There is something romantic about the rains. The constant pitter-patter against the window sill, smell of wet earth and the freshness in the air bring lot of beauty and rejuvenation to mundane lives. The charm of getting drenched in the rains and sipping hot chai with pakodas is what keeps many of us going. So if you are looking for some great monsoon getaways for the month of July, we present a few options:
Mawsynram, Meghalaya
Mawsynram is a small village in the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya and is one of the wettest place on Earth. It receives rainfall of about 11,872 mm annually! The place is known for its stunning natural beauty. If you love getting drenched in the rains, this is perhaps the best place you can visit in India. It is just a few hours drive from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya and a stone’s throw from Cherrapunji, home to one of the largest waterfalls in the country. It doesn’t get better than this!
Amboli, Maharashtra
Amboli receives the highest rainfall in Maharashtra and remains pleasant through the year. It is the last hill station in Maharashtra just before the coastal highlands of Goa begin. But it is during monsoon — from July to September — Amboli really comes alive. It has several options for professional and amateur trekkers. Amboli is not as popular as the other hill stations of Maharashtra but its popularity has been picking up over last few years.
Neriamangalam, Kerala
It is impossible to mention monsoons without Kerala. Located on the bank of Periyar River, Neriamangalam is one of the most beautiful villages in Kerala. A visit during monsoons brings out the true beauty of the place. This majestic Cheeyappara waterfall has the power to charm one and all. One of the main attractions in the village is the Neriamangalam bridge built by the Maharaja of Travancore and it is often referred to as ‘The gateway to the high ranges’ as it leads to Munnar. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is just 14 km away from Neriamangalam.
Thekkady, Kerala
The state offers multiple options to explore in the monsoons. Unending chains of hills, picturesque spice-scented plantations and herds of elephants are what define this place and are the best experienced during rains. Noted for its biodiversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Periyar Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. It is an eclectic mix of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams and a panorama of coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations respectively.
Nagalapuram, Andhra Pradesh
A village in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Nagalapuram is popular as a temple town but it is a great option to explore the place during monsoon. It was built at the time of the Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Empire regime, in memory of his mother Nagala Devi, from where the place derives its name - Sri Nagalapuram. The Nagalapuram Falls is a waterfall attracting many tourists and trekkers. This is the ultimate place for people to enjoy the rains, trek and splash under the waterfalls and visit some beautiful temples.
