The misty Kangra trail
This scenic route through Himachal Pradesh blends Himalayan spirituality, artistic charm, and adventure. Begin at Dharamshala, with its green forests and Tibetan cafés. Move to Bir for forest walks, valley views, and paragliding (weather permitting). Continue to Palampur, where tea plantations look even more beautiful in the rain, and end in Andretta, an artists’ village with pottery studios and quiet corners — perfect for journaling or sketching.
Must-try monsoon dishes: Kangri Dham, Siddu, local red rice with ghee
Ideal for: Creatives, slow travellers, couples
How to reach: Fly to Kangra Airport (Gaggal), 40 km from Dharamshala and Palampur; also, well connected by road from Pathankot and Chandigarh.
Rainy route through Uttarakhand
For rain-drenched trails combining plains, lakes, and pine forests, Uttarakhand is ideal. Start in Dehradun with a stroll on Rajpur Road and a visit to Robber’s Cave. Head to Chakrata for misty trails, British-era houses, and Tiger Falls. From there, take an overnight train to Haldwani and drive to a quiet Nainital for boat rides and forest walks. End in Ramnagar, the “Corbett City,” where jungles and riverbanks create the perfect offbeat monsoon escape.
Must-try monsoon dishes: Aloo ke Gutke, Mandua roti, orchard-fresh litchis, apricots, and peaches
Ideal for: Wildlife lovers, adventurers, eco-conscious travellers
How to reach: Fly/train to Dehradun; return via rail or road from Ramnagar through Haldwani or Moradabad.
Goa’s offbeat monsoon trail
Monsoon transforms Goa into a romantic green paradise. Begin in Panjim, exploring colourful Fontainhas lanes under an umbrella and stopping at cosy cafés. Visit waterfalls like Tambdi Surla or Dudhsagar, then head to South Goa for quieter beaches and coastal drives. The rains revive Goa’s cultural side, with less crowded churches, local festivals, and soulful music echoing through the drizzle.
Must-try monsoon dishes: Fish thali, Goan sausage pulao, fried bhajiyas with tea
Ideal for: Slow travellers, couples, culture seekers
How to reach: Fly to Goa International Airport (Dabolim or Mopa) or take the scenic Konkan Railway.
Shillong’s rainy charm
Called the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong sparkles in the rains. Mist covers the East Khasi Hills, adding to its colonial-era charm. Walk pine-lined roads, relax in gardens, and explore cosy cafés with Khasi music in the background. Don’t miss Elephant Falls in full flow, or short trips to Mawlynnong and Laitlum Canyons.
Must-try monsoon dishes: Tungrymbai (fermented soybean), Jadoh (rice with meat), spicy pork curry
Ideal for: Young travellers, music lovers, culture enthusiasts
How to reach: Fly to Shillong Airport or drive from Guwahati.
The rainforest dream of South India
For a true rainforest experience, head to Agumbe in Karnataka. With dense green canopies, roaring falls, and the call of the wild, it’s a monsoon wonder. Known for its biodiversity and the king cobra, Agumbe’s trekking trails like Barkana and Onake Abbi Falls turn magical during rains. With little tourist activity, it’s a place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Must-try monsoon dishes: Malnad-style neer dosa, jackfruit fritters, peppery rasam
Ideal for: Wildlife photographers, herpetologists, offbeat explorers
How to reach: Nearest railhead is Udupi; Mangalore Airport is about 100 km away.
Backwaters in the rain
Alleppey’s iconic backwaters are a serene sight during monsoon. Mist over houseboats, swaying palms, temple drums, and fishermen at work add rhythm to the rains. Ayurvedic massages make the experience even more rejuvenating.
Must-try monsoon dishes: Karimeen pollichathu, appam with stew, banana fritters
Ideal for: Wellness seekers, honeymooners, photographers
How to reach: Fly to Kochi; Alleppey is well connected by train and road.
Maharashtra’s monsoon hideout
In Vidarbha, Chikhaldara offers cool winds, misty coffee estates, and rain-drenched forests. Its elevation gives sweeping views of valleys, waterfalls like Bhimkund, and Panchbol Point. The nearby Melghat Tiger Reserve even offers chances of leopard sightings. Less crowded than the Sahyadris, it’s perfect for long drives and quiet forest walks.
Must-try monsoon dishes: Saoji-style mutton curry, zunka bhakri, tribal forest greens
Ideal for: Wildlife lovers, road trippers
How to reach: Nearest railhead is Amravati, 85 km away.
