Move over summer vacations monsoon travel is quickly emerging as a preferred escape for Indian travellers seeking nature, rejuvenation, and adventure all at once. From misty mountain getaways to lush forest
retreats, this rainy season is no longer about staying in it’s about going out, into nature’s most vibrant and sensory-rich moments.
The Allure of Rain-Kissed Escapes
Gone are the days when travellers avoided the rains. Now, the monsoons are being seen as a window to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse in greenery at its peak. Whether it’s a trek through misty valleys, kayaking in rain-fed rivers, or simply sipping chai overlooking lush landscapes, Indians are embracing the monsoon in full swing.
“The monsoons have increasingly become a sought-after travel window for Indian travellers looking to immerse themselves in nature at its most vibrant,” says Abraham Alapatt, President & Group Head, Marketing, Service Quality, Value Added Services & Innovation, Thomas Cook (India) Limited.
“Unlike traditional peak-season holidays, monsoon-led escapes are driven by a desire to reconnect with the outdoors, slow down and engage more deeply with nature.”
Nature Trails and Monsoon Adventures
At Nature Trails, a Thomas Cook India company, curated monsoon experiences are seeing a sharp uptick in demand. Their properties in Durshet, Sajan, and Kundalika have become hubs for eco-conscious travel and immersive activities. Guests can try everything from rice planting, bullock cart rides, tribal village visits, and mud fights, to white-water rafting, ziplining, kayaking, and jungle cooking, all while staying in unique accommodations like tree-top rooms, pod containers, river-view cabins, and trail-wheel caravans.
“These are not just leisure stays they are immersive, nature-forward escapes that resonate strongly with today’s new-age Indian traveller,” Alapatt adds. “From families and Gen Z to educational groups and corporates, more people are seeking purpose-led outdoor experiences rooted in sustainability and local culture.”
Long Weekends, Short Getaways
Meanwhile, SOTC Travel reports a different but complementary trend: the rise of short, spontaneous getaways planned around long weekends and public holidays.
“We are witnessing a growing trend of travellers maximizing extended weekends for monsoon travel,” shares S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head, Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited.
“Travellers are opting for nature-led getaways that offer a sense of escape without venturing too far.”
Popular choices include trekking across Kalsubai, Ratangad, and Sandhan Valley, river rafting in Kolad, paragliding in Kamshet, and camping by Pawna Lake or Kelva Beach. For those craving quieter, scenic retreats, Nashik’s vineyards, kayaking at Mandwa, and lakeside calm in North India’s Kasauli, Mussoorie, Nainital, Kanatal, and Naukuchiatal are on the rise.
“Whether it’s walking along the pine-scented Gilbert Trail in Kasauli or kayaking through rain-fed streams in Mandwa, travellers today want to pause, recharge, and reconnect with the outdoors,” adds Nandakumar.
A Monsoon Mindset Shift
Together, these trends signal a major shift in Indian travel behaviour from high-decibel vacations to slower, meaningful, and nature-connected journeys. As both travel brands confirm, this isn’t just a seasonal fad, it’s a conscious lifestyle choice
