Places to Visit in South India during Monsoon

Places to Visit in South India during Monsoon

Is the heart curious about the best time to visit South India for a refreshing vacation? The reply comes from within- it is monsoon! The splashes of rain invigorate the landscape and make it soothing to the eyes; the pleasant weather makes everyone feel comfortable and happy. Bidding adieu to scorching summer, South India welcomes monsoons with a delightful heart and open arms, making them the perfect holiday abode. 

But why is South India preferred during the monsoon? Take a look.

• South India recharges beautifully with monsoon. The rain in the states over the months makes the landscape look green, plush, and refreshing. The lakes and waterfalls look full and stunning. The landscape becomes alluring, thus attracting travelers. It is an ideal season for people who love misty and cool weather and lush greenery.
• The weather is pleasant and cooler compared to the scorching summer months that just passed. The petrichor, misty clouds, and cool breeze set the mood for travel.
• Monsoon is the best time to visit South India if you are one of those who love serene and quiet places. Most of the places are less crowded, being off-season. Even the popular and touristy places have few crowds and negligible hustle and bustle.
• Being off-season, the hotels and holiday packages are offered at discounted rates. Connect with the leading agencies to get the best deal.

Wondering which places to plan during this monsoon holiday? There are quite a few travel operators like South Indian Routes who help plan an exciting holiday. Here are some of the best places that will win your heart.

Chikmagalur

Nestled in western Karnataka, this place rejoices in monsoon in every sense. The luxuriant Baba Budan Giri Range, plush green coffee plantations, and plunging Hebbe Falls add to the place's charm. You can enjoy trekking, exploring the green landscape, hiking, and going on wildlife safaris.

Yercaud

Enjoy the pristine beauty of the Shevaroy Range during the monsoon from Yercaud. The gorgeous beauty of Kiliyur Falls and Emerald Lake will make your jaw drop. Situated in the lap of the Eastern Ghats, this quaint and serene hill station near Salem in Tamil Nadu is a must-visit during the rainy season.

 Munnar

Quite a few reputed tour agencies like South Indian Routes suggest Munnar as one of the places to visit in the monsoon. Munnar is a slice of heaven on Earth, especially during the rainy season, featuring luxuriant hills and valleys, stunning lakes and waterfalls, and a refreshing tea estate. The greenery, freshness, and soothing weather work as a visual treat and make the heart joyful. Visit the viewpoints, dams, lakes, and waterfalls to enjoy the surroundings. Sip the refreshing aromatic tea and enjoy splashes of downpour.

Coorg

Another gem of Karnataka, Coorg, smells fresh and rejuvenating during the monsoon season. Enjoy the fresh aroma of the spice and coffee plantations. The Abbey Falls look stunning, and this is the best time for trekking and hiking in Coorg. Enjoy the pleasant weather, smell of wet soil, and lush green hills and valleys this monsoon.

Kovalam

How about a gorgeous beach holiday during the monsoon? Plan with your travel operator and keep Kovalam on the list. The sea looks lovely and scenic during the rain. Though surfing and swimming can be a little challenge during heavy downpours, enjoying the waves soaring and raindrops on the water makes up for it. Choose a beach shack, sip your favorite drink, and rejuvenate your mind and soul.

Ooty

If you are one of those who love touristy places, plan to visit Ooty during the monsoon. Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is the most romantic place during the rainy season. To start with, enjoy the scenic toy train ride through the Nilgiris. The joyful ride through the mist and clouds, nature trails, lush green Botanical garden, and Ooty Lake, oozes charm during the season if you are wondering which is the Best time to visit South India, particularly hill stations like Ooty, plan now.

Varkala

Another coastal gem, Varkala in Kerala, is a favorite monsoon hotspot for holidays. Surrounded by a cliff, this seaside paradise looks green and refreshing. Stroll in the palm forests by the beach and enjoy the scenic sea view, sunset, and coastal food. What's more for a relaxing holiday?

 Hampi

It sounds offbeat, but Hampi is one of the incredible places to explore during the monsoon. Known for historic and heritage temples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site of Karnataka offers soothing weather in June and July. It becomes easy for people to explore the temples and remnants of the Vijayanagar Kingdom. Reputed tour operators like the South Indian Routes even arrange for exciting coracle rides in the Hampi River.

Coonoor

Tucked at an altitude of 6000 feet, Coonoor is a visual treat, particularly after getting drenched in the rain. The plush green meadows and hills soothe the eyes and rejuvenate the heart. The tea estates look evergreen and aromatic. Enjoy a soulful trip to the Hidden Valley and soak in its beauty.

Poovar

Located at the edge of Kerala, Poovar is known for pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, cruising, and spas. Located close to Trivandrum, this is a delightful place for a relaxing vacation. Enjoy boating and beach strolls, and indulge in a therapeutic Ayurveda spa while the coastal gem experiences drizzles and a monsoon breeze.

Agumbe

As one of the hill stations close to Mangalore, Agumbe is a monsoon heaven in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. This place is adorned by stunning waterfalls, lakes, and green meadows and echoes peace and serenity. Agumbe receives maximum rainfall in South India. Hence, this place is aptly called the "Cherrapunji of South India." The luxuriant rainforests add to the beauty of the rain, and the forest hikes are one of the best adventures here. Trekking up to the Gundi, Jogi, and Onake Abbi Falls and rejoicing in their beauty is pure delight.

Wayanad

Romantic couples and newlyweds can plan their honeymoon during the monsoon in Wayanad. Another wonder of Kerala, Wayanad, offers the best romance and adventure experiences. Connect with your tour agency to book a stay in the tree house. Tucked away in the thick forest, one can enjoy splashes of rain in complete tranquillity. Bathing under the waterfalls, picnicking, and forest trails make the holiday worthwhile in every sense.

Araku Valley

If you think monsoon season is the best time to visit South India, which includes only places in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, then that's wrong. Let's break the myth with Araku Valley- one of the gems of Andhra Pradesh. This is the hill station in the Eastern Ghats, whose beauty and freshness augment during the monsoon. Being home to indigenous tribes and native culture, the journey from Vizag to Araku on the Vistadome train takes you to a different level. Visit Borra Caves and hike on the coffee plantation tour and waterfalls.

Kumarakom

Nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a natural wonder of Kerala that sparkles during the monsoon. Enjoy a houseboat ride, visit the Kumarakom bird sanctuary and Mango Meadows Agricultural Theme Park. The weather is pleasant and cool, and the refreshing surrounding makes it a favorite monsoon destination.

Dandeli

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, Dandeli should be your pick. Being the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, this place is home to rich biodiversity. The thick and plush rainforests augment the charm during the monsoon. The chances of spotting wildlife are also another holiday adventure. Get lucky to spot a black panther, elephant, or leopard. Moreover, this is a heaven for birdwatchers. You can spot Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill, and 200 species of birds. When the rain stops, and the surrounding looks fresh and serene, enjoy white water rafting in the Kali River to pamper the adventure-loving soul.

Alleppey

Plan to visit Alleppey in August to get the best of it. Book a houseboat for a day with travel operators like South Indian Routes and cruise in the backwaters. Enjoy the Kerala landscape, azure Vembanad Lake, and houseboat hospitality. The pristine backwater and scenic rural landscape recharge the heart and soul.

Tips for Monsoon Travel

Monsoon trips in South India are beautiful but they need a bit of planning. Here are a few simple and helpful tips:

• Take a raincoat or umbrella. Might seem obvious, but rain can show up fast, even when the sky looks clear.
• Use bags that won’t soak through. Plastic or waterproof covers are a lifesaver, especially for phones and chargers.
• Stick to clothes that dry quick. You don’t want to carry around soggy jeans all day
• Extra socks are a good idea. Wet feet get annoying real fast.
• Watch out for slippery paths, especially near hills or waterfalls, it gets muddy and messy.
• Mosquito cream can come in handy, especially in green and damp areas.
• Avoid driving through the hills late in the day. Roads can get foggy or slick.
• Keep plans loose. Sometimes, it’ll rain too much to go out and that’s okay. Just relax and enjoy the moment.

Conclusion

Monsoon season is the best time to visit South India if you love luxuriant greenery, less crowds, hustle and bustle, soothing weather, and stunning landscapes. Be it a beach destination, backwaters, forests, or scenic hill stations; monsoons make the places look pretty, plush green, and alive. Enjoy trails, hikes, leisure strolls, local food, and spas for a peaceful and rejuvenating holiday experience. There are quite a few travel agencies like South Indian Routes that plan and chalk out trips based on your time, choice, and budget. Such agencies have expertise in flawless planning, arrangement, and bookings and ensure the best holiday experience. If the holiday is on the cards during the monsoon, connect with a reputed agency and book an invigorating holiday retreat in various scenic places in South India.