You can choose a Christmas beach holiday to India if you wish. With your Christmas break rolling through to the New Year, Goa creates a great vacation for you. Or you can arrange to come earlier in the year and experience the monsoon? Have a holiday that's as marvelous (for other reasons) but for a much lower budget.
There are great times waiting for those traveling during India's rainy monsoon season. Keep reading to discover why you should travel.
The most part throughout India, you'll enjoy a completely different holiday in thanks to a monsoon. Because nature and wildlife are far more vibrant and lusher and full of life. Coming to India during the monsoon isn't your typical holiday, therefore.
You should note that many Indians travel during the monsoon, as domestic tourists. And then return home afterwards fulfilled. There is no reason to believe your holiday won't be as fulfilling. Already convinced? Great. Here are the main reasons that draw tourists to India between June and September:
Any reason why not to travel to India during the rainy season? Other than the pointers laid out for you below, not so. Yes, there are challenges you must be aware of but none, in our travels, are showstoppers. Be wary of the obvious:
During the monsoon period there are more instances of the mosquito. Humidity levels are through the roof, especially in July and August. Be sure to pack more insect repellent than you would expect, because you'll need it.
The best time to experience the monsoon season is between the months of June and September. That's when the rain and thunderstorms are at their worst. Or best, depending on your perspective, of course. The storms create an amazing show for you. The lightning that precedes the thunderclap is beautiful. Flashes dance in the night's sky.
And yet you may expect it to be cold, and unbearable? Not so, because although it is wet, it's warm too. Arriving later in the year you are avoiding the horrendous heatwaves India is famous for. Take for example the following places and their average temperature:
You will enjoy temperatures of at least 75° Fahrenheit most days during the rainy season. The heaviest of rains are the further south you go, with the north experiencing the least of the monsoon. Be wary of the humidity though. The possibility of flooding, particularly when traveling out with the cities.
There are a number of valuable points we'll pass onto you for your holiday vacation to India, during the monsoon season:
Taking a holiday during the monsoon can be one of the best ever holiday experiences you could ask for. Being sensible and adhering to local weather and travel advice ensures your enjoyment. This goes for any holiday of course but more so traveling during an Indian monsoon:
This travel guide will lead you to the top monsoon destinations in India. We have traveled to them all and each destination is budget friendly, if that's important to you. Our list isn't exclusive nor exhaustive. There are so many places to enjoy India's nature and culture during the monsoon we can't list them all. Of those we are covering, each will resonate with you in a different way.
You will feel which destination is best for you.
There are the tropical jungle treks and Kashmir's Himalayan treks, and we couldn't leave out Kerala's backwaters, that would be irresponsible of us. Read on to discover where your next Indian holiday could be. India is rich in all the essential ingredients for a remarkable holiday vacation.
The best attraction found in Kerala any time of the year is the Alleppey Backwaters. Once the monsoon arrives, rivers and lakes fill up immediately. All this rain enhances your boating or cruise experience. Where once the waters were low and the boat couldn't go, it can now. From what we understand, the rains bring out more boats as well. Or it only seems that way.
Read our travel guide to these amazing waters because a 2-day, 1 night cruise is a much sought after holiday trip.
The sunset over the lake is one of the most romantic things you could do, from our own experience. When you are in Kerala consider a guided tour of Munnar where there are rolling hills of tea plantations. Mist rises over the plantation's early morning. The sunrise revealing the true beauty and a lush green seldom seen anywhere else. It feels like some fantastic dream but it's reality and you're living it.
The mountains have blooming exotic fauna and flora, seen on your guided tours. Far more to Munnar than the plantations by the way. There are waterfalls, panoramic advantage points and parks. And did you know Munnar has lakes? Many of the hill stations engineered by the British, in fact do have lakes, manmade reservoirs.
Related Reading: Holiday Guide to Kerala, India's Alleppey Backwater Paradise
Kovalam is another hidden gem in Kerala.
The coastal town, renowned for high quality centers for yoga and Ayurveda massage. But there is far more to the town. You will relish the prospect of sunbathing on three very different beaches. The months of June and July, tourists arrive in their thousands for the clear waters.
Those two months are perfect, for deep blue skies. And yet you don't believe there is a monsoon. The town is only a 40-minute drive from Thiruvananthapuram City, Kerala's capital.
Udaipur City has over a dozen lakes. Those lakes include Pichola Lake and Jaisamand Lake, we recommend you travel elsewhere. To Jaisalmer City for example. Gadisar Lake is a few kilometers away from Jaisalmer Fort and you can reach it on foot or by rickshaw for US$2 each way.
Like many lakes in India, they attract migratory birdlife. Gadisar Lake is no different. Rajasthan may comprise of arid desert, but the monsoon brings moisture and cool air. But why the lake gets a mention in our guide is the lake is centuries old. An amazing history. The many temples and steps (ghats) are for those seeking to feast on India's culture.
Jaisalmer Fort, built in the mid 12th century is a must-see attraction. The fort today, hosts many fine facilities:
From the fort you get excellent views over onto the lake and city. In great detail Rajasthan's history, you discover in the fort's museum. Strolling around, you stop yourself to capture lasting memories of the fort's architecture. The distinctive yellow colored sandstone used, hewed to create stunning architectures.
Mount Abu has a settlement established by the colonial British.
The settlement, built because of the comfortable climate conditions. Do you want an offbeat destination with a hint of adventure? Take the four-hour journey from Udaipur City. Another lake, this time it is for Lake Nakki, 1200 meter above sea level.
Boating on the lake is popular and it's something we can recommended to you.
Especially for families, any lake in India is a great pastime. There's always somewhere to sit for a picnic, practice yoga or to relax. The evenings on the lake you are frequenting the shops and restaurants. There is Bailey's Walk which leads you to a stunning standing point for viewing the sunset. The trek is strenuous but worth it. It's also possible to get there by hiring a jeep, which lessens your walk.
At the point is a replica (much smaller) Eiffel Tower, we're not sure why? It's nice to see, albeit a surprise.
Traveling to Jaipur from July to September is also a welcoming experience. Your holiday pleasures are no less because of the desert climate. Rather you enjoy far cooler breezes. Your sightseeing tours are far more comfortable without the unbearable heat. The highlights of Jaipur are:
But there are so many other cultural attractions, their full history worth exploring. The Amber Palace is the most popular we would say, even during the monsoon it's crowded. The palace is roughly 12km out of the city, and Jaigarh Fort is 11km distant too. It's inexpensive to hire a taxi in India.
It is possible for you to sightsee all three historical sites if you wished, over a 2 day and one night getaway.
Read Also: 5 Cities in Rajasthan for Culture and Forts
Temperatures climb as high as the mid-90's Fahrenheit, even during the rainy season. Between June and September, you can expect such warmth, and humidity. But don't expect to see heavy rainfall or downpours, so far north in India the rains are no trouble. Monsoon conditions are much milder. The first place many tourists head travel to is the city of Srinagar.
That's where they can begin their Himalayan trek. The city has very good, high-quality accommodation, restaurants and shops. The immediate "big ticket" attraction is Dal Lake.
The lake is a blessing in disguise. In so many ways, it's unavoidable for you not wanting to visit the Mughal gardens. You can book your accommodation in Srinagar City or on one of the lakes boathouses. If you want to enjoy a touch of luxury and class, then opt for a boathouse.
There are a few valleys in Kashmir. Throughout each valley there are attractions to find, whilst on your travels. There are so many trekking options for those of you seeking a great adventure. Have we told you India is the perfect stomping ground for backpacking? That's so true. There are glaciers and high-altitude lakes for the trekking enthusiasts among you.
For everyone else, there are more acceptable activities in Kashmir:
Trekking in and around Kashmir usually requires at least 5 days of your holiday. Some treks in the north of India, even longer. We discovered most of the treks are moderate in nature. In regards to the level of physical fitness required most people should manage a tour. If you feel you want to trek in Kashmir, then by all means try. You will experience the very best of the wilderness the Himalayas has on offer.
One of the more magnificent treks is the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek. But why is that? It's because of the dream like grassland meadows that unfold before you. You still to this day can see the sheep and goats with their shepherds. Herds of horses roam free. Staring around you are the peaks of mountains topped with ice and snow, as you smile to yourself.
Because the temperature, even at these altitudes in June is in the high 80's Fahrenheit. On our travels there, to Kashmir, our thoughts were of the last wilderness on Earth.
What grabs you is the vastness of the valleys in Kashmir. The grasslands and forests of pine, and the beautiful lakes. Never before has it felt so amazing to be outdoors, in this fresh air and feeling energized. And you are glad you came to India during a monsoon, avoiding the 112°F heat seen in March, April and May.
Kashmir is ideal for nature lovers and amateur photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It's an experience recommended, for there is camping but more besides. You are with the same group of people for days on end. Friendships develop, and support is available when the going gets tough. You can depend on the encouragement.
Even mid-way up a valley you come across flocks of sheep grazing together. In the clearings, you see smoke rise up from the huts of the shepherds. The huts are primitive. So far away from civilization are you, they're inviting and luxurious. When there is little else for shelter you are grateful of anything.
Getting to Kasmir is easy. The airport in Srinagar City makes it more accessible from other major cities:
If you are in Agra but, it's actually longer because you must fly to Delhi first, and from there, onto Srinagar.
Coorg flourishes once the monsoon happens. The revitalized landscapes burst with breathtaking views complemented by blooming fauna and flora.
The ancient ruins of Hampi once barren and unhospitable come back to life. Touring the historic site is far more comforting and pleasing during the monsoon. Ascending Matanga Hill for the first time. Magnificent views staring down onto Hampi City there is a green jungle to enjoy. Because of the monsoon. Climb to the top as the sun rises over the horizon for the most beautiful moments of your life.
No word of a lie. You sit there before sunrise, waiting it out. The entire sky is basked in a warm glow unlike anything felt before.
Karnataka promises you a natural world full of beauty, that's true. Fast flowing waterfalls and some of the best tropical jungle thrills found in south Asia. For the perfect jungle experience when in Karnataka, we recommend Nandi Hills. Travel in the rainy monsoon season, remember.
From Bangalore City, travel to Chickballapur Town. It's only 50km distant and you can enjoy a relaxing, paced walk to an ancient hill station. The attraction is roughly 10km out of town and originates from the 11th century. The hill station is a beautiful place to relax for a few days.
The hills were little known to international travelers, not until recent times. Go spoil yourself and enjoy a short break here.
One of the most popular escapes for Bangalore residents is Nandi Hills. Indians enjoy the meandering trails through the hilly terrain. It's understandable why, for there are incredible views all around you. Going out early before sunrise, to glimpse the mist before it evaporates is a must. Little moments like that, are what makes your holiday memorable.
Not to mention the nature of course. Nandi Hills is the perfect holiday experience for nature lovers. As a foreigner coming for adventure, without a doubt Nandi Hills is what you could have dreamt about.
Often referred to as the "Scotland of India". Hidden away, shrouding Coorg are towering slopes and deep valleys. Mist covers much of the lush forests and is reminiscence much of the Scottish Highlands. For those Scots who were in the British army, of the long-gone colonial days, it reminded them of home.
The mist hardly ever lifts because the sun's rays never reach the valley floor in places. The result are beautiful and exciting streams and waterfalls spilling off the rocks. This, as you may imagine, is an incredible place to be during any monsoon season. It's a different world altogether when the rains arrive. The best waterfalls are:
One recommendation is that you buy a tour package for the guided tours. The tours offer you the best experience to those waterfalls and other attractions. You must also be aware of landslides in the valleys and any region where there are hill stations. But if you dare yourself an adventure, you are in for a very wonderful nature experience.
Any hill station in India promises you lifelong memories to cherish. Coorg is no different. The aroma of coffee is all around you too because the Coorg climate is perfect for coffee growing.
If you've never been to India before, you will not until much later you realize your true feelings. It takes several trips to the country to have the confidence to say you love everything about India. Such a vast country, one trip alone is not enough. And thinking you'll never return is ridiculous. Ludicrous actually, you are not doing yourself any favors at all.
We were like that on our first holiday. We didn't like it. Afterwards we understood we didn't "understand India", so gave it another chance.
One of the pain points that put people off south Asia, are the monsoons. There is the fear of heavy rain putting a dampener on any good holiday vibes. That's never the case we've found in India, in all our trips in all seasons we have endured. And enjoyed great experiences not found anywhere else.
You too will discover what we have, that traveling in India in the rainy season is okay. It's refreshing not to be suffering from extreme temperatures. Sweltering in heat is uncomfortable and embarrassing, due to clothes soaking in sweat. So don't feel the monsoon in India is not for you.
This period of the year creates amazing moments for holidaymakers, as our list of 5 favorite places demonstrate.
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