The Indian monsoon is one of the most significant weather patterns in the world, influencing not only the country’s climate but also its agriculture, economy, and daily life. From June to September, India experiences heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, transforming landscapes into lush green paradises. While this season offers a unique and vibrant experience, it also comes with challenges such as flooding, travel disruptions, and health risks.
For travelers, the monsoons in India can be both beautiful and challenging. Whether you’re planning to explore India's coastal areas, northern plains, or hill stations, being prepared is key to enjoying your trip. In this guide, we’ll cover what to expect during the monsoon, how to prepare, and tips for visiting India during this rainy season.
Understanding Monsoons in India
1. Monsoons in Northeast India - Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland and Assam
Compared to the rest of the country, monsoons in northeast India feature moderate rainfall in the months of early winter. Japfu Peak in Kohima looks onto a culture-rich village at Dzukou Valley. Around November, Dibrugarh is full of beautiful, cross-continental migratory birds.
Monsoon Months - October to December
Best Places to Visit - Brahmaputra River(Guwahati), Loktak Lake(Manipur), Japfu Peak(Nagaland), Dibrugarh(Assam)
2. Southwest Monsoons - Kerala, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Gujarat and Rajasthan
Southwest monsoons in India are known as the Earth’s most productive wet season. It hits the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as early as the first week of July, followed by the Malabar Coast of Kerala. During this 4-month period, hill stations in the south are clad in spectacular green forests and raging waterfalls to explore.
Often mistaken for a dry region, Rajasthan and Gujarat in the west also receive light rainfall which creates a welcoming retreat with cool temperatures. Most of the desert and hilly areas begin to bloom and grow exquisite native flora.
Monsoon Months - July to September
Best Places to Visit - Thar Desert(Rajasthan), Gir National Park(Gujarat), Alleppey(Kerala), Coorg(Karnataka)
3. Southern Monsoon - Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and inland Tamil Nadu
On average, South India receives more rainfall than the North. Boasting endless coffee and tea plantations, the mountainous forests of Kerala, and the vibrant hill-bound beaches of Visakhapatnam, South India’s exotic locations are preferred by tourists to exclusively enjoy the rain and adventure activities like trekking and wildlife safaris.
Monsoon Months - July to September
Best Places to Visit - Wayanad(Kerala), Kodaikanal(Tamil Nadu), Visakhapatnam(Andhra Pradesh)
4. Western Monsoon - Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Daman and Diu
Western India has a tropical wet and semi-arid climate. Steady rainfall in Pune nourishes beaches, rivers, and stretches of agricultural fields. Speaking of the wet coastal charm of the rainy season in India, nothing beats Daman and Diu, with its upscale beaches and pulsating crowds celebrating the Nariyal Purnima festival.
Monsoon Months - June to August
Best Places to Visit - Rann of Kutch(Gujarat), Khadakwasla Dam and Aga Khan Palace(Maharashtra),St. Jerome Fort and Jampore Beach(Daman), Hawa Mahal(Rajasthan)
5. Monsoons in East India - West Bengal and Meghalaya
Meghalaya has the world’s top two rainiest towns – Mawsynram and Cherrapunji. The capital city of Shillong also receives a great deal of rainfall during mid-year monsoons. West Bengal is one of the most ideal monsoon tourism locations in India. Its southern tip, Bakkhali, has a tranquil beach and polished resorts offering delicious seafood.
Monsoon Months - June to September
Best Places to Visit - Cherrapunji(Meghalaya), Digha and Bakkhali(West Bengal), Elephant Falls(Shillong), Sunderbans(West Bengal)
6. Northern Himalayan Monsoon- Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh Tourism
Monsoons in India reach Uttarakhand in early July and travel further to Himachal Pradesh. This makes July and August the best time to visit the Himalayas, sweetened with sun and awash with hilltop lakes. The high-altitude regions of Roopkund, Rupin and Kuari Pass, Bhrigu Lake, and Buran Ghati are pieces of heaven on earth for trekking lovers.
Monsoon Months - July and August
Best Places to Visit - Roopkund Glacial Lake(Uttarakhand), Manali and Kullu(Himachal Pradesh), Nanda Devi National Park(Uttarakhand)
Places to Visit in Monsoon in India
Cherrapunji
Popularly known as “Scotland of East”, Cherrapunji is a small hill station in Meghalaya which receives the highest quantity of rainfall in the world. Mawkdok Dympep Valley dominates the region’s dramatic beauty. Plunging from dense forests, the surrounding Kynrem waterfall offers exotic campsites. Mawsmai Cave in the south of town shows stalagmites that have formed over centuries.
Valley of Flowers
Uttarakhand’s monsoon is best enjoyed at the sprawling Valley of Flowers, which houses over 400 varieties of vibrant and rare flora across 8,750 hectares of land amidst lofty green hills. For a rewarding monsoon experience, stock up on camping essentials and prepare to trek along acres of magnificent flowers extending to the valley-bound horizons.
Lonavala
Western Ghats is a green paradise with picturesque forests, voluptuous rivers, and towering waterfalls. It is one of the best monsoon destinations in India. Soaked in the downpour of the Sahyadri Mountains, Lonavala near Pune is a hotspot for tourism and trekking during monsoons in India. Bhushi Dam is a major attraction, alongside shimmering lakes like Pawna and Tungarli. Settled amidst coffee plantations, Tikona and Rajmachi Forts are two of India’s oldest historical sites.
Munnar
This hill station is the prime tea-growing estate of Western Ghats in God’s Own Country, Kerala. The town has a rich heritage of plantations, embodied in the Tea Museum and Tea Gardens. While driving or trekking through the clouds atop the Wonder Valley, you would meet a plunging waterfall every few miles. Echo Point is another popular tourist spot during monsoon in India for its panoramic views and creative treehouse hotels.
Sonamarg
While rains are an obvious phenomenon in monsoon, snow is not hard to find either. Sonamarg in Kashmir, the gateway to the ancient Silk Road, is one of the most popular snow-clad valleys where you can find a thick layer even in August. Zoji La mountain pass, located at a startling elevation of 3,528 metres in Drass is the highest motorable road in the world.
Impact on Travel and Infrastructure Due to Monsoons in India
While the monsoon turns India into a vibrant green wonderland, it also brings challenges:- Flooding: Some areas, especially low-lying regions and cities, may experience waterlogging or flooding. This can disrupt travel plans, including road and rail transport.
- Travel Delays: Flights and trains can be delayed or canceled due to heavy rains or poor visibility. Always check for weather updates before heading out.
- Infrastructure Damage: Roads, bridges, and buildings can be impacted by heavy rains, so it’s essential to plan for possible disruptions in your itinerary.
Despite these challenges, the monsoon is a magical time to visit India’s hill stations, coastal towns, and forests, as the rain brings life to nature and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.
How to Travel in the Rainy Season in India?
While you explore the exotic climate and spellbinding natural vistas during monsoons in India, here are some tips to make your journey and itinerary smooth:- Waterproof Gear: Invest in a good raincoat, waterproof shoes, and umbrellas. Use waterproof pouches for electronics.
- Travel Delays: Be prepared for delays due to heavy rain, particularly in remote areas or cities prone to flooding.
- Mosquito Repellent: Monsoon brings a rise in mosquitoes, so keep repellents handy.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check weather forecasts and road conditions.