India has several destinations that can sell as unique monsoon getaways. All that is needed is a strategy that can turn this lean season into a viable business opportunity
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, over the years, has developed into a popular eco-tourism destination. Andaman & Nicobar Islands features humid weather. The monsoon lasts for around 180 days in a year. The South West monsoon touches the Indian soil first in the Andamans, then proceeding towards mainland India. These islands are blessed with the bounties of both South West, mid-May to September; and North East monsoons, November to January.
During monsoon season, tourists can have more options both indoors and outdoors. The lush green vegetation and scenic beauty of the islands are more predominant in monsoon. Various adventure activities can be enjoyed during this period. Monsoons accompany moderate to heavy rainfalls. Hoteliers in Andamans also offer discounts during monsoon seasons.
One of the major monsoon attraction at the islands is the Music Festival / Monsoon Festival. The Monsoon Festival is organised in the month of August-September in order to provide round-the-year tourism activities to tourists. The festival features music, food kiosks and many more attractions. The Music Festival, alongside the Monsoon festival, is very popular among visitors.
The island also organises Food Festival and World Tourism Day celebrations. Coinciding with World Tourism Day celebration on September 27, the tourism department organises a four-day food festival featuring ethnic food of the islands. Music performances and a variety of cultural programmes are also held during the festival.
How to reach: Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair is connected to Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Vishakhapatnam, Bengaluru and Pune. Passenger ship service is also available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam.
Accommodation: Silver Sand Beach Resort, SeaShell Havelock, Symphony Palms Beach Resort, Barefoot at Havelock, Fortune Resort Bay Island, Sea Princess Port Blair, Sinclairs Bay View, Port Blair, Dolphin Resort, Hotel Sentinel, Eco Villa Palm Beach Resort and more.
Goa
Situated along the west coast of India touching the Arabian Sea, Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The state features partly hilly terrain with Western Ghats in the East. The climate of Goa remains pleasant throughout the year. The period of June to September is South West Monsoon Season, which is most rainy season for Goa. Whole infrastructure of state like agriculture, drinking water and electricity etc depends upon the monsoon season. Goa experiences an average rainfall of about 330 cm annually and about 90 per cent of annual rainfall occurs during this period. However, rainfall is more in the areas which are nearer to the Western Ghats in east parts of Goa. The state receives abundant of precipitation during these monsoon months. July is the wettest month of the year with more than 995 mm of rainfall. The average high stands around 30 degree Celsius, while the low falls to mid-teens. During this time, Goa receives a reduced level of sunshine as July gets not more than three hours of sunshine per day. Locals feel that the state is at its best during the monsoons. Parties and celebrations are held to welcome the rains, and the countryside turns lush and green almost overnight.
Every monsoon the Sao Joao festival is celebrated with grandeur and gaiety. It is dedicated to St. John the Baptist which is celebrated as a feast on June 24. The festival includes villagers jumping into the wells, streams and ponds. This jump is to signify the joy that St. John felt when Jesus was born. During monsoons, the event is the major attraction for tourists. Guests are made to wear crowns made of leaves and flowers called ‘Kopel’. Popular Goan music bands and dancers perform at various locations and delicious Goan delicacies are served.
How to reach: All flights, national and international, to and from Goa, operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama. Goa has two major railway stations – Margao and Vasco-da-Gama. Goa is connected with all the major towns in India via the National Highways NH4A, NH17 and NH17A.
Accommodation: Deltin Suites; Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort; Vivanta by Taj – Holiday Village, Goa; Taj Exotica Goa; The Leela Goa; DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Goa – Arpora – Baga; Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa; The Zuri White Sands Goa Resort & Casino; Casa De Goa Boutique Resort; Novotel Goa Shrem Hotel among many more.
Igatpuri
Located in the Nasik district of Maharashtra, Igatpuri is one of the most interesting and challenging regions of the Sahyadris range. The beautiful hill station is greeted with a sunrise as the skies are painted with hues of gold, orange and yellow and the lands reflect lush green colour. Situated at an altitude of about 1,900 feet, the place is relatively cool and quiet than other hill stations of the region. The place flourishes with waterfalls as the rain water makes its way through the green hills.
Apart from the scenic hills, the place is also well known for its old forts. Igatpuri is an all-season destination but is best visited from June to September and from November to March.
In the heart of Igatpuri is the first centre of Vipassana meditation in India that offers a Buddhist style of meditation, Dhamma Giri. There is a complete course in the age old traditional art of meditation. The Tringalwadi fort is about 3,000 feet high and offers splendid views of the mountain range from Kumpan to Kalsubai, and the peaks of Utvad and Harihar. The Camel Valley has cascading waterfalls dropping from a height of 1,000 ft, making it a prime spot among tourists. The hills offer the best view during the monsoons when the valley receives heavy rainfall. There are also numerous opportunities for rock climbing, trekking and cycling all through out the year.
Another popular place among tourists is the Ghatandevi temple dedicated to the goddess of the ghats, situated right at the entrance of Igatpuri. There are over five waterfalls at the end of the road that leads to the temple.
How to reach: It takes about 3.5 hours to reach Igatpuri from Mumbai by road. Igatpuri railway station is on the Mumbai – Nasik railway route.
Accommodation: Golden Resort, Manas Lifestyle Resort and Dew Drops Boutique Retreat are few of the options available.
Ladakh
Ladakh is known for its moderate rainfall, which makes it one of the ideal destinations to visit during the monsoon season. For tourists seeking adventure, monsoon is considered the best time to visit Ladakh. Since the water levels stay high during July to August, tourists can experience th best of white water rafting in Indus river and Zanskar valley. Trekking becomes more adventurous during the monsoon period, due to mild showers, that add to the challenges.
Mountain biking on some of Ladakh’s highest routes, surrounded by monsoon clouds, provides a unique experience. The journey takes one over some of the highest passes in the world, including Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Lachlung La and Tanglang La and the grand Daddy of them all, the Khardung La – the world’s highest motorable road standing at 18,380 ft.
Apart from adventure activties, Ladakh is also popular for its culture and tradition. A lot of monastery festivals take place during monsoon. The most famous Hemis Festival will be held from July 14-15, 2016. The festival celebrates the birth of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. A vibrant face of Ladakh can be explored during this festival, with masked performers in colourful outfits dancing to traditional rhythms. This year’s festival will be a unique one as the unfurling of the largest Thangkha, a special ceremony happening once in 12 years, will take place.
Other festivals during this time include the Karsha Gustor, held at Zanskar Valley’s largest monastery, Karsha; the Pheyang Tsedup, the annual festival at Pheyang monastery; and the Korzok Gustor, at Korzok monastery, near Tso Moriri Lake.
How to reach: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the main airport in the region, which is connected with New Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar. The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, which is well connected with Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Ladakh is located about 434 km from Srinagar and 494 km from Manali. One can hire a cab or a jeep or board a state-run bus to reach Ladakh. Bike trips are popular among many travellers.
Accommodation: Ratna Hotel Ladakh, The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Hotel Nalanda Ladakh, Gomang Boutique Hotel, Hotel Royal Palace, Hotel Chube, The Zen Ladakh, Ladakh Himalayan Retreat, Ladakh Sarai, Hotel Ladakh Palace, and more.
Mahabaleshwar
One of the largest hill stations in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau bound by valleys on all the sides. The name has been derived from Sanskrit, meaning ‘god of great power’. There are many magnificent sites and pristine waterfalls that one can visit on a trip. Along with Panchagani, Mahabaleshwar offers a pleasant weekend gateway from the city during the monsoon season. The highest peak in the city, about 1,439 m above sea level, is known as Wilson or Sunrise Point. To get an expanse view of the Jor valley, one can visit Arthur’s Seat. Another exotic location is Kate’s Point that gives visitors a view of the Dhom and Balakwadi dams.
Exploring these points on horse rides is an interesting option for visitors. Some of the major points that provide different views of the valley are Kate’s Point, Needle Hole point, Monkey Point, Carnac Point, Falkland Point, Helen’s Point, Elphinstone Point, Mumbai Point, Marjorie Point and Babbington Point. A boat ride can be enjoyed at the Venna lake while one relishes strawberries or indulges in fresh strawberry ice cream. History lovers can also visit the Pratapgad fort which is just 22 km from Mahabaleshwar. It was built 1,080 m above sea level on a spur which overlooks the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar. Also a must visit during the monsoon season are the Lingmala and Dhobi Falls that come alive, adding to the beauty of the place.
How to reach: By Mumbai, it takes about four to five hours via Panvel, but there are frequent buses from Dadar and Mumbai Central stations. The nearest airport is in Pune about 120 km away, and it a pleasant drive on through Wai. While the major railway junction is in Pune, the nearest rail road is Satara around 55 km away.
Accommodation: MTDC Mahabaleshwar, Evergreen Bungalow, The Travellers Inn, Valley View Resort among others.
Lonavala & Khandala
During the monsoon season, these twin hill stations are considered a blessing to those living in Mumbai and Pune. They are perched on the hill ranges that separate the two cities and are known for their pleasant climate and lush green environs. There are several sites tucked away in small villages that offer breathtaking views during the monsoon season. Lonavala offers few gardens and temples as its best tourist spots. The Ryewood park is an extensive garden covered with tall trees which makes up for a good picnic spot for a family outing. There is another beautiful garden at the foot of Valvan Dam set in the Sahyadris hills.
One can also visit the Rajmachi point, about 6.5 km away from Lonavala that offers a view of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s famous fort, Rajmachi, and the surrounding valley. For the adventure seekers, another point about 12 km away from the city called the ‘Duke’s Nose’ has some hiking trails. The famous Tiger Point is a cliff top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view of the valley. Just around the point is a small waterfall that is only active during the monsoons and serves as the best place to have a relaxing time. There is also a celebrity wax museum by Sunil Kandaloor, a first in India, that features celebrities, including Sachin Tendulkar and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. It is considered one-of -a-kind experience that tourists can have. The hill station is a must visit places during the monsoon season as the water brims over the valley adding to the beauty of the place.
How to reach: Lonavla is about three hours away from both Mumbai and Pune through the expressway. By rail, one can get down at Lonavala station which is about 2.5 hours from Mumbai, while the nearest airport is in Pune about 66 km away.
Accommodation: Sunrise Hill Resort, The Dukes Retreat, Fariyas Resort, Rhythm Lonavala, Amby Valley City, Hilton Shillam Estate Retreat and Spa are some of the accommodation facilities available.
Shantiniketan
A small town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, Shantiniketan lies about 212 km away from North of Kolkata. Earlier the city was owned by the Tagore family which later became famous by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The history of the state dates back to 1862 when Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, the poet’s father, decided to built a small house on the lush green paddy fields. He called Shantiniketan, the abode of peace and founded an ashram, becoming the initiator of the Brahmo Samaj. The place now attracts thousands of tourists since it is home to ashrams and universities.
Mainly known as the home of Rabindranath Tagore, the place has many tourist spots as well. One of them being the Uttarayana complex where the poet used to live. It consists of several buildings such as Udayana, Konark, Shyamali, Punascha, and Udichi that reflect the architectural genius of the poet’s illustrious son – Rathindranath Tagore. One can also see the Kala Bhavan, Sangeet Bhavan, Patha Bhavan, Bichitra, Cheena Bhavan, and Hindi Bhavan. The Chhatimtala and Prayer hall gather most number of tourists. Close to Shantiniketan, there are several tourist destinations such as Fullora (40 km), Nalhati (104 km), Sainthia, Kankalitala (seven km), Bakreshwar (58 km), Massanjore (78 km), and Tarapith (80 km). The first five are Shaktipithas where the different body-parts of Goddess Sati are said to have fallen. The district where Shantiniketan is located is known for its fairs and festivals like Poush Mela held in December, Joydev Mela held in January, Basanta Utsav in March and the famous mystic Baul Singers.
How to reach: The closest railhead is Bolpur, about two km away. Trains directly connect to Howrah and Sealdah in Kolkata. It is also well connected by road with Kolkata being 212 km away.
Accommodation: Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge run by West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation, Mark & Meadows and other private hotels and resorts are options available.
Shillong
The capital city of the state, Shillong is also the district headquarters of East Khasi hills. These hills are best known for being the wettest place on the earth, making the city one of the best hill stations in the Eastern side of the country. The name has been derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity. The place is richly endowed with natural beauty and is also the hub of education for the entire North East region. Specially during the rains, the city has a different charm that never ceases to amaze a tourist.
The Lady Hydari park is located in the heart of the city, a popular spot among tourists. Best months to see the place are April and October when there is abundance of plants and flowers. The Ward’s lake is a man made lake with short garden walks and boating facilities for the tourists. The Government Museum under the control of Art and Culture department offers insights on the lifestyles of people for those interested in knowing the ethical tribal culture of the people. The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures combines a museum with a research and publication centre, for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of North East India. It is considered a wonderful sight as it is a unique fusion for all the sister states. One of the oldest and best natural golf courses in the city is set in the valley covered with thick groves of pine. On the outskirts of the city are many waterfalls like Elephant falls, Spread Eagle falls and Sweet falls that can be visited as well.
How to reach: The nearest railway head is Guwahati which is about 103 km away. Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) has bus services from Guwahati. There is a small airport at Umroi, about 35 km from Shillong.
Accommodation: Hotel Pinewood, Hotel Orchid, Hotel Centre Point, Blueberry Inn and Hotel Rainbow are few of the options available.
Saputara
Saputara, meaning ‘Abode With Snakes’, is a hill station in Gujarat situated in the Dhang district at an altitude of 1000 m above the sea level. This picturesque town is among the Sahayadri Mountains and is the perfect blend of nature, beauty and wildlife. Saputara is situated on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border and thus attracts large amount of tourists from both the states. It most known for its Monsoon Festival, which is an initiative by Gujarat Tourism to promote the hill station. This initiative has led to a 30 per cent rise in tourist arrival during last two years. Saputara receives an average rainfall of 456 mm.
The locals here celebrate monsoon with joy. This is because it is an agriculture-oriented place and the locals welcome the rains, which is the ideal time of the year for adventure enthusiasts since it provides more than 13 adventure sports, including the 450-metre-long zip line passing atop the Gira water fall, zorbing, ground obstacle and high rope obstacle, tree walk, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, trekking, etc. Saputara also has mythological significance because it is believed by the locals that ‘Sitavan’ is the place where Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshman spent years of their exile and the ‘Pandav Gufa’ is rumoured to have sheltered the Pandavas during their exile. Saputara is renowned for its Warli Paintings and various tribal forms of art. Amitabh Bachchan, the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism calls Saputara “Aankhon ka Taara” of Gujarat. Tourists can see thedivine beauty of this hill station during monsoons.
How to reach: The Waghai railway station which is at Billimora is the nearest railway station from Saputara approximately 50 km away. This station is well accessible from Mumbai as well as Ahmedabad. Surat is the nearest domestic airport and Mumbai is the city for nearest international airport. Saputara has a hilly terrain but is well-connected with most of the neighbouring cities like Nasik (80 km), Surat (172 km), Mumbai (280 km) Ahmedabad (420 km) and Vadodara (300 km).
Accommodation: Hotel Lake View, Aakar Lords Inn, Patang Lords Eco Inn, Savshanti Lake Resort, Shilpi Hill Resort and many more.
Munnar
Ideally situated in the South Western Ghats, Munnar is a beautiful hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala. Munnar features hills, mists, streams, valleys and tea plantations, all under its skies. The hill station is located at altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m above sea level. Munnar is considered an ideal hill station for monsoon lovers. This is because the average rainfall recorded here is around 2,470 mm. Munnar receives rainfall from June to August, but it is at its peak during June and July. It is most known for its tea plantations which are dependent on this rainfall. In the rainy season, it seems as though the hills are painted into the green landscape. Munnar’s climate remains cool and windy during monsoons.
Popular monsoon attractions in Munnar include the Sita Devi Lake, a hike on this lake requires permission from Tata Tea Estate Officials. It is believed by the locals that Goddess Sita herself bathed in this lake. Earlier on it is said that British would come here quiet often for fishing. The lake is 22 km away from Munnar. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is another popular attraction. During the monsoon season, in the breezy atmosphere, this estate allows tourists to experience sipping tea at the world’s highest tea garden at an height of 8,000 ft. From here, one can see the mountains and villages of Tamil Nadu. The tea factory here has been standing since the 1930s and is still in use to produce tea in the orthodox seven-step process. It is 32 km away from Munnar. Tourists wishing to explore the cultural heritage are recommended to visit the Dolmens of Marayoor – fascinating stone structures, anciently believed as chambers of burial. Parmar river also flows from this hill top.
How to reach: Munnar doesn’t have its own airport, but it is easily accessible from Kochi International Airport which is 110 km away. State-run or private buses plying from various towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are a convenient way to get to Munnar by road. The nearest railway station is Aluva, which is 110 km away.
Accommodation: Terrace Greens – A Sterling Holidays Resort, Mountain Club Resort , The Sienna Village,Spice Tree Resort, The Neelakurunji Tea Plantation Hotel, Club Mahindra Munnar and many more.