Offbeat Monsoon Destinations in India to Explore this Rainy Season

Monsoon is the season for exploring the romanticism of nature. If watching the rain lash across your window panes does not fill your heart enough, it’s a signal that you need to hit the highway right away and nature ka asli mazaa lo. Here are some of the places in India that you should definitely plan a trip to during the monsoons. So take a pick from all the places that nature has bestowed on us. What are you waiting for, chalo bag bharo and nikal pado!

1. Naneghat, Maharashtra

Can you imagine a waterfall flowing backward? Well, when nature envisions it, even that can become a reality. The Upward Flowing Valley in Naneghat, Maharashtra, stands as testimony to this bizarre phenomenon. Located in the expansive greenery of the Western Ghats, the supremely strong monsoon winds reverse the flow of the waterfalls. But there's much more to do besides witnessing the reverse falls' magic. If you count trekking among your passions, this is just the right place for you, as the trekking trail leading to the falls boasts historical significance. It is believed that during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's reign, the trail running through the Ghatghar forest also served as a preferred trading route.

How to Reach: Naneghat is located 150 km from Mumbai and 150 km from Pune. From there, hail a bus to Junnar, and head to Vaishakhare village in a private cab. If you wish to embark on the trek, the village is the base. However, you can also reach the Naneghat reverse falls by car. 

Best Time to Visit: July and August

2. Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Chamoli is often referred to as the ‘Abode of Gods’ as it has a strong bond with spirituality, as seen from local astounding legends. Home to temples across the entire village, this beautiful place is also renowned as the birthplace of the Chipko Movement. Enriched with flora and fauna, this village offers mesmerising panoramic vistas that evidence depth and devotion to nature. Chamoli's natural trails and laid-back lifestyle make it a fine destination for all those who want to get a break from the luxuries of heavily commercial areas. The place is home to the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park boasts a variety of diverse, rare, and exotic flora and fauna that are a speciality of this region. 

How to Reach: Chamoli is about 200 kms from Rishikesh. Take a train to Rishikesh, which is the nearest railway station, then by road to Govindghat, and finally trek to the destination via Ghangaria. You can reach Govindghat by car or bus and then trek to the destination. Another way is to start at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, and then travel by road to Govindghat, and finally trek to the destination via Ghangaria.

Best Time to Visit: July to September

3. Gavi, Kerala

Ever heard of Gavi? If not, it’s time for you to explore this lesser-known paradise in Kerala. It’s a gorgeous forested region in the Periyar Tiger reserve which is home to around 260 species of birds and animal species. When here, keep your eyes open for bison and elephants. Endless activities await you here like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping and night safaris. One of the unique features of Gavi is that you will get a chance to camp inside the forest. You can also put up a tent in the camping site, a very rare opportunity usually not allowed in many Indian forests. You can also explore places nearby like Mundakayam, Kuttikanam, Peerumedu and Vandiperiyar.

How to Reach: Gavi is located some 40 kms from Kumily and the closest railhead is in Kottayam. The nearest railway station is Kottayam railway station, which is 128 kms away, and the nearest airport is Nedumbassery Airport, Ernakulam; about 160 kms away. From Kumily you can hire a jeep to reach Gavi. Entry passes are available at the Forest checkpost, Vallakadavu. Advance booking with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation is recommended to make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable.

Best Time to Visit: June to September

4. Kemmanagundi, Karnataka

Kemmanagundi is a beautiful and picturesque hill station in the Chikmagalur district. There are plenty of landscapes and lush areas to cover. The Royal Horticultural Society of Karnataka is located here and has some of the most beautiful gardens. The Rock Garden, Z Point, Hebbe Falls, Kalahasti Falls and the Shiva temple are a few must-see attractions here. It was a summer retreat for the Mysore King Krishnaraj Wodeyar IV. Completely awestruck and mesmerised by the beauty of the surroundings, he donated his resort to the government of Karnataka. This place has a lot to offer right from beautiful waterfalls to nature treks.

How to Reach: Kemmanagundi is about 275 kms from Bangalore and 62 kms from Chikmagalur. The nearest airport is Mangalore Airport which is approximately 150 km away from Kemmanagundi. The closest railway station is Tarikere which is 35 km away and the best way to commute to Kemmanagundi. There are many state-run and private buses which are connected to this hill station. You can also prefer to drive down as the roadways are very well connected.

Best Time to Visit: All year round

5. Bundi, Rajasthan

A princely state for a princely stay, in the northwest of India, lies the district of Bundi, in the Hadoti region of the royal state of Rajasthan. In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes. Today, it is home to some of the most magnificent palaces, majestic forts, its baolis (water wells or step wells), havelis, temples and chhatris with carved pillars. Bundi is blessed with a plethora of nature belts along with a beautiful pattern of rivers and lakes and some enchanted waterfalls during the monsoon season. Moti Mahal and Taragarh Fort are some must-visit places. But the main attraction is Ramgarh waterfall. This waterfall is known to be an adventure sport as it makes a perfect plunge pool. For a traveller, Bundi is a mesmerising place to be and during the monsoon, the beauty simply multiplies.

How to Reach: Bundi is situated at a distance of 210 kms from Jaipur, which is the nearest airport. It is 35 kms from Kota, the nearest railway station. Bundi is well connected to the rest of India by roadways.

Best Time to Visit: July to September

6. Tabakoshi, West Bengal

Tabakoshi is an offbeat hamlet consisting of eight Tea Gardens namely Gopaldhara, Siyok, Turzum, Sungma, Chamong, Magarjung, Thurbu and Nagri T.E. It is elevated at 3,800 ft and 5.2 km away from Mirikbazar in Pokhriabong Rangbhang Valley. Tabakoshi is an offbeat destination in Rangbang Valley. This tourist destination is surrounded by green organic tea gardens and virgin forests. The river Rangbang flowing across the valley enhances the beauty of the place. Hills, rivers and valleys will make you soak like a part of nature in Tabakoshi. The visit to Tabakoshi is all about your recreational gateway to nature and loving people. Enjoy walks in the tea garden, sit and dip your feet in the stream, and feel the cool and calmness. 

How to Reach: Tabakoshi is located 32 kms away from Darjeeling. You can board a flight to Bagdogra Airport, which is about 52 kms away and then rent a car from Bagdogra to Tabakoshi. NJP is its nearest railway station at a distance of around 65 km. Trains run frequently to this station from the major railway stations of Bengal. 

Best Time to Visit: All year round

7. Wai, Maharashtra

We’ve all heard of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. But what about Wai, that’s right on your way to these jam-packed tourist destinations? An offbeat, unexplored destination that is a prime spot for Bollywood shootings, Wai is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. This unique blend of religion and natural beauty makes it a good destination near Mumbai to visit in Monsoon. It is considered religious due to its numerous ancient temples, including the notable Dholya Ganapati Temple, and its spiritual significance rooted in Hindu mythology and history. The beautiful riverfront that has temples on its ghats brings a lot of calm and you could easily sit on the riverbed for hours. Also, the Dhom Dam Lake surrounded by green mountain peaks is a sight for sore eyes.

How to Reach: Wai is 232 kms from Mumbai and 88 kms from Pune. You can plan a drive from either city. There are plenty of public and private travel options like buses and cab services.

Best Time to Visit: June to September