Monsoon Destinations of India Tours

The Indian Monsoons, often harsh and torrential, can be a dampener in many vacation plans. However, there are some destinations in the country whose natural beauty thrives during the rainy season. Some of these places are:

Goa

For most, Goa is a winter destination when one can lounge on the beach and bask in the sun. However, during the monsoons, Mother Nature in her full element and brings a fresh aroma, romance and liveliness to this beach state. Places like the Mollem National Park and Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa other than the famous Dudh Sagar falls and the gorgeous spice plantations in Savoi are spectacular in the rains. Those in search of some hard core romance can take a boat ride up the Mandovi River and get a feel of the historic Goan arcitecture. If you’re looking for some quiet time, you could also just spend hours just watching the rough waters, swelling with rain.

Lavasa

The newest hill station in India, Lavasa is at its best in the Monsoons. Being one of the wettest places in India, Lavasa (at a convenient proximity from Mumbai and Pune) is lush with green, small waterfalls and magical rainbows during the rains. Lavasa is home to a mindboggling variety of bamboo, plantations of which become even more luxuriantly green during the rains.

Leh & Ladakh

Situated some 3505 meters above sea level, lie Leh and Ladakh, one of the most pristine destinations in India and a trekker’s paradise. Sandwiched between two of the world’s tallest mountain ranges and surrounded by alpine forests, the view is breathtaking. Historic Buddhist monasteries like the Shanti Stupa that dot the landscape and the ancient Kali Temple give Leh and Ladhakh a spiritual vibe. The Tibetan style Leh Palace offers an amazing view of the town, something you don’t want to miss and the view of the sun setting from the Thiksey Monastery is priceless. The best time to visit is from May to September since this region receives little rainfall.

Periyar National Park

One of the most famous national parks in Southern India, Periyar is in the beautiful state of Kerala and extends around the banks of a huge man-made lake. It is one of the few national parks in the country that stays open during the monsoons. The safaris here are carried out entirely on boat, providing for a novel experience over and above the brilliance of the surrounding sights. Periyar is famous for its elephants and amazing sunsets over the lake. While the most popular time to visit the park is during the drier and colder winter months (October to February), it has to be said that the place comes alive with captivating fragrances and thick green vegetation during the monsoons.

Puducherry

A quaint Indo-French town with old world charm, Pondicherry has been blessed with abundant natural beauty, borrows the calming spirit of the Aurobindo Ashram at Auroville and has many interesting cafes, bars and restaurant to visit. In terms of architecture, it streets are lined with colonial buildings and bougainvilleas that give the place an old world charm. Closer to the seashore, are the oldest parts of the town which are simply spectacular. The rainiest time of the year for Pondicherry extends from November to January, wherein just in the case of Goa, the city is overwhelmed by nature’s elements and the rough waters are fabulous to watch.

Ranikhet

In the charismatic Kumaon range, Ranikhet is a scenic little town that has still managed to preserve its extraordinary natural beauty. Along the Himalayan ranges, this place offers you

the chance to enjoy stimulating walks through the cedar and pine trees while experiencing a fantastic view of the of the Himalayas. For those inclined towards adventure, the treks can be the just the right about of a challenge. In the monsoons, the beauty of this place is just magnified.

Shillong

Known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Shillong is absolutely gorgeous. It is located amongst beautiful pine covered hills and has a moderate climate throughout the year. However, with the onset of the monsoons, the place comes alive. Whistling winds that move through the dense forests seem almost like magical music and numerous waterfalls spring into action. Combined with the many colorful festivals held here during the rainy seasons, Shillong is vibrant, mystical and worth exploring.

The Valley of Flowers National Park

Vibrant during the monsoon season, the Valley of Flowers National Park lights up with 300 varieties of alpine flowers that appear like a sheet of the most beautiful colours in the backdrop of high-altitude snow capped Himalayan Mountains. The park is covered with snow for most half the year, making it accessible only from April to October. The flowers are in full bloom from July to August, just after the first monsoon showers The Valley of Flowers is an ideal destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts as one needs to traverse a 15 kilometer steep mountain trail to reach it.

Udaipur

This 16th Century city, founded by HRH Udai Singh of Mewar is located in the southern part of Rajasthan and serves up a slice of royal luxury for tourists. During the rainy season, the city comes alive with many cultural activities and the beauty of this city of lakes multiplies manifold. The view of Lake Pichola with the backdrop of the Aravalli hillsl, on a rainy day, is positively breathtaking.

Autumn/ Fall Destinations

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

If you are heading towards south then visit Bandipur National Park in Karnataka. Bandipur National Park starts blooming with the arrival of pre-monsoon showers in the month of April. This park is home to many birds and animals. The charming surroundings, the rare inhabitants, the pleasant climate and the closeness to several astounding destinations of the south, Bandipur is the most perfect place for one who is interested in all. You will come to see elephants, gaurs, and some beautiful birds in its surroundings.

Periyar National Park, Kerala

It would not be a good idea to miss this sanctuary, as Periyar boasts of some excellent stock of wildlife. Make sure that you have added Periyar in your Wildlife India Tour itinerary, before heading towards India. Periyar harbours thousands of elephants often seen roaming in groups. Apart from elephants, you will also have an encounter with Tigers, Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog, etc. Periyar also inhabits the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely seen here. Also cruise through the Periyar lake to get a glimpse of the beautiful birds fluttering in the lakeside of the park.

Bandhavgarh National Park & Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

If you are dying to watch the elusive big cats, then you are now in the right place, as Bandhavgarh is renowned for its big cat population. The Bandhavgarh region at the central part of India is bestowed with a large variety of natives in terms of animals and plants. You can easily sight tigers, leopards, gaur, chital, sambar, dholes, wild boars here. Make you wildlife India tour more prolific with more tours to Central India wildlife in the state of Madhya Pradesh. You cannot miss out this tiger country, yes it is Kanha National Park. If you are still not satisfied of tiger sightings, then slip away to the Kanha National Park, not far from the Bandhavgarh. Kanha has high concentration of tigers, the best place in the world to see tigers. Tiger sightings are very common here. Other than the tiger, some of the more frequently seen animals in the park consist of Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Chausinghas, Barasingha, Deer, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Blackbuck, Wild Boars, Porcupines, Mouse Deer, Hyenas, Jackals, Wild Dogs (Dholes), etc. Kanha has over 300 different species of birds within its complex.

Gir National Park, Gujarat

So, you have decided to take a glimpse of the elusive Asiatic Lions. The home of lions - Gir National Park is the most ideal place if you are here to observe Lions. But, be careful, may be when your are hunting for lion, some other creature might hunting for you, yes another member of the big cat family - the Leopards. Leopards are the second most seen predator in the Gir, in fact, Gir is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India. Though, your entire day will be engaged with the Lions and Leopards of the Gir, it would be a great idea to take some time out of your tour itinerary and visit the most revered Somnath Temple and the Veraval beaches, both will give you a most needed break.

Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan

Yes, Ranthambhore has something which others don’t. Ranthambhore National Park is home to several carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. If you are a true wildlife lover, then Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary in rajasthan will surely enthuse you with an enthusiastic diversity of flora and fauna. The landscape of the Ranthambore National Park is formed of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest suddenly opening up into large areas of Savannah, but, the most captivating sight is a tiger on the backdrop of the Ranthambhore Fort, a sight you will cherish through out your life. The terrain of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is a combination of impregnable forests and open bush land. In comparison to other sanctuaries, Ranthambore has rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list comprises of 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals. The park area is totally a different world with wide population of ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees crisscrossed with evergreen patches. Being a typical dry deciduous type forest, the park is mostly populated by Dhok, found throughout the region.

Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand

Ready! Then take a jeep or an elephant to venture inside the park. An elephant ride will make your trip completely tasteful. Corbett is situated in the state of Uttaranchal in North India. Apart from Tigers, Elephants, Leopards / Panthers, Jungle cats, Fishing Cats, Leopard cats, Himalayan black bears, Sloth bears, Deers, Hog deer, Barking deer, Ghorals, Wild Boars, Pangolins, Jackals, Martens, Dholes, Civets, Mongooses, Otters, Hares, Porcupines, Chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Macaques, Langurs and Blue Bulls (Nilgais) are some of the species which are found here. Besides, you can also revive yourself in the salubrious ambience of the state.

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

Sundarbans is the most appropriate sight after Corbett. This is the ultimate destination for tiger viewing. The Sundarbans forest inhabits more than 400 tigers. The Royal Bengal Tigers in this saline and aqua surroundings are extremely good swimmers. The animal stock of the Sundarbans is quite varied. As you thrive to get a single glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger you will have a meeting with - Fishing Cats, Macaques, Wild Boar, Common Grey Mongoose, Fox, Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Pangolin, Chitals, etc. on the way. Besides, you can also meet various resident and foreign birds.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

If you are hunting for Rhinos, then this is the place for you. Kaziranga supports the largest number of rhino in the subcontinent. The Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctruary is home to the great one horned Indian Rhino, about 900 in number. Apart from Rhinos, it is also famous for Indian Elephants.

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