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From heritage towns to misty mountains, these monsoon-perfect getaways are ideal for a quick long weekend escape this August.
August in Rishikesh has this incredible energy, the Ganges is flowing strong, everything’s lush green, and there’s something about monsoon spirituality that hits different
With a long weekend on the horizon this August, it’s the perfect time to plan a quick escape. Whether you’re in the mood for misty hill stations, sacred riversides, or monsoon-washed heritage towns, EaseMyTrip has curated the top 10 getaway destinations that promise scenic beauty, fewer crowds, and just the right touch of adventure.
Mussoorie – Where Clouds Come to Play
Distance: 290 kilometres (about 6-7 hours if traffic gods are kind)
Mussoorie in August is like stepping into a different world altogether. The mist rolls in so thick sometimes you can barely see your hand in front of your face, which sounds terrifying but is actually quite magical. Local shop owners will tell you it’s the best time to visit – fewer crowds, better prices, and nature puts on quite a show.
Best Things to Do:
Mall Road walks become proper adventures when you’re dodging raindrops
Kempty Falls turns into a proper beast during monsoons – quite the sight
Gun Hill cable car rides through the clouds (when it’s running)
Company Garden’s flowers are at their absolute peak
Landour’s quiet streets perfect for those “I need to think” moments
Quick Travel Tips: Pack like you’re going to Scotland – layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes. August’s peak season means booking ahead isn’t just smart, it’s essential. That lovely mountain weather can turn chilly faster than you’d expect.
Nainital – Lake Town Magic
Distance: 320 kilometres (plan for 7-8 hours, maybe more with monsoon roads)
There’s something oddly satisfying about watching raindrops create ripples on Naini Lake. The whole town seems to slow down during August, which is exactly what most travellers need. Local boatmen have stories about monsoon magic that’ll keep you entertained for hours.
Best Things to Do:
Lake boating when it’s drizzling – surprisingly romantic
Naina Peak sunrise treks (if you can drag yourself out of bed)
Tibetan Market hunting for those unique finds
Hanumangarhi caves exploration – bit spooky, quite fun
Bhimtal day trips for when Nainital feels too crowded
Quick Travel Tips: Mountain roads and monsoons aren’t always best friends. Check weather reports religiously. Some lake activities get cancelled when it’s properly chucking it down.
Shimla – Victorian Charm Meets Monsoon Drama
Distance: 350 kilometres (8 hours on a good day, longer when it’s not)
Shimla’s red rooftops look absolutely stunning against grey monsoon skies – like something out of a period drama. The toy train journey becomes even more special when you’re chugging through rain-soaked valleys, though getting tickets requires patience of a saint.
Best Things to Do:
Toy train rides through misty valleys (book months ahead, seriously)
Mall Road evening strolls – perfect for people watching
Viceregal Lodge visits when you need some history with your holiday
Lakkar Bazaar shopping sprees for wooden souvenirs
Kufri day trips for adventure seekers
Quick Travel Tips: Train bookings are a competitive sport during August. Weather changes faster than British conversation topics, so pack accordingly. That mountain air hits different – you’ll sleep like a baby.
Rishikesh – Spiritual Vibes, Monsoon Style
Distance: 240 kilometres (5-6 hours, depending on how many dhabas you stop at)
August in Rishikesh has this incredible energy, the Ganges is flowing strong, everything’s lush green, and there’s something about monsoon spirituality that hits different. Even the most stressed executives finds themselves slowing down here.
Best Things to Do:
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan – properly moving experience
River rafting when conditions allow (safety first, thrills second)
Ashram yoga sessions – surprisingly accessible for beginners
Laxman Jhula walks – bit wobbly, quite fun
Cave meditation at Vasishta Gufa – not for claustrophobics
Quick Travel Tips: River activities get cancelled when it’s too rough – safety over adventure. Temple dress codes are strict, so pack appropriately. The spiritual atmosphere is real, but so are the mosquitos.
Manali – Apple Country in the Clouds
Distance: 550 kilometres (12-14 hours of proper road tripping)
Getting to Manali in August is half the adventure – winding mountain roads, sudden weather changes, and scenery that makes every traffic jam worth it. The apple orchards are at their greenest, and the whole valley has this fresh-washed look that’s impossible to capture in photos.
Best Things to Do:
Hadimba Temple visits through cedar forests – properly atmospheric
Kasol and Tosh explorations for alternative culture
Solang Valley treks when weather permits
Local market wandering for authentic mountain shopping
Rohtang Pass attempts (weather dependent, patience required)
Quick Travel Tips: Road conditions can be properly challenging – consider flying to Kullu instead. High-altitude areas might be off-limits due to weather. Pack for all seasons, because mountain weather has commitment issues.
Agra – Monsoon Romance at the Taj
Distance: 230 kilometres (4-5 hours of mostly decent roads)
Everyone thinks Agra’s just a day trip, but August monsoons make it worth a proper weekend stay. The Taj Mahal looks completely different when framed by dramatic monsoon clouds – photographers absolutely love this time of year.
Best Things to Do:
Taj Mahal sunrise visits – fewer crowds, better lighting
Agra Fort exploration – proper impressive when rain-washed
Mehtab Bagh sunset walks – romantic as anything
Marble workshop visits – fascinating craftsmanship
Yamuna riverbank strolls – surprisingly peaceful
Quick Travel Tips: Monument timings can change with weather – check beforehand. Marble gets slippery when wet, so sensible footwear essential. Early morning visits beat both crowds and heat.
Haridwar – Sacred Rivers, Monsoon Blessings
Distance: 220 kilometres (4-5 hours of mostly straightforward driving)
Haridwar during monsoon season has this incredible spiritual energy. The Ganges is flowing strong, the ghats are atmospheric, and even non-religious folks find themselves getting caught up in the whole experience. It’s quite something, really.
Best Things to Do:
Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti – properly moving ceremony
Holy dips in the Ganges – spiritually significant, practically refreshing
Mansa Devi Temple cable car rides – views worth the queue
Religious bazaar shopping – fascinating cultural experience
Chandi Devi Temple visits – bit of a climb, great views
Quick Travel Tips: Religious festivals in August mean serious crowds – plan accordingly. Waterproof everything for temple visits. The spiritual atmosphere is intense – even sceptics find it moving.
Kasauli – Quiet Hills, Loud Personality
Distance: 310 kilometres (6-7 hours of pleasant mountain driving)
Kasauli’s the place you go when you want hill station charm without hill station crowds. August monsoons make it even more intimate – misty mornings, cosy evenings, and the kind of peace that’s impossible to find.
Best Things to Do:
Lover’s Lane walks – cheesy name, lovely experience
Christ Church visits – beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere
Local market browsing – genuine mountain handicrafts
Kasauli Brewery tours – surprising highlight
Colonial heritage walks – history comes alive
Quick Travel Tips: Limited accommodation means booking ahead isn’t optional. Steep roads require careful monsoon driving. Everything closes early – embrace the slow pace.
Corbett – Wildlife in the Wet Season
Distance: 160 kilometres (3-4 hours of decent road conditions)
Corbett’s a bit different in August – main safari areas are closed, but the buffer zones come alive with monsoon energy. It’s brilliant for nature lovers who want something beyond typical tiger spotting.
Best Things to Do:
Buffer zone wildlife photography – different perspective
Guided forest walks – educational and peaceful
Corbett Museum visits – conservation stories worth hearing
Kosi River rafting – monsoon makes it more exciting
Village tourism in Kumeria – authentic local experience
Quick Travel Tips: Core areas closed during monsoons, but buffer zones compensate. Insect
repellent isn’t optional. Forest activities need waterproof gear.
Lansdowne – The Undiscovered Gem
Distance: 250 kilometres (5-6 hours through changing landscapes)
Lansdowne’s what hill stations used to be before they became tourist magnets. August monsoons make it even more special – proper quiet, authentic experiences, and the kind of natural beauty that doesn’t need filters.
Best Things to Do:
Forest walks through oak and pine – meditative stuff
Garhwali Mess military heritage – fascinating history
Bhulla Lake boating – peaceful as anything
Tip-in-Top viewpoint photography – views worth the climb
Weekly market cultural experiences – authentic local life
Quick Travel Tips: Limited dining options make meal planning essential. Everything closes early embrace the digital detox. This is proper peaceful – perfect for recharging.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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