Time to Travel: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Monsoon

India’s monsoon season is a magical time when the hills come alive, rivers swell, and the air is thick with the scent of wet earth. But planning a perfect rainy-season getaway means picking the right destination, knowing how to reach and what to explore.  

Here’s a list for top 10 monsoon destinations in India, complete with airport distances and travel tips to make your trip easy-peasy and super fun. 

1. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 

Nicknamed the ‘Princess of Hills’, Kodaikanal’s misty forests and serene lakes make it a monsoon wonderland. 

• Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (~120 km). Taxi/bus takes ~3 hours. 

• Best Time: Mid-June to September (Weekdays are less crowded) 

• Must-Do: Trek at Coaker’s Walk, row a boat in Kodaikanal Lake, stroll through pine forests and sip fresh filter coffee at local cafes. 

2. Darjeeling, West Bengal 

Surrounded by emerald tea gardens and crowned by the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a lush paradise in monsoon. 

• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (~70 km). Taxi/shared jeep takes ~3 hours. 

• Best Time: July to September (Avoid weekends if possible for quieter experience) 

• Must-Do: Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate, explore Lloyd Botanical Garden, see sunrise at Tiger Hill and sip Darjeeling tea at Glenary’s. 

3. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh 

Rugged, raw, and real—Spiti transforms into a dramatic landscape during the monsoon, perfect for the adventurous soul.  

• Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (~245 km) or Chandigarh Airport (~500 km). Private taxi/bus takes 8-10 hours. 

• Best Time: July to early September (Weekdays for peaceful stays) 

• Must-Do: Explore Kaza, Dhankar Monastery, Pin Valley, Chandratal Lake and spot fossils in Langza Village. 

4. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 

Famous for misty valleys and cascading waterfalls, Mahabaleshwar is a monsoon gem. 

• Nearest Airport: Pune Airport (~120 km). Taxi/bus takes ~3 hours. 

• Best Time: Late June to August (Midweek to avoid crowds) 

• Must-Do: Visit Lingmala Waterfall, Echo Point, Venna Lake and Mapro Garden for strawberry treats. 

5. Kutch, Gujarat 

The white salt desert of Kutch gets a lush touch during monsoon, offering a unique experience. 

• Nearest Airport: Bhuj Airport (~70 km). Taxi/bus easily available. 

• Best Time: July to early September (Avoid weekends for a quieter trip) 

• Must-Do: Sunset at Pingleshwar Beach, Dholavira ruins, Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) for panoramic view and craft shopping in Bhuj. 

6. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 

Known as one of the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunji is a rain-lover’s dream. 

• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (~170 km). Taxi/bus takes ~5 hours. 

• Best Time: June to September (Weekdays recommended for smaller crowds) 

• Must-Do: Trek the Living Root Bridges, visit Nohkalikai Falls, explore Mawsmai Caves and sip hot chai in a misty café. 

7. Coorg, Karnataka 

Often called the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is wrapped in coffee plantations and dense hills. 

• Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport (~160 km) or Kannur Airport (~100 km). Taxi/bus takes ~3-4 hours. 

• Best Time: July to September (Midweek to avoid weekend traffic) 

• Must-Do: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, coffee estate tours and river rafting on Barapole River. 

8. Munnar, Kerala 

With rolling tea gardens and misty hills, Munnar is a monsoon fairytale. 

• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (~110 km). Taxi/bus takes ~3-4 hours. 

• Best Time: June to August (Avoid weekends for quieter treks) 

• Must-Do: Visit Attukal Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, tea plantations and enjoy cardamom-flavoured cuisine. 

9. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand 

Nature’s canvas comes alive in this UNESCO site, with thousands of wildflowers in bloom. 

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~290 km). Taxi/bus to Govindghat (~10 hours) + trek (17 km). 

• Best Time: July to September (Weekdays recommended to avoid trekking rush) 

• Must-Do: Trek to Hemkund Sahib, soak in the floral meadows and capture endless photos. 

10) Goa 

Monsoon in Goa is lush, less crowded, and perfect for exploring its quieter side. 

• Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (~30 km from Panjim). Taxi/bus takes ~1 hour. 

• Best Time: June to August (Weekdays are quieter, weekends for parties) 

• Must-Do: Spice plantations, heritage walks in Fontainhas, sunset at Betalbatim Beach and candle-lit dinners at a beach shack. 

Monsoon Travel Tips 

• Carry essentials: Raincoat, umbrella, waterproof shoes, quick-dry clothes, and mosquito repellent. 

• Check road conditions: Landslides can affect hilly areas. 

• Book stays wisely: Choose hotels with good drainage and easy road access. 

• Plan buffer days: Unexpected rain can cause delays. 

• Stay connected: Mobile networks can be patchy; keep offline maps handy. 

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FAQs on Monsoon Travel in India 

Which is the best place to visit in monsoon in India? 

Choosing a perfect monsoon destination depends completely on your mood. Darjeeling, Coorg, Munnar, Spiti Valley and Valley of Flowers are some great options. 

How to reach these destinations? 

All destinations are well-connected by air; check each place’s nearest airport and local taxi/bus options. 

Which place is best to visit in July? 

July is perfect for most monsoon destinations. At that time, Coorg, Munnar, Darjeeling and Kodaikanal are excellent picks. 

How is Kerala in monsoon? 

Kerala experiences refreshing rain with sunny spells. It is ideal for waterfall treks and some breathtaking views. 

How is Goa in monsoon? 

Expect greenery, fewer crowds, and affordable stays — perfect for romantic getaways!