Tourist Places in Monsoon
Monsoon in India is a magical time when the landscape comes alive with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and a refreshing atmosphere. Traveling during this season can be a budget-friendly affair, as many tourist destinations offer lower rates and fewer crowds. Here are five fantastic budget-friendly tourist places to explore during the monsoon in India.
Also Read: Monsoon Travel Challenges
1. Lonavala, Maharashtra
Lonavala, a charming hill station in Maharashtra, transforms into a lush paradise during the monsoon. Famous for its scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and ancient caves, Lonavala offers a perfect getaway from city life. Activities include trekking, exploring historic forts, and indulging in local delights like chikki and vada pav.
Location:
Lonavala is a hill station located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, approximately 64 kilometers from Pune and 96 kilometers from Mumbai.
Places to Visit:
- Bhushi Dam
- Lonavala Lake
- Rajmachi Fort
- Karla Caves
- Tiger’s Leap
Things to Do:
- Trekking
- Visit waterfalls
- Explore ancient caves
- Boating at Lonavala Lake
- Enjoy scenic drives
Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Budget: INR 3,000-5,000 per person
Nearby Cities
- Pune
- Mumbai
Must Try Foods
- Vada Pav
- Chikki
- Misal Pav
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport (64 km).
By Train: Lonavala has its own railway station, well connected with Mumbai and Pune.
By Bus: Frequent buses are available from Mumbai and Pune.
- Mumbai to Lonavala
- Pune to Lonavala
- Nashik to Lonavala
- Surat to Lonavala
- Kolhapur to Lonavala
2. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg, known as the “Scotland of India,” is a picturesque destination in Karnataka. The monsoon season enhances its verdant beauty, making it ideal for coffee plantation tours, trekking, and river rafting. Visitors can enjoy the serene landscapes, visit Abbey Falls, and relish traditional Coorgi cuisine like pandi curry and akki roti.
Location:
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a picturesque district located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.
Places to Visit:
- Abbey Falls
- Raja’s Seat
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Talakaveri
- Nagarhole National Park
Things to Do:
- Coffee plantation tours
- Trekking and nature walks
- Wildlife safaris
- River rafting
- Bird watching
Trip Duration: 3-4 days
Budget: INR 4,000-6,000 per person
Nearby Cities
- Mysore
- Bangalore
Must Try Foods
- Pandi Curry
- Bamboo Shoot Curry
- Akki Roti
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport (85 km).
By Train: Mysore Railway Station (120 km) is the closest major station.
By Bus: Regular buses are available from Bangalore and Mysore.
- Bangalore to Coorg
- Mysore to Coorg
- Mangalore to Coorg
- Kannur to Coorg
- Madikeri to Coorg
3. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar, a breathtaking hill station in Kerala, is renowned for its tea gardens and misty mountains. During the monsoon, the region comes alive with vibrant greenery and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can explore tea estates, hike through scenic trails, visit Eravikulam National Park, and savor delicious Kerala dishes like appam with stew.
Location:
Munnar is a charming hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala, known for its tea gardens and misty landscapes.
Places to Visit:
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Anamudi Peak
- Tea Museum
- Attukal Waterfalls
Things to Do:
- Tea garden tours
- Trekking
- Visit waterfalls
- Wildlife spotting
- Boating at Mattupetty Dam
Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Budget: INR 3,000-5,000 per person
Nearby Cities:
- Kochi
- Coimbatore
Must Try Foods:
- Appam with Stew
- Kerala Sadya
- Fish Moilee
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (110 km).
By Train: The closest railway station is Aluva (110 km).
By Bus: KSRTC and private buses are available from Kochi and Coimbatore.
- Kochi to Munnar
- Coimbatore to Munnar
- Trivandrum to Munnar
- Madurai to Munnar
- Kottayam to Munnar
4. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” offers a unique monsoon experience with its historic palaces, serene lakes, and vibrant culture. The rain adds a refreshing touch to its royal charm. Travelers can enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola, explore the City Palace, and indulge in Rajasthani cuisine, including dal baati churma and laal maas.
Location:
Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” is located in the state of Rajasthan and is famous for its historic palaces and serene lakes.
Places to Visit:
- City Palace
- Lake Pichola
- Jag Mandir
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Sajjangarh Palace
Things to Do:
- Boat rides on Lake Pichola
- Visit palaces and museums
- Explore local markets
- Enjoy traditional Rajasthani performances
- Visit temples
Trip Duration: 3-4 days
Budget: INR 4,000-6,000 per person
Nearby Cities:
- Jaipur
- Ahmedabad
Must Try Foods:
- Dal Baati Churma
- Gatte ki Sabzi
- Laal Maas
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (22 km).
By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station has good connectivity.
By Bus: Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and private buses operate from major cities.
- Jaipur to Udaipur
- Ahmedabad to Udaipur
- Jodhpur to Udaipur
- Kota to Udaipur
- Delhi to Udaipur
5. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth, is a mesmerizing monsoon destination in Meghalaya. Known for its living root bridges, stunning waterfalls, and lush landscapes, it offers a unique experience. Visitors can explore Mawsmai Cave, trek to living root bridges, and enjoy local Khasi delicacies like jadoh and dohneiiong.
Location:
Cherrapunji is a town in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, known for its heavy rainfall and living root bridges.
Places to Visit:
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Mawsmai Cave
- Seven Sisters Falls
- Living Root Bridges
- Eco Park
Things to Do:
- Visit waterfalls
- Explore caves
- Trekking
- Visit living root bridges
- Enjoy panoramic views
Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Budget: INR 3,000-5,000 per person
Nearby Cities:
- Shillong
- Guwahati
Must Try Foods:
- Jadoh
- Dohneiiong
- Tungrymbai
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (91 km).
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station (148 km) is the nearest major station.
By Bus: Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) buses run from Shillong and Guwahati.
- Shillong to Cherrapunji
- Guwahati to Cherrapunji
- Jowai to Cherrapunji
- Nongpoh to Cherrapunji
- Tura to Cherrapunji
Conclusion
Traveling during the monsoon season in India can be an unforgettable experience, filled with vibrant landscapes, cultural encounters, and serene moments. By choosing budget-friendly destinations like Lonavala, Coorg, Munnar, Udaipur, and Cherrapunji, you can enjoy the best of what the monsoons have to offer without breaking the bank. So pack your bags, embrace the rains, and set off on an adventurous and economical monsoon journey across India.
