Monsoon is a very special season in India; despite the patchy problems coming along with it, monsoon season is definitely the much-awaited break we deserve from the scorching summer heat.
As we all grew up watching the Bollywood romance, we can’t disagree that rain and romance are inseparable. Yes, this season does cause many troubles, but nothing is more lovely than the first drop of rain providing much-needed respite from the intense heat of Indian summer.
For travel lovers, especially the adventurous ones, this season is best to experience and explore the thrilling places of India that bring out the beauty of the monsoon. Even for the laid-back travellers, this time is best to take a break and soak in and relish the greenery and peaceful vibes that accompany the rain. Also, this season is best for enjoying off-season discounts, staying budget-friendly, and having a less crowded travel experience.
Before the monsoon heads towards us, let’s start planning and packing. However, not every location is suitable for travel during this time of year. Do not worry, we have done the research work for you, and here is the list of the top 5 places that are not just fantastic but also safe to plan your next monsoon trip.
Top 5 Places To Visit In Monsoon, 2026
The arrival of the monsoon in India begins when it first hits the southern part of India and then travels towards the northern part via the western and eastern parts. This season begins around mid-May and continues till late September, and sometimes continues till November. Every region has its unique beauty and its own challenges. Come, let’s explore the best places to travel during monsoon time.
Maharashtra's Malshej Ghats
During the monsoon, Maharashtra's stunning western hill stations draw visitors from across India. The beauty of this hilly forest comes alive when the raindrops touch it with love and affection. For people living in the chaotic, busy life of Mumbai and Pune, it is considered to be the best weekend getaway for the much-needed pause.
Malshej Ghat is famous for its beautiful seasonal waterfalls that become more lively during the monsoon time between June and September. A mystical and foggy environment is created by these falling waterfalls that cascade down the steep rocks, and the rain tops it with more greenery and peace.
Nestled in Maharashtra's Western Ghats, Malshej Ghat is a charming mountain pass renowned for its lush green surroundings, magnificent waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and historical significance. Offering stunning mountain views and a peaceful getaway from city life, it is a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
How To Reach?
By road, you may take the MTDC bus or other travel buses, and can also opt for a long, pleasant drive. Malshej Ghat is located between Mumbai (130km from Mumbai) and Pune (120 Km from Pune).
By rail, the nearest railway station is Kalyan, which is 85 Km away. You will get taxi and bus services from the railway station to your destination.
By air, Pune International Airport is the nearest one, which is again around 120 Km away from Malshej Ghat, but it has all the tour operating services that will take you to your destination.
Areas Favourable To Stay Here:
To experience the best of Malshej Ghat, choose your stay near Khubi Pata region or the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam. These locations provide easy access to large waterfalls, backwaters, and breathtaking valley views.
Joga Dam/Ghat in Pimpalgaon Section: The perfect starting point for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. It provides famous views of foggy valleys and the Pushpawati River.
Khubi Phata: Known for its monsoon-season waterfalls that cascade directly onto the road. It is conveniently situated for a speedy tour of the ghat area.
Meghalaya's Shillong
Meghalaya, during the rainy season, is not for the timid. It is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East”. Cherrapunji and Mawlinong, the two wettest places on earth, are located in a state that most tourists will avoid. In Meghalaya, the monsoon season begins in June and lasts till October.
Here you will find mystic hills, calming lakes, and thundering waterfalls, just a paradise for any monsoon lover.
The major attractions here are the Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Latlium Canyon, and Mawphlamg sacred forest. Apart from this, the entire travel experience in Meghalaya will be unforgettable.
How to reach?
By air, the nearest airport is Guwahati International Airport, which is 128 Km away from Shillong. You will find many cab services, both shared and private, to take you to Shillong.
By rail, the nearest railway station is the Guwahati railway station, which is again 104 km away. You will get many bus services and also cab services to reach Shillong.
By road, the travellers who love to drive, you have the Guwahati-Shillong Expressway (NH-40), where you will experience the most scenic drive from Guwahati to Shillong.
Areas Favourable To Stay Here:
The places to stay in Shillong are determined by travellers’ preferences. There are many areas to choose from, and all are well connected. Here are the top 3 areas to choose from:
Police Bazaar is great for first-time visitors and shopping.
Polo Grounds/Laban provides a quieter and more lavish atmosphere.
Upper Shillong/Umiam Lake offers calm natural retreats.
Karnataka's Coorg
There are so many monsoon-friendly places in Karnataka that it is difficult to recommend one. But still, if I have to choose one, it would definitely be Coorg, especially during June to September.
Coorg, which is situated in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Mountains in South Western Karnataka, offers a wide range of vacation choices for visitors of all kinds. Starting from giant waterfalls, deep forests, rivers, hiking routes, caverns, temples, forts, and museums, this place has everything for everyone.
Coorg's three wildlife sanctuaries—Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary—as well as its one national park, Nagarahole or Rajiv Gandhi National Park, demonstrate the region's extraordinarily diverse flora and fauna.
If you are someone who is willing to experience nature in all forms, then this is the place.
How to reach?
Coorg (Kodagu) is a lovely hill station in Karnataka that does not have its own airport or railway station. The most popular methods to reach are:
By air, the nearest airport is the Kannur International Airport, 120 Km away. You will find many bus and cab services from there to reach Coorg.
By train, the nearest railway station is Mysuru Junction, 95-120 Km away, and have all the necessary transport services like buses and cabs to reach Coorg.
By road, from Mysore it takes approximately 3 hours to drive, and from Bangalore it takes around 7-8 hours to reach Coorg. Both the road connectivity is relaxing, smooth amd scenic.
Areas Favourable To Stay Here:
The best place to stay in Coorg depends on your vacation preferences.
For first-timers and sightseeing, Madikeri is great.
For couples and nature enthusiasts seeking peace, Virajpet or isolated Plantation Estates are ideal.
For wildlife fans, Nagarhole is the best.
Madhya Pradesh's Orchha
Orchha is a historic city, which is situated in central India. During the monsoon, this tranquil town, well known for its ancient temples and the enormous Orchha fort, is an ideal family retreat.
During the monsoon, the ordinarily arid surroundings are painted green. It's amazing to see the magnificent temples and monuments that reflect on the rushing river, which is a sight to behold
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the monsoon without worrying about safety issues like in the hills or seas, Orchha is the place to go.
You can witness many forts, monuments, and temples by the river, along with the lush green surroundings that will stay in your memory for a long.
How to reach?
To get to Orchha, you will largely travel through the local transportation hub of Jhansi (18 kilometres away). The most usual options are:
By air, the nearest airport is Gwalior Airport, 125 Km away. You may hire a private cab, or you may also take a train to Jhansi and then reach Orchha.
By train, Jhansi Junction is the nearest railway station, 18 Km away. You will get a bus, a cab, and an auto rickshaw to reach Orchha.
By road, Orchha is well connected with national highways from Jhansi, it is just an 18 Km drive, and from Gwalior it is a 125 Km drive. The drive is safe and pleasant.
Areas Favourable To Stay Here:
The best places to stay in Orchha depend on your travel style; however, most people go for:
The Fort and Temple Area (Central Orchha).Ideal for first-time visitors and history lovers who wish to walk to the landmarks.
The Betwa River Banks are ideal for families, couples, and eco-tourists seeking tranquillity, river rafting, and magnificent views.
Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
If you enjoy heavy rain and want to experience the thrill of the monsoon, Lansdowne is the place to visit. During the monsoon season, this small town of Uttarakhand transforms into a mystical, breathtaking beauty. The heavy rainfall here might make outdoor activities difficult, but if you do not mind having the most relaxing time and also getting drenched while exploring the dense green mystical hill, you will surely not regret it. This entire region comes alive with brilliant greens, fresh waterfalls, and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere ideal for leisurely travel and deep relaxation.
How to reach?
You will need to travel through Kotdwar, which is the primary transit hub to reach Lansdowne.
By air, the nearest airport, which is 150 km away, is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. To reach Lansdowne Hills from the airport, you will need to pre-book a cab or hire a taxi, which will take around 4.5 to 5 hours.
By train, the nearest railway station is Kotdwara railway station, which is 40 km away from Lansdowne. From here, you will get private as well as shared cab services to reach Lansdowne, which will take around 2 hours.
By road, the most common route is the Delhi-Gaziabad-Bijnor-Kotdwar road trip. This is around 280 Km and takes up to 7-8 hours to reach Lansdowne. Although the drive is quite long but definitely the best scenic one when you start travelling towards the uphill.
Areas Favourable To Stay Here:
The best place to stay in Lansdowne depends on your travel preferences. Most accommodations are divided across three areas:
Tip n Top: It is the highest peak of Lansdowne and offers stunning, unrestricted views of the snow-capped Himalayas and adjacent pine trees.
Gandhi Chowk, City Centre: If you like to stay in a more lively place that has access to many cafes, restaurants, and markets, you may choose this area. It is best suited as per convenience, which has easy accessibility to all important places.
Jaiharikal: If you want to experience more thrill, you may opt for the outskirts and valleys like Jaiharikal. This is the perfect place to cut off connection from the busy, chaotic life and relax in the lap of nature peacefully. This place has many resorts and glamping sites to experience both peace and thrill.
Time To Wrap Up
If this article has excited you, stop your work and wrap up everything, book your tickets, and get ready to explore the monsoon of India. Either you can complain about the monsoon traffic, or you may rush to any of these above-listed places and enjoy the rain with a cup of hot coffee and a bowl of soupy Maggi, the choice is yours. Rain can either keep you stuck or rush, so what are you waiting for?