We often get asked by our clients, where should we travel in India during these monsoon months? It’s a tricky question and our answers vary depending on what kind of holiday you are looking for. But here’s a ready reckoner to plan a getaway during this period in India based on our 28 year experience of planning unforgettable holidays in India and across the world. But first things first.
The weather
India is a vast country with geographical terrain as diverse as the high altitude Himalayas to the North, the coastal areas of peninsular India, the desert arid regions of Rajasthan & Kutch and the plains and plateau of Central India. Then there are the more ‘regional’ geographies including the mangrove tigerland of Sunderbans in West Bengal, the Khasi and Garo hills of Meghalaya, the Western and Eastern Ghats etc each of them with their distinct eco system.
So here’s our recommendation:
- For the Orophiles: There is no better time to visit Eastern Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul, Kinnaur, Spiti) and Ladakh. Lahaul, Spiti and Ladakh form the high altitude cold desert region of India and are in the rain shadow zone. Expect blue skies most of the time. Do the loop. Start from Chandigarh and drive through Sangla, Tabo, Kaza, (visit the high altitude villages of Chicham, Langza, Ki, Hikkim, Komic), Chandertal, Jispa, Serchu, move on to the stunning high altitude lakes of Tsokar, Tsomoriri and Pangong Tso before spending a few days in the beautiful Nubra and then end your trip at Leh. There are many ways to curtail this trip based on the number of days you have with you. Our travel advisors will guide you on this including traversing the route via Shinkula pass on the strategic Nimmu-Padum-Darcha motorable route connecting Zanskar to Jispa and Manali. Check your health parameters before going on this circuit.
- For the Pluviophiles: If you are one of those who find deep peace, comfort, and joy in the sights, smells, and sounds of rainfall, you are in luck. Just wait for the rains to settle in and typically end June -September would be a fabulous time to experience rains in Kerala, Goa, Karnataka (Hampi is fascinating at this time), Udaipur and surrounds, Meghalaya (The Abode of Clouds!), the lower regions of the Himalayas. It’s also a beautiful time to visit the wildlife sanctuaries of Central India when jungle streams are in full flow and you can experience striking, lush green landscape of the vast jungles. Though the National parks are shut during the monsoons, the buffer zones remain open. Go for walks, tuck into your favourite corner in a resort and read a book or spend hours chatting up with friends and family. Me-time has never felt better!
- For the Retreatants: The onset of the monsoon is not just a time when the earth is rejuvenated with the rains, it is also an ideal time for you to focus on recharging yourself. Its a perfect opportunity to get away and focus on your wellness. There are many wonderful locations that offer ayurvedic retreats, some of the most popular ones are in Kerala, Gokarna, Rishikesh..to name a few.
Did you know? Ayurveda considers the monsoon (Varsha Ritu) the ideal season for treatments because the cool, humid climate opens the body’s pores and softens tissues. This makes the body highly receptive, allowing medicated oils and therapies to penetrate deeply for superior detoxification (Panchakarma) and rejuvenation! The perfect experience for some R & R amidst the idyllic monsoon showers.
Let the rains inspire you to set out on a poetic adventure! So whether you are any of the above or are a solivagant, a hodophile, an epicurean, or an agriozoophile we have you covered!
Call The Wanderers today and we’ll help plan your perfect monsoon getaway.
(Shobita Louis is Vice President Operations at The Wanderers. She did not consult Mr Tharoor for some of the terms used in this article!)