Monsoon is usually the season when people prefer staying indoors rather than venturing outside. Who would like to risk slippery roads and muddy splashes?
But there are some places that are best visited during the rains. These offer great views of lush greenery, the fragrance of freshness and romantic excursions.
Chickmagalur
Also known as Chikkamagaluru, it is a city situated in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. Located in the foothills of Mullayanagiri range, Chickmagalur is known for its hill stations and coffee.
A must-visit is Kemmangundi, also known as K R Hills. It is surrounded by thick forests and enjoys salubrious climate through- out the year. Next comes Kudremukh, 95 km south-west of Chickmagalur town. This hill gets its name from the unique shape of its peak. Mullayanagiri, at 1,930 metres, is the highest peak in Karnataka. Watching sunsets here are a must.
Baba Budangiri, north of Chickmagalur is supposed to be one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and Nilgiris.
Lonavla
Lonavla is a hill station in Maharashtra. Located 64 km west of Pune and 96 km east of Mumbai, it is famous for its variety of hard candy called chikki. Lonavla is also popular for its waterfalls and ponds. Must visit places here are Tiger Point, Karla caves, Lohagad and Rajmachi forts, lakes Pavana and Tungrali.
Spiti valley
Spiti valley, a serene mountain desert located in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh is an ideal place to unwind. ‘Spiti’ which translates to ‘the middle land’ is named so because it sits between Himachal Pradesh and Tibet.
Apart from all the breathtaking views and scenery, Spiti valley is also a spiritual haven. A research and cultural centre for Buddhists, Spiti valley also boasts of one of the oldest monasteries in the world, Taboo monastery.
Spiti Valley is accessible throughout the year via a 412- km-long road from Shimla which goes through Kinnaur. The lifeline of the valley is the Spiti river which originates from the Kunzum range.
So, if you are looking for a quite place to relax and rejuvenate Spiti valley is an ideal vacation spot for you.
Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, one of the most beautiful states in India, is also a spot to relax and introspect.
Located in the eastern Himalayas, it is a cultural hub of northeast India complete with malls, theaters and legal casinos.
People from all over India travel to Gangtok to escape the scorching sun which can peak well over 40 degrees during summer.
Gangtok offers a lot places to captivate your mind. Tsomgo Lake is Gangtok’s prime tourist spot.
Other spots which you can visit are Ranka Monastery, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok view point, Mt Katao, Pelling, Pemiyangtse Monastery, Rumtek Monastery and Jilling, to name a few.