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As most of us enjoy the monsoon season vibes snuggling in warm blankets, with a cup of chai in one hand and a remote in another, monsoon equates itself to the official “lazy mood” season.
Going out of the house can seem like a huge task, let alone traveling to another place. But those few who manage to do so, always come back after connecting with themselves again and loads of stories to tell (but mostly post on social media).
North India with its multiple diverse getaway locations offers you just the best road trip detox from the chaos of city life. Be it a nature-lover, a budding photographer, an artist searching for inspiration, a frequent trekker- North India and its picture-perfect valleys and mountains offer a home to everyone. You can get lost in the dense pine forests or acquaint yourself with quaint little towns, visit the ‘Switzerland of India’ or get heavenly insta-worthy pictures in the ‘Valley of Flowers’. Once you get a taste of monsoon rains in these places, you would not want to come back.
Here, is a list of 7 distinct places you can visit in North India during monsoon, to treat each sense of yours.
The perennial beauty that Frost, Wordsworth, and Keat talked about is found here. The valley of flowers is overflowing with a colorful carpet of flowers that come into full bloom as the monsoon rains touch their petals.
Weather in Monsoon: 10°C – 15°C (average)
Major Attractions: Hemkund Sahib, Ghangaria, Gaurikund, Bedini Bugyal, Vasudhara Falls
Things you can do: Trekking, camping, pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib, experiencing village tourism at Ghangaria
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Situated in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam is the go-to destination for people who are travel junkies, fond of nature and want to get away from the hustle of the city life. Its post-card perfect scenery is soothing to the eyes and medicine for the soul.
Weather in Monsoon: 15°C -17°C (average)
Major Attractions: Betaab Valley, Mamal Temple, Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgam Park, Lidder Amusement Park
Things you can do: Camping alongside Lidder River and Aru Valley, sledding, trekking, rafting and a must-do pony ride up till Baisaran
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Places to visit in Udaipur during monsoon is nothing less than a romantic, dreamlike getaway. For those who don’t want to head to the mountains for their monsoon vacation, Udaipur with its breezy winds and beautiful lakes offers just the right alternative.
Weather in Monsoon: 18°C-20°C (average)
Major Attractions: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Jagmandir, Ahar Cenotaphs, Ambrai Ghat
Things you can do: Take a boat cruise on Lake Pichola, ride the ropeway to get to the Karni Mata Temple, visit cultural sites like Bagore-ki-Haveli, do traditional shopping at Hathi Pol Bazaar, spot classic beauties at the Vintage Car Museum.
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Famously known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, this north-eastern destination offers the most breath-taking sights of waterfalls and a rain-washed vista during the monsoon season. The spectacular view from Shillong Peak, treks through the misty trails and perfectly laid out picturesque gardens will certainly give your inner artist food for thought.
Weather in Monsoon: 12°C -16°C
Major Attractions: Umiam Lake, Ward’s Lake, Shillong View Point, Lady Hydari Park, Nohkalikai Falls
Things you can do: Boating in Umiam Lake, trekking, picnic/sightseeing on Shillong Peak, waterfall hopping, exploration of the caves and much more
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Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport(40 kms away)
Nearest Railhead: Guwahati Railway Station (104 kms away)
Ladakh is a paradise for adventure-lovers. Its Buddhist monasteries, trekking routes, unique culture, scenic beauty, and adventure spots all topped by the amazing vibes of the monsoon weather will make your spirits soar and leave a smile on your face.
Weather in Monsoon: 10°C – 20°C
Major Attractions: Pangong Lake, Chadar Trek, Zanskar Valley, Phugtal Monastery, Nubra Valley
Things you can do: Drive through Khardungla Pass, get a ride on the double-humped Bactrian Camels at the sand dunes of Hunder, visit the highest cafeteria in the world to savour delicious maggi, spot a snow leopard at the Hemis National Park
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A frequent trekker or a newbie on the trails, Malshej Ghat offers all types of trekking experiences for those who want to have a monsoon vacation on a budget. The site is nestled in the rugged hills of the Western Ghats and offers some of the best views of the cascading waterfalls under the monsoon magic.
Weather in Monsoon: 20°C -25°C
Major Attractions: Malshej Falls, Harishchandragad Fort, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Kokan Kada, Ajoba Hill Fort
Things you can do: Bird-watching at Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, rock Climbing at Ajoba Hillfort, trekking up to Harishchandragad Fort
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Situated at an altitude of 926 meters in the north-western part of Himachal Pradesh, Chamba- the valley of milk and honey- is famously known for its lakes, paintings, meadows, temples and scenic beauty.
Weather in Monsoon: 15°C -35°C
Major Attractions: Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamunda Devi Temple, Dalhousie Khajjar Road, Chamba View Point
Things you can do: Boating in Panch Pulla, picnic at Chamba Central Park, wildlife spotting at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, trek to Chobia Pass
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These are just a few of the gems in the treasure trove of all holiday destinations in North India that come to life under the heavenly effects of the monsoon rains. The ‘lazy-mood’ season can be changed into the fun-like, adventurous monsoon it was in our childhood, and this year, you can reconnect with that part of yourself yet again, through a visit to all these monsoon-touched destinations.
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April 15, 2024 
