Umbrella. Check. Rain boots. Check. A smartphone with a waterproof camera. Check. Your holiday check list for this rainy season is complete. Rains unleash the most picturesque side of the country. Who wouldn't like to take a hike in this perfect weather to capture some memories? Embrace yourself for these 10 breathtaking monsoon destinations in India, cherry picked for you.
- Munnar, Kerala
Need we say anything? Munnar and its expansive estates of lush green plantations are a treat to the eyes during monsoons. Add to this a beautiful cottage at the top of the hill and clouds surrounding it. Care to take a photo?
In the midst of your ever-so-busy lives, if you want to take a moment and breathe in some fresh air, Coorg is where you need to be. And monsoons are the perfect time of the year to soak in the serenity. Just sit and watch it all go by. Time, the rain, the stillness of life...Too philosophical eh? Well, that's the Coorg effect.
Rumours have it that Jim Corbett remains closed during monsoons, well that's just a rumour. Did you know you could do rafting in the Kosi river only during monsoons? So what do you want to believe? Who knows you could get to capture the royal tigers during your early morning rides to Jhirna zone.
A mixture of mythology and natural beauty makes Deoria Tal an enchanting place to visit especially during the monsoons when the little lake is brimming with emerald green water. Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks on a clear day you might be lucky enough to catch a captivating reflection of these peaks on the lake waters. Enclosed by thick forests and lush greenery this place is a trekker's delight.
Smitten by royalty? Rains will only add to their beauty. The city of lakes looks like never before when the skies pour. The royal palace hotels amidst the lakes, the shikara rides and the crispy bites of the hot and spicy Kachoris, defines the perfect monsoon moment in Udaipur. Two days here and you'd completely be rejuvenated.
The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, this destination is an epitome of incredible India during monsoons. Caves, waterfalls, fresh water streams, beautiful green landscapes you names it and Panchmari has it. In the heart of central India lies this peaceful hill station still considered to be a virgin destination amongst travellers.
Elegantly located at the foothills of Shivalik ranges, Parwanoo is a serene getaway not so far from the country's capital but far enough from the fast lanes of city life. Enjoy the beauty of this place from the Timber Trail cable car, an absolutely delightful sight from up there.
And you thought Darjeeling was its best during summers, take a trip during monsoons and you'd have this notion changed. The quaint city mesmerizes you with its charms as you relax at a tea estate sipping the best of the Darjeeling teas. The place really offers you some 'me' time.
Typical woody countryside, Malshej Ghat is known for its rich flora and fauna. Rains bring amazing charm to this beautiful hill station. The verdant valleys and woody forests of Malshej react to the call of the monsoon by flaunting the beauty of its lakes and waltzing waterfalls and the misty fog at the top. The beauty and charm of this marvellous hill station is more visible when it is under heavy fog and dark clouds.
Take a walk down the narrow streets and you could spot numerous waterfalls, every turn is a view point with its own beauty- that is Shillong for you during monsoons. Expect the unexpected, enjoy the authentic north- eastern cuisine accompanied by a continuous drizzle. Capture the amazing sun sets, the mystical settings of nature and see the best of monsoons for yourself.
For those of you worried about your capturing the memories in rains, check out Sony Xperia Z3+ a waterproof smartphone.