Monsoons are here and it is best enjoyed away from the city, in the cradle of nature. So pack your bags and head to the undiscovered corners of the country where you can enjoy monsoon at its best. Explara, an online events and activities marketplace lists some of the stunning places that deserve a visit this rainy season.
Shoja, Himachal Pradesh
Located in the Seraj Valley, Shoja is a stunningly beautiful and undeveloped village. With green forests lining the mountainsides, Shoja is not only located close to Kullu and Manali, but is also an ideal location for anyone seeking to escape the crowds.
Devprayag, Uttarakhand
This village is where the Alakananda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to flow on as the Ganga. It is also a place of mysticism, traditions and ancient myths. Because of the fierce monsoons that the village experiences every year, it has been built on split levels to ensure that access to the stormy waters is not a dangerous affair.Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
This is a small town of temples and forts built at the beginning of the 16th century by Raja Rudra Pratap. Orchha is also home to a wildlife sanctuary with a river flowing in its midst that will be brimming with water during this season. Monsoon is magical here and there’s nothing comparable to exploring ancient forts as the rain comes pelting down on you.
Ranikhet, Uttarakhand
The place offers majestic views of the Himalayas. If that isn’t enough, then imagine the verdant greenery of the valleys and forests. The high-altitude lakes are a sight to be enjoyed and though the roads may at times be difficult to navigate, the pleasant climate, the beauty of the surrounding hills and ease of access to the Valley of Flowers makes this a wonderful monsoon holiday destination.
Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
This is another town similar to Orchha, and is prominently dominated by ancient architectural structures. During monsoon, the lakes are overflowing, the sky has a special luminescence and the air is filled with the cry of peacocks.
Bishnupur, West Bengal
Bishnupur gets its name from Lord Vishnu, the prominent deity of the rulers of the Malla dynasty that ruled the region during the 16th century. The town is famous for the innumerous terracotta structures. The temples and other buildings are a huge draw for people, whether for religious or architectural purposes. Around August every year, the monsoons are in full swing, washing clean the terracotta structures. The brick-red buildings are a stark contrast to the bright greenery all around.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro is famous for its picturesque landscapes. Though located in a valley, it is over 5500 feet above sea level and has stunning views of mountains all around. With rice fields throughout the valley and the mountains looming over it, the village almost seems like a bowl of vibrant green beauty.
Majuli, Assam
Majuli is an island that experiences the force of the powerful Brahmaputra. Despite being the world’s largest river island, every year when the monsoons hit the river manages to encroach on to the land mass creating beautiful islands.
monsoon drives the river to the land. Picture courtesy: Mail Today
Mawsynram, Meghalaya
The clouds that roll over Mawsynram are thick, dark and bursting with raindrops. Located on the slopes of the Khasi hills, and being one of the wettest places in India, the monsoon season here brings a sudden outburst of waterfalls all around.
Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Situated about 700m above sea level, this hill station explodes with waterfalls, come monsoon season. The lakes swell with water, the mountains are cloaked in fog, and the roar of waterfalls will be music to your ears. The valleys and forests of Malshej Ghat are freshly green and if the rain seems to have abated for a while, getting out with a picnic blanket and a basket of goodies would be a good idea.
Saputara, Gujarat
Saputara is a splendid location for those who like to combine their love of monsoon with adventurous fun. There is a month-long Monsoon Festival organised here and it is a combination of activities, games and cultural programs.
Shivanasamudra, Karnataka
This is a town that is located on the banks of the River Kaveri and is home to a number of lovely waterfalls. The popular ones among them are Gaganachukki and Shivanasamudra waterfalls. Once the rains arrive, these swell up in might and makes for a great experience.
Ashtamundi Lake, Kerala
Eight channels come together to form Ashtamudi Lake and this is one of the best experiences of the backwaters of Kerala. You can stay in quaint cottages that overlook the seemingly endless lake, and watch the patter of raindrops.
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