiful landscapes of cool lush greenery.
The sight of first rains and the mud smell makes a soothing and a comforting combination. Children love playing in rain, playing football, go for cycling or just get wet. If you are not among them who thinks monsoon can ruin travel but love rain and greenery, go ahead with your travel plans as traveling would be adventurous at this time.
Monsoon Vacations and getaways are very popular among people holidaying for waterfalls, greenery or some water adventures or enjoy honeymoon peacefully. Some destinations are listed as off season as many visitors don't turn up in monsoons but if you really want to experience the beauty there are many places to visit.
India offers some beautiful and lovely and simply worth exploring destinations during monsoon. Have a look!!

Ladakh
Ladakh is an ideal destination to visit during the Indian monsoon, between May and September.
Ladakh is known for its mountain beauty and culture, tucked within two of the world’s highest mountain ranges, the Himalayas and the Karakoram. The capital, Leh, is situated at an altitude of 3,500 m (10,500 ft).
Often referred to as “Little Tibet”, Ladakh has been strongly influenced by Tibetan culture.
The land brims with unique and mystifying “gompas” (monasteries) perched on soaring hilltops and often dwarfed by snowcapped mountains.
Ladakh’s people are delightful, with their Tibetan warmth and colorful clothing. This is most clearly seen during the many festivals that usually occur from June through to August. During these occasions, religious mask dances typically depict the battle between good and evil and locals enjoy chang, the local barley beer, popular during such social gatherings
Leh has a lot to offer for nature and adventure lovers as well in the form of para gliding and hiking. Here you get the option to choose your trekking trails if you wish to go for a long trek. White water rafting is also possible during this time along the Indus River in Leh as well as the Shayok River in the Nubra Valley. The Nubra Valley, on Khardung La, here is the world’s highest motorable road that is another unforgettable trip.  One can even see the hanging glaciers, green villages, Buddhist monasteries while on the journey along the Zanskar River that makes this journey even more spectacular.  There are camel safaris in Nubra Valley as well.
Or, simply encounter the ethereal by sitting under the starry night sky with a small bonfire close by and the great expanse of the Himalayas surrounding you. Wat else do you need except spending a peaceful time in this beautiful place.

Kerala
Kerala is the first state to receive monsoon every year. Even though God’s Own Country remains carpeted in green, monsoon brings an unmatched vibrancy to the state and are the most enchanting in India. With green pastures at its best, it is the most sought after destination during rainy season and the best time to enjoy the beauty of Kerala is during when the states backwaters are surrounded with lush greenery and waterfalls giving a different feel to the entire place. With its abundant waterfalls and natural lakes, Kerala is the best monsoon destination among locals as well as International tourists.
Just imagine what it would feel like laying back in the comfort of your house-boat, sipping onto some hot coffee as you enjoy the beauty that surrounds you from the window of your house-boat, with the sound of the rain hitting the roof creating a different beat – A truly magical experience indeed!
Be sure to visit some of the wild life sanctuaries such as Chenthuruni, Aralam and Wayanad which are operational during the monsoons as well. Finally top up your monsoon vacation with a rejuvenating spa massage in one of the world’s most renowned spa destinations.

Goa
when nature flourishes, the rain brings refreshment and romance, and Goa takes on a more traditional flavor. Travel to Goa during the monsoon and you'll be able to experience it the local Goan way. India has some surprisingly scenic beaches that offer everything from action to solitude.Particularly Goa is a home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world and offer everyone, from luxury resorts to huts, Trance parties to tranquility and Sea food shacks to ambiance restaurants. Goa in Monsoon is a completely different experience. Beaches are deserted, rains are intermittent heavy to very heavy and countryside is lovely with waterfalls, mist and greenery.
In Goa, if U want to be amidst Dinchak happenings, then the Beaches of North Goa are the best and in case U r in Goa just for relaxing in a complete solitude, then the Beaches of South Goa are the perfect destinations. South Goa beaches are less crowded, clean, less commercialized and also have private dining restaurants at the sea shore. Whereas beaches of North Goa are fully commercialized and have various water sports, wine n dine options.
The smell of the earth in the first rains is the sweetest smell; everything seems so fresh and new. You can choose what you want, whether it is visiting the waterfalls, or hiking through forests and mountains or bird watching or merely sitting indoors romanticizing with your partner. This is definitely the best time of year to check out the waterfalls and enjoy the beauty of Goa.

Coorg
Beautiful green landscapes, wet lands, cool breezes and amazing climate are some of monsoon's highlights in Coorg. The long stretches of rich coffee plantations,never ending paddy fields, chirping of the birds and the dark sky above is absolutely something to look forward to, which the rainy season enhances and brings out the best in them. You can Witness these heavy showers and make the most of the alluring beauty. The aroma and the aura of coffee plantations will certainly make you fall in love with this place.
It has mesmerizing mountain ranges all over with luscious greenery and the tranquil waters of Cauvery river flowing through the hilly area.
Coorg is one of India's famous travel destination and has been called "The Scotland of India" by British and also called as the Kashmir of South India.
Coorg's natural beauty, the people, the culture and their food is the major attraction which draws people from all over the world.
It gives a rejuvenating feel to those who visit this place.

Cherrapunjee (Meghalaya)
The upland of Meghalaya plays a perfect host to the massive rainfall from May to September every year. It is an ethereal condition unlike any other, of the extremes of nature and of mystery and magic brought by the monsoons. It is the second wettest place on the planet and the only place in India to receive rain throughout the year. People here also have unique cultures and dressing style which in a way is influenced by the exceptional climatic conditions. It can be appropriately said that during the rainy season, Meghalaya truly depicts the meaning of its name of being ‘the abode of clouds’. During this time the air is filled with mist, caves become even deeper the forests turn virgin green in color, and a number of waterfalls come alive with heavy falls and a thunderous sound. Besides, enjoying the rains, Cherrapunji is also a good place for trekking.Rock climbing and camping can also be indulged in Cherrapunji.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls
During the monsoon season, the falls are transformed into one of the most powerful falls in India. Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India's 5th tallest waterfall,and is 227th in the world at 310 m and is known as Sea of Milk. The monsoon is slowly building to a peak, and this is the time to explore the magnificent Dudhsagar Falls on the Goa-Karnataka border. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa stand as on of the highest and the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The rail route that passes through the waterfall is more of a boon for the people interested in viewing natural beauty.Trekking to the waterfall is the most popular activity and passes through steep mountain terrain. Jeep safari is also popular with tourists. There are four routes to reach the waterfall. The most adventurous trek starts from Kuveshi village. It is not allowed during monsoon as it requires cross the Mandovi River. The 10 km long route passes through thick jungle.
During monsoon, the trek from Castle Rock railway station to the waterfall is very popular. It is about 14 km long and offers amazing views of the valley. The third trail starting from Collem railway station or Kulhem railway station; is about 11 km long. Though scenic it is not as popular as the trail from Castle Rock.

Rajasthan
There is something special about the monsoons in Rajasthan. When rain comes down on the dusty lands baked in the oppressive Indian summer, it’s not only the brown surface that turns verdant green but also the joy on the face of the locals that touches your heart forever. No wonder, palaces have been built here to watch the dance of the clouds and songs have been written in the glory of the monsoons.  No trip to Rajasthan is complete without a stay in one of the heritage hotels made out of the palaces and Havelis of yesteryears. The monsoon season is a lean time for these hotels and they generally offer a good 30-40% discount on the base tariffs. Teej Festival is held every year during the month of July/August. It marks the advent of monsoon and is celebrated widely by the married women of Rajasthan.
There aren’t too many cities in Rajasthan that can boast of a Monsoon Palace, Udaipur though, proudly hosts one. The Sajjangarh Palace, popularly known as the Monsoon Palace - was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar dynasty in 1884. The palace, perched on top of the Aravalli Hills provides panoramic views of Udaipur city and the surrounding greenery.
Udaipur’s lakes also come alive during the monsoons and its one of the best times to visit the city.

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bubble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams – Ashley Smith