One of the best seasons in India, the monsoon is undoubtedly an experience worth not missing. Though people tend to avoid travelling during monsoon and stay indoors, it is in fact the rains that bring out the exceptional beauty the country holds.

As monsoon tourism is emerging as a popular concept in India, there are a bunch of places in the country that would amaze you during the rainy season.

Hence, it is high time to change your ‘no rain’ attitude and pack up your bags to experience monsoon at its best.

So, here’s a list of places across the country that you shouldn’t miss visiting this monsoon:

1. Siang River Festival, Arunachal Pradesh

Part of the great Brahmaputra, the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh offers great opportunities, especially for adventure water sports like river rafting, trekking, angling and so on.

The Siang river festival, also known as the Yomgo river festival, is celebrated in the waters of the Siang river and aims at promoting eco-tourism, the state’s culture, tradition, handicrafts etc. The three-day festival which comprises events like cultural shows, food festivals, different water sports and games, is held every year at Aalo in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

2. Fireflies festival at Purushwadi, Maharashtra

A perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune, Purushwadi, a tiny village in Maharashtra, offers a unique and exceptional experience during monsoons.

Every year, Purushwadi hosts a fireflies festival when the monsoon is about to begin, in the months of May and June. It is the time when the mating of the fireflies happens and the light pre-monsoon rains create the perfect atmosphere for witnessing the wonder created by over 2000 species of fireflies. The swarms of fireflies lit the village with their warm lights offering a surreal experience.

3. Water Palaces of Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh dates back to the 15th century. The ruins of the historical kingdom are spread over 20 square km, all built in Afghan architecture and are made up of structures like the Jahaz Mahal, Ashrafi Mahal, Jami Masjid, Rewa Kund, Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Hindola Mahal, and Baz Bahadur’s Palace.

All these structures are unique as they all are built in such a way that water forms an integral part of their designs. Also, they are filled with small forests, fields and even lakes. They are at their best during the monsoons as the pools and channels in Mandu fill up and the structures look mind-blowing in the midst of the lush greenery surrounding them.

4. Rain-washed sunset at Queen’s Necklace, Mumbai

The Queen’s necklace in Mumbai is an unmissable spot if you are ever in the city of dreams. It offers a spectacular view of sunsets and also the shimmering nightscape view that soothes the soul. It is in fact this view, from an elevated point anywhere around the marine drive, where the term ‘queen’s necklace’ comes from.

Situated at the end of the Queen’s necklace, the Eau Bar provides the best vistas of the Arabian Sea and Marine Drive – hence making it a perfect spot for witnessing the sunset view.

5. Misty villages of Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is located in the heart of the north-eastern state of Meghalaya. The beautiful valleys of the Khasi hills, pristine rivers, the breath-taking views of waterfalls and of course the year-round rainfalls make it one of the perfect spots for any nature lover.

Once known as the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji holds the position for the highest recorded rainfall in a calendar year. Other than the waterfalls, there are different attractions like root bridges, tree houses, viewpoints, caves and more.

6. Dudhsagar waterfalls trail, Goa

One of the tallest waterfalls in the country, the Dudhsagar waterfalls is noted for being one of the sought places for trekking. The Dudhsagar waterfalls trail boasts rich flora, fauna, amazing sceneries and the unique presence of an old railway track.

The three-streamed, four-tiered waterfall has a staggering 600-meter height and the whole landscape looks stunning during monsoons, dotted with patches of green vegetation.

7. Rainforests of Agumbe, Karnataka

Agumbe is a small village in the Shimoga district of Karnataka is known for its dense rainforests and waterfalls. The rainforests are also known for being home to the venomous King Cobra and also for housing India’s only rainforest research station.

The hidden and thunderous waterfalls in the thick rainforests and the panoramic viewpoints showcase the grandeur of the Western Ghats. These rainforests that are part of the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, receive the second-highest annual rainfall in the country. Besides, they sustain a diverse ecosystem of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

The lush greenery and the amazing weather make it one of the best places to visit to experience a delightful monsoon season.

Sources:

Purushwadi, a village full of fireflies in Maharashtra published by the Times of India on 8 August, 2018.

Here’s why you should plan a trip to Mandu during the rains published by The Economic Times on 17 August, 2017.

Agumbe: The land of waterfalls and forests published by Native Planet on 23 April, 2014.

(Edited by Vinayak Hegde)