Top 7 Hidden Travel Destinations to Explore This Monsoon
Monsoon brings with it the magic of lush greenery, refreshing rain, and a renewed sense of adventure. While popular tourist spots often steal the spotlight, countless hidden gems across India come alive during this season. If you’re craving a peaceful escape surrounded by nature’s beauty, this is the perfect time to discover offbeat destinations. In this blog, we unveil the Top 7 Hidden Travel Destinations you must explore this monsoon — serene, scenic, and soul-soothing.
Top 7 Hidden Travel Destinations to Explore This Monsoon
Monsoon is coming soon in just a few days, and it’s time to plan your rainy season adventures! While most people think of monsoon as a time to stay indoors, we believe it’s the perfect season to visit some incredible places that transform into magical wonderlands during the rains.
The monsoon season brings fresh air, lush green landscapes, and a completely different charm to many destinations across India. We’ve put together a list of 7 hidden gems that become stunning during the rainy season. These places are not your typical tourist spots, which means you’ll get to enjoy peaceful surroundings without the usual crowds.
Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Malshej Ghat becomes a paradise during monsoon season. This hill station is famous for its dramatic waterfalls, misty mountains, and pink flowers called Karvi which bloom once every seven years.
What makes it special during monsoon: The entire region gets covered with thick green vegetation and numerous waterfalls appear everywhere. The weather stays cool and pleasant, making it perfect for nature walks and photography. You can see beautiful flamingos at the nearby Pimpalgaon Joga Dam during the monsoon months.
How to reach:
- Nearest Railway Station: Kalyan Junction (78 km away)
- Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (120 km away)
- By Road: Take NH160 from Mumbai or Pune. The drive takes about 3 hours from Mumbai.
Best time to visit: June to September Where to stay: Forest rest houses and small resorts are available in the area.
Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Known as one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunji is a small town in Meghalaya that receives heavy rainfall throughout the monsoon season. This makes it an amazing destination for those who love rain and want to witness nature at its most powerful.
What makes it special during monsoon: The famous living root bridges become more beautiful with the constant flow of water. Waterfalls like Nohkalikai Falls reach their full glory, and the entire landscape looks like something from a fairy tale. The air is fresh and clean, and you can enjoy the unique experience of walking through clouds.
How to reach:
- Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station (180 km away)
- Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (180 km away)
- By Road: Take a bus or taxi from Guwahati to Shillong, then continue to Cherrapunji.
Best time to visit: June to September Where to stay: Several guest houses and small hotels are available in town.
Amboli, Maharashtra
Amboli is a small hill station in the Sahyadri mountain range that many people don’t know about. During monsoon, this quiet place turns into a green paradise with waterfalls, thick forests, and pleasant weather.
What makes it special during monsoon: The Amboli Waterfall becomes magnificent during the rains, and you can find many smaller waterfalls throughout the area. The region is home to unique wildlife and rare plants that you can only see during the monsoon season. The sunset and sunrise views from various viewpoints are breathtaking.
How to reach:
- Nearest Railway Station: Belgaum Railway Station (65 km away)
- Nearest Airport: Belgaum Airport (65 km away)
- By Road: Well connected by road from Mumbai (500 km), Pune (350 km), and Goa (80 km).
Best time to visit: June to September Where to stay: A government guest house and a few private resorts are available.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a high-altitude valley that becomes a carpet of colourful flowers during the monsoon season. Located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, this valley is truly one of nature’s masterpieces.
What makes it special during monsoon: Hundreds of different types of flowers bloom across the valley, creating a natural garden that stretches for miles. The best part is that these flowers only bloom during the monsoon months, making it a once-in-a-year opportunity. You can also visit the nearby Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh pilgrimage site.
How to reach:
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (295 km away)
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (295 km away)
- By Road: Drive to Govindghat, then trek 14 km to reach the valley.
Best time to visit: July to September Where to stay: Basic accommodation is available in Ghangaria village.
Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka
While Coorg is becoming more popular, many of its hidden spots remain unknown to most tourists. During monsoon, this coffee-growing region becomes incredibly beautiful with its rolling hills, coffee plantations, and misty weather.
What makes it special during monsoon: The coffee plantations look their best during the rainy season, and you can enjoy fresh coffee while listening to the sound of rain. Abbey Falls and other waterfalls in the region become more powerful and beautiful. The entire region smells amazing due to the wet earth and coffee plants.
How to reach:
- Nearest Railway Station: Mysore Junction (95 km away)
- Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (135 km away)
- By Road: Well connected from Bangalore (230 km), Mysore (95 km), and Mangalore (135 km).
Best time to visit: June to September Where to stay: Many homestays, resorts, and coffee estate accommodations are available.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Most people think Spiti Valley is only for summer visits, but the monsoon season brings a different kind of beauty to this high-altitude desert region. The landscape becomes more colourful, and you can enjoy clear skies between rain showers.
What makes it special during monsoon: The usually dry and barren landscape gets some green patches, making it look more welcoming. The air becomes cleaner, and you get amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The monasteries and villages look more beautiful against the dramatic monsoon skies.
How to reach:
- Nearest Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station (200 km away)
- Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu (245 km away)
- By Road: Two routes available – via Shimla-Kinnaur or Manali-Rohtang Pass.
Best time to visit: June to September (but check road conditions) Where to stay: Homestays, guest houses, and camps are available in various villages.
Netarhat, Jharkhand
Known as the “Queen of Chotanagpur,” Netarhat is a hill station in Jharkhand that very few people know about. During monsoon, this place becomes a green paradise with waterfalls, forests, and pleasant weather.
What makes it special during monsoon: The Netarhat plateau offers stunning sunrise and sunset views during the monsoon season. The Lower Ghaghri Falls and Upper Ghaghri Falls become spectacular during the rains. The entire region is covered with thick forests that come alive during the monsoon months.
How to reach:
- Nearest Railway Station: Latehar Railway Station (55 km away)
- Nearest Airport: Ranchi Airport (156 km away)
- By Road: Connected by road from Ranchi (156 km) and other major cities in Jharkhand.
Best time to visit: June to September Where to stay: Forest rest houses and a few private accommodations are available.
Tips for Monsoon Travel
Pack Smart: Carry waterproof bags, rain gear, and quick-dry clothes. Don’t forget mosquito repellent and basic medicines.
Check Weather: Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling, especially in mountainous areas.
Book in Advance: Many of these places have limited accommodation options, so book your stay well in advance.
Travel Safe: Be extra careful while driving on mountain roads during monsoon. Consider hiring local drivers who know the routes well.
Respect Nature: These hidden gems are beautiful because they’re still pristine. Help keep them that way by not littering and following local guidelines.
Conclusion
The monsoon season offers a unique opportunity to visit these incredible destinations when they’re at their most beautiful. Each of these places has something special to offer during the rainy season, from powerful waterfalls to colourful flowers to misty landscapes.
Since the monsoon is just a month away, now is the perfect time to start planning your trip to one of these hidden gems. Whether you prefer the dramatic waterfalls of Malshej Ghat, the flower carpets of Valley of Flowers, or the coffee-scented air of Coorg, these destinations will provide you with unforgettable memories.
Remember that monsoon travel requires some extra planning and preparation, but the rewards are worth it. You’ll get to see these places in their full glory, often with fewer crowds and at their most photogenic. So pack your rain gear, charge your camera, and get ready for an amazing monsoon adventure!
FAQs
What are some must-visit hidden travel destinations during the monsoon in India?
Some lesser-known yet beautiful monsoon destinations include Tamhini Ghat (Maharashtra), Cherrapunji (Meghalaya), Agumbe (Karnataka), and Valparai (Tamil Nadu), among others.
Is it safe to travel during the monsoon season?
Yes, but it’s important to check weather updates, and road conditions, and avoid areas prone to landslides or flooding. Always carry proper rain gear and travel essentials.
What should I pack for a monsoon trip?
Carry a waterproof backpack, raincoat/umbrella, quick-dry clothes, waterproof shoes, mosquito repellent, and a first-aid kit.
Are these hidden destinations suitable for solo or family travel?
Most of these spots are safe for both solo and family travellers, but it’s always best to research accommodations and travel routes in advance.
How can I make the most of a monsoon travel experience?
Enjoy nature walks, waterfalls, and local culture. Embrace the slower pace, explore local cuisine, and capture the lush landscapes through photography.
Also Read:
7 Best Places To Visit In Coorg: A Breathtaking Destination
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherrapunji
Disclaimer:
Travel conditions during the monsoon may vary. Please check weather updates and local advisories before planning your trip. The information provided is for general guidance and personal travel inspiration only.
