Experience the Monsoon in India – A Travel Guide To The East

Our country is so diverse, be it the people, culture or land. It has a myriad of terrains from mountains to beaches and forests to valleys, leaving any traveler in wonderment. Monsoon in India is an unforgettable memory and is perceived in many ways based on where you get to experience it.

In the lush forests, the rains turn into a song; in the mountains, they turn into an endless echo and on the beaches, they become wild waves lapping at the shores. The cities turn grey in the monsoon contrasted with the buzzing colours of life, and it turns dreamy when the night lights turn on.

Intrigued might be the word you are looking for. Today, we give you some of the most breathtaking destinations in the East that are even more stunning during the monsoon in India. The mountains gleam, the meadows come to life with vibrant blooms, and the gushing rivers take course into forming cascading waterfalls.

Here’s a peek into a few spectacular locations one shouldn’t miss during the monsoon season.

1. Kalimpong

A sleepy town in the foothills of the Himalayas overlooking the Teesta river and green valleys. One can indulge in mesmerising views of the world’s third tallest peak, Kanchenjunga. Kalimpong is gifted with many viewpoints, hamlets, monasteries, British architectural Bungalows and dense forests.

Things to see

• Deolo Hill
• Morgan House
• Durpin Dara Hill
• Thongsa Gompa
• Neora Valley National Park
• 7th mile viewpoint
• Silleri Gaon
• Jelepla viewpoint

2. Darjeeling

The Queen of the hills needs no introduction to travellers who love hill stations and those who love to sip on a cuppa. Cradled in the great Himalayas, this alluring location is a dreamland for soloing, couples, and trek lovers. It overlooks the snowcapped mountains, rich green valleys, and terrains of tea estates. You will surely cherish the monsoon in India at this destination.

Things to see

• Tiger hill
• Batasia loop
• Peace Pagoda
• Nightingale Park
• Rock garden
• Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park

3. Pelling

Breathtaking views of the Himalayas, quaint monasteries, cultural vibrance, and some delicious local cuisine is what makes Pelling a traveller’s paradise. Experience the beauty of this serene destination.

Things to see

• Kanchenjunga Falls
• Khecheopalri Lake
• Rabdentse ruins
• Sewaro Rock Garden
• Pemayangtse Monastery

If you are planning to visit Gangtok with the above destinations, you can stay in these great hotels.

4. Cherrapunji

This is the place to go if you want to see the magnificence of the monsoon. In this bewitching hill station, you will get to see soft green valleys and cascading waterfalls running more gloriously during the rainy season.

Things to see

• Rainbow Falls
• Wei Sawdong Falls
• Seven Sisters Waterfall 
• Double Decker Living Root Bridge

While you are here, check out these top 10 magical places to visit in Meghalaya.

5. Sundarbans

Imagine lush green forests in the middle of a vast river body abundant with flora and fauna and the tranquillity it brings. Feels magical, right? Well, how about we say you can visit and cherish the spectacle it holds. Translating to ‘beautiful forest’, Sundarbans is a marvel of nature. For more details, visit the Sundarbans National Park website.

6. Valley of Flowers National Park

This dream-like place in Uttarakhand is the most colourful destination you can be in the monsoon in India. The beauty of the location is most evident during the rainy season when the vibrant flowers blossom to their fullest form amidst the green hills. To know more about how and when to visit the place, check out the Uttarakhand Tourism website.

6. Bodh Gaya

For all history lovers, Bodh Gaya is one of the best historic pilgrimage sites in India. The Mahabodhi Temple is located where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. UNESCO has designated this place as a World Heritage Site.

Things to see

• Mahabodhi Temple
• Great Buddha Statue
• Bodhi Tree
• Muchalinda Lake
• Thai Monastery

7. Tawang

Tawang has historical and natural endowments. The natural beauty and seclusion of the Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi hills, the Tawang Chu River, and the Tawang Valley are all just so fascinating. Here, a diverse range of tree species, blue pines, and orchids thrive in natural grandeur in the company of priceless herbal and medicinal plants.

Things to see

• Tawang Monastery
• Hot Spring Thingbu 
• Gyangong Ani Gompa 
• Gorsam Chorten 
• Jung Falls 
• Panga Teng Tso Lake 
• Tawang War Memorial

8. Cuttack

Cuttack was once the capital of Odisha. This offbeat destination was known to be built around the ancient Barabati Fort in the year 989CE by King Nrupa Kesari. This historical place has much significance to be unveiled. It is also famous for delicate latticework using silver apart from Terra Cota work, wood carvings and more.

Things to see

• Barabati Fort
• Chandi Temple
• Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
• Dhabaleswar Island
• Pradeep Beach

Check out these amazing hotels to stay in while you visit Bhubaneshwar

There you go. While each season is a feeling and a marvel to witness in certain destinations, we have handpicked some that are just stunning during the monsoon. North East India has always been sensational, and the hill stations are well renowned, but there are some places like cities and historical sites that also add to the list of being experienced in the rainy season.

Planning your next vacation? Check out these amazing places to visit in September in India.