The best-known monsoon destinations in India
1.Cherrapunji. Known all over for experiencing the highest rainfall in the country, the landscape of Cherrapunji flashes brightly during the monsoon season. ...
2.Lonavala. ...
3.Coorg. ...
4.Shillong. ...
5.Wayanad. ...
6.Darjeeling. ...
7.Mount Abu. ..
8.Spiti Valley.
1.Cherrapunji
Monsoon Season (June-September)
Cherrapunji during monsoon is best avoided as that is when the region receives its maximum rainfall of the year. It starts somewhere around May, as you already know, but the next three months, between June and September, inundate the land with heavy showers.
2.Lonavala. ...
Places to Visit in Lonavala:
(1) Tiger’s Leap, Lonavala
Tiger’s Leap is a prime tourist attraction that sits in the lap of nature at a height of 650 metres above sea level. Interestingly, this vantage point has been named so because of its shape that resembles a tiger taking a leap into the valley. It is frequented by adventure seekers who indulge in trekking and hiking here.
(2) Bhaja Caves, Lonavala
Bhaja Caves is a set of spectacular rock-cut caves, which has been classified as a national monument. It is believed to be one of the oldest caves in India, belonging to 2nd to 1st century BCE, and the fine Buddhist excavations in these caves date back to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism.
Along with exploring these caves that primarily include Chaityas and Viharas, you may take a refreshing dip in the nearby waterfall as well as take a tour of the lush surroundings. You need to take a zig-zag trail to reach the caves from its base at Bhaja Village.
Location: Bhaja Village, Lonavala
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
(3 )Karla Caves, Lonavala
Not too far from Bhaja Caves lies another popular tourist attraction – Karla Caves that houses the largest and most well preserved Hinayana Buddhist Chaitya in the country. Associated with Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism, these are one of the oldest rock-cut caves in India with the oldest one dating back to the 1st century BCE.
You will be amazed to see fine motifs, sculptures, inscriptions, stupas, pillars and 37-pillar aisle at Karla Caves that boasts of over 2000-year-old beams, amongst which some of them are still alive. You will also come across a temple at the entrance that has been recently built using pillars from the Buddhist period.
Location: Karli, Lonavala
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
(4) Bhushi Dam, Lonavala
If you are looking for places to visit near me for picnicking with friends and family, then head straight to Bhushi Dam, which forms the popular Bhushi Lake. There are steps to access this masonry dam on the Indrayani River, where you can sit and soak the warm sunshine as well as enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings.
This popular tourist attraction tends to get overcrowded during weekends, especially in the monsoon season, when you may face difficulty in finding a decent spot to sit on the steps. You must note that swimming is prohibited here because of the inconsistent water flow.
Location: I.N.S. Shivaji Road, Lonavala
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
3.Coorg. ...
This highest peak in Coorg, standing at an elevation of over 5,700 feet, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Coorg. The mountain is popular amongst trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The trek to the summit is moderate with sharp slopes but these challenges are compensated by the breathtaking trails dotted with some parts of the lush Shola forests, fragrant coffee plantations, waterfalls, and streams that accompany you on the hike.
The trails are full of colourful snails, butterflies, birds, and flower patches. Gorgeous views, enveloped in the crisp mountain air, of vast meadows and valleys backdropped by clear blue skies, welcome you at the summit.
Track Routes to Tadiandamol Peak
The highest peak in Kodagu offers a fascinating trek to nature lovers. At an elevation of 5740 ft, it takes you through verdant greens of Shola forest, valleys and rivers. The starting point of the trek is at Nalaknad Palace, where large vehicles like buses and tempo travelers can be parked free of cost. There is a motorable road until the viewpoint which is another 2km ahead. Only small vehicles can access this motorable road.
The trek to the peak starts from the Forest entry point, where one needs to buy tickets for the trek. The next major point is the big boulder where trekkers usually take a short break to witness a charming view of the surroundings. Beyond the big boulders are the grasslands leading to the silent forest. The pinnacle of the trek is the brilliant forest replete with flora and fauna of varied species. This is a moderate level trek which is 6km one way and takes close to 2-3 hours each side. The trails are broad and chances of getting lost are less.
How To Reach
By Rail: Tadiandamol does not have a train station, and the nearest station is Mysore, at a distance of 107km from Tadiandamol. Thus, one needs to take a conveyance from Mysore to Tadiandamol.
By Road: One may also drive down from major cities like Bangalore/Mangalore or other places directly to the Kodagu district and get access to the highest peak in Coorg. It takes approximately 6 hours and 4 hours by road from Bangalore and Mangalore respectively.
By Bus: Regular buses ply from major cities and towns crossing Tadiandamol. Buses are available every 30 minutes from Bangalore bus depot and take approximately 6 hours to reach. Chennai to Tadiandamol is 611km and takes approximately 11hours to reach.
Best Time To Visit
Tadiandamol peak can be visited at any time of the year except for the monsoon months. However, a few tourists enjoy trekking in the rain when the hills are much greener and fertile thus looking splendid.
4.Shillong. ...
Shillong is a hill station in northeast India and capital of the state of Meghalaya. It’s known for the manicured gardens at Lady Hydari Park. Nearby, Ward’s Lake is surrounded by walking trails. North, the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures features displays on the region’s native people. Waterfalls include the Elephant Falls to the southwest. East of here, forested Shillong Peak offers city views. ―
5.Wayanad. ...
Wayanad is a rural district in Kerala state, southwest India. In the east, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush, forested region with areas of high altitude, home to animals including Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards and egrets. In the Ambukuthi Hills to the south, Edakkal Caves contain ancient petroglyphs, some dating back to the Neolithic age. ―
6.Darjeeling. ...
Darjeeling is a town in India's West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It's famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks
7.Mount Abu. ..
Mount Abu is a hill station in western India’s Rajasthan state, near the Gujarat border. Set on a high rocky plateau in the Aravalli Range and surrounded by forest, it offers a relatively cool climate and views over the arid plains below. In the center of town, Nakki Lake is a popular spot for boating. Close by are the centuries-old Dilwara Temples, ornately carved from white marble and of great spiritual importance
8.Spiti Valley
Spiti is a high-altitude region of the Himalayas, located in the north-eastern part of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name "Spiti" means "The middle land", i.e. the land between Tibet and India.
