Monsoon in India is more than a season; it’s a sensory journey. As the first drops hit the ground, even familiar places start to feel a little more special. Hills turn greener, the skies grow dramatic,
and the air smells magical. If you don’t mind getting a bit wet, it’s the perfect time to step out and explore the unbridled beauty of nature.
But beyond the poetry, there are real reasons to travel during the monsoon. Fewer tourists mean quieter trails, peaceful heritage sites, and better hotel rates. Landscapes are at their lushest, festivals are in full swing, and seasonal foods from steamed tribal delicacies to monsoon-only sweets make travel during this season a memorable experience.
From quiet hill stations and misty forests to coastal towns and countryside escapes, here is a list of mesmerising monsoon destinations in India. And the best part? All these stunning places are easy to reach by air. So, grab your umbrella, pack light, and get ready to discover India when it’s most alive.
1. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Cherrapunji, nestled in Meghalaya and famed as one of the wettest places on Earth, is India’s most iconic monsoon destination. Torrential rains transform the landscape into a spectacle of roaring waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters, misty canyons, and lush green forests. Adventurers can trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge or explore the mystical Mawsmai and Arwah caves. Here, rain isn’t a disruption, it’s the experience itself, offering a raw, immersive encounter with nature at its most powerful.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Kolkata and Imphal
2. Kumarakom, Kerala
Located on the serene banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is the quintessential monsoon escape for those seeking relaxation, nature, and wellness. The season enhances the charm of its meandering backwaters, with houseboat cruises becoming surreal experiences. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for ornithologists and nature lovers alike. The monsoon is also considered the most effective period for traditional Ayurvedic therapies, making it ideal for rejuvenation.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from 10+ destinations in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru
3. Goa
Ditch the beach party clichés, Goa in the monsoon is a whole different mood. Picture emerald fields, rain-soaked Portuguese villas, and waterfalls roaring through the Western Ghats. South Goa is quieter and perfect for slow travel: kayak through backwaters near Galgibaga, trek to Tambdi Surla Waterfall, or explore the ancient Mahadev Temple nestled deep in the forest. Monsoon brings unique Goan festivals like Chikhal Kalo, a playful mud-slathering ritual in July, and Patolleanchem Fest in August, celebrating Goan culture with traditional dance, music, and a monsoon delicacy, patolleo, coconut-jaggery stuffed rice cakes steamed in turmeric leaves.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport (GOI)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from 20 Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru
4. Puri, Odisha
Puri, one of India’s holiest cities, comes alive during the monsoon with the grand Rath Yatra, a vibrant celebration of faith and tradition. The mix of divine rituals, coastal rains, and sea breeze creates an ethereal atmosphere. Beyond the temple circuit, visitors can explore Chilika Lake for boat rides and birdwatching, or visit Raghurajpur, a heritage village known for its Pattachitra art. Despite the rains, the season offers a compelling blend of spiritual energy and cultural richness.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from over 15 Indian cities
5. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Orchha turns quietly magical in the monsoon, as the Betwa River swells and its ancient palaces and cenotaphs shimmer under moody skies. Rain intensifies the town’s mystical aura, Jahangir Mahal and Chaturbhuj Temple look sculpted from storm clouds, and forest trails in the nearby wildlife sanctuary burst into green, alive with birdsong. The month of Shravan brings devotional fervour to the temples, while locals warm up with mahua and spicy street snacks. For lovers of history and rain, Orchha offers poetry in stone, soaked in silence.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Gwalior (GWL)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai
6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Framed by the Himalayan foothills and flowing alongside the Ganges, Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of India takes on a mystical charm during the monsoon. Misty riverbanks, lush forest trails, and gentle rains create a serene setting perfect for spiritual and wellness retreats. While rafting pauses due to high currents, visitors can experience the soulful Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat, rejuvenating yoga and Ayurveda sessions, and scenic treks to waterfalls like Neer Garh and Patna Waterfall. It’s an ideal time to reconnect with nature and self in this sacred Himalayan town.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from 10 Indian cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai
7. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal, often referred to as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” embraces a romantic and introspective charm during the monsoon. Pine forests exude fresh aromas, waterfalls like Silver Cascade gush with renewed energy, and mist shrouds panoramic trails like Coaker’s Walk and Guna Caves. This is a perfect time for cozy retreats, local bakery indulgences, and slow-paced nature hikes. The rains bring out the rare flora of the region, making it a haven for plant enthusiasts and solitude seekers.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (IXM)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi
8. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station, becomes a refreshing green oasis during the monsoon, offering a cool escape from the state’s typically arid landscape. While it does receive monsoon showers, the rainfall is modest, and the misty landscape adds a gentle charm. The marble marvels of the Dilwara Temples glow softly in the monsoon light, while treks to Guru Shikhar and boating on Nakki Lake offer peaceful getaways. With fewer tourists, it remains a serene choice for nature and culture enthusiasts alike.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (UDR)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai
9. Port Blair
In the monsoon, Port Blair slows down to a soulful rhythm—lush, rain-drenched hills meet the rugged sea, and deserted beaches invite quiet reflection. Nature flourishes along trails to Mount Harriet and Wimberlygunj, while Chidiya Tapu draws birders with rare sightings. The Island Tourism Festival adds cultural colour with music, dance, and seasonal seafood delicacies. With off-season calm and dramatic island beauty, Port Blair is perfect for those who find peace in the sound of rain on water.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (IXZ)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Kolkata and Chennai
10. Hubballi, Karnataka
Often overlooked on travel maps, Hubballi is a hidden monsoon gateway to the Western Ghats and rich cultural heritage. Nearby Dandeli offers thrilling jungle safaris, nature walks, coracle rides, and natural wonders like Syntheri Rocks, while history lovers can explore ancient temple architecture in Lakkundi and Gadag. Under the dramatic South Indian monsoon skies, Hubballi offers a unique mix of adventure, heritage, and rural charm.
Travel & Accessibility:
• Nearest Airport: Hubballi Airport (HBX)
• Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi
