Experience The Monsoon In India – A Travel Guide To The South

This monsoon season, don’t just sit back coz of the rains as it is the time when some destinations come to life. Monsoon in India is a whole new world to experience when nature is lush and full of life. Wander into these beautiful locations in South India solo or with your loved ones. Make your travel plans as there are many long weekends in 2022, especially this season.

When you look at the Southern part of India, one will be astonished by the number of alluring hill stations, forests, historical sites, beaches and cities it houses. We have handpicked some of the must-visit destinations in South India to indulge in the charm of the monsoon season. 

Here comes the list of amazing destinations to experience the Monsoon in India (South):

Hill Stations

Coorg

Coorg called the ‘Scotland of India’, is a mesmerising hill station with breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls, green valleys, singing streams and age-old monasteries, amongst other things.

Things to see

• Raja seat viewpoint
• Abbey Falls
• Iruppu Falls
• Dubbare Elephant Camp
• Honnammana Kere
• Kushalnagar 
• Nisargadhama

Suggested stays while in Coorg

Agumbe

Agumbe is famed for its spectacular ghats. The route to the destination is blessed with dense green forests, and the place is known to have stunning sunset points and peaks in the whole of Karnataka. It’s a beautiful place to experience the monsoon in India.

Things to see

• Agumbe Ghat
• Sunrise and sunset points
• Kundadri hill
• Onake Abbi Falls
• Jogigundi Falls

Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is where an adventure seeker needs to go for an unforgettable experience. It’s a serene place that has some of the most magnificent hiking trails. One can spot plentiful animals in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Things to see

• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mullayanagiri Hills
• Hebbe Falls
• Tea or Coffee plantation walk
• Safari in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Best hotels to stay in at Chikmagalur while you visit.

Munnar

Munnar is a picturesque hill station bedecked with sloping plantations and meandering streams. It houses forests and many spice gardens amidst the estates adding to the greenery of the place. 

Things to see

• Pallivasal Falls
• Kolukkumalai tea plantations
• Pothamadu viewpoint
• Kundala Lake
• Cheeyappara Hills
• Rajmalai Nation Park

Check out these amazing hotels in Munnar for your travels.

Kodaikanal

A world of dreamy hills, enchanting pathways, and unspoilt natural beauty awaits you in Kodaikanal. Rejuvenate in the soothing touches of the silent mountains and the swaying forests. Enjoy hiking and camping in this magical place.

Things to see

• Mannavanur Lake
• Coaker’s walk
• Pillars rock
• Pinetree Forest
• Boating in Kodaikanal Lake

While in Kodaikanal, here are some great hotel choices for you to stay in.

Check out this exhaustive list of hill stations in the south. 

Forests

Dandeli National Park

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some of the most fiercely beautiful beasts. Here, one can enjoy morning or night jungle safaris to spot incredible wildlife, from black panthers to leopards and an array of vivid coloured birds. Don’t forget to try white water rafting on the Kali river for a thrilling experience.

For more details: Visit the Karnataka Tourism site.

Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park is in the northeast region of the famous blue mountains, also known as the Nilgiri mountains. You can see a wide variety of wildlife here, including the Bengal tigers, Indian leopards and elephants. This place is spectacular to visit during the monsoon in India.

For more details: Visit the Tamil Nadu Tourism site.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for being an elephant and tiger reserve. It’s situated in Thekkady amongst the many islands of Periyar Lake, where tourists can spot animals through boat safari.

For more details: Visit the Kerala Tourism site.

Historical Sites

Hampi

Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It’s a city steeped in history, described as an “austere and grandiose site” by UNESCO, owing to the myriad architectural wonders. The glorious monuments and temples echo timeless beauty leaving you in awe.

Things to see

• Virupaksha Temple
• Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
• Mahanavami Dibba
• Hazara Rama temple
• Zenana Enclosure

Belur-Halebidu

Belur and Halebidu, a timeless pair of historical towns, were once the glory of the Hoysalas. It houses many majestic temples with extravagant architecture and delicately carved sculptures.

Things to see

• Chennakesava temple
• Kedareshwara temple
• Hoysaleshwara temple
• Basadi Halli
• Archeological Museum
• Yagachi Dam

Thanjavur

Thanjavur also called Tanjore is a stunning place for history and art lovers. It is home to many beautiful temples styled in Chola architecture with intricate carvings that depict stories. Here, people can indulge in the renowned art of Tanjore painting.

Things to see

• Brihadishvara temple
• Tanjore Big Temple
• Thanjavur Art Gallery

Monsoon in India can be so much more than just a season. It’s one of those times when some of the destinations in India are just vibrant and magnificent. Don’t let the season pass without travelling. Also, just reminding you that it’s the month of long weekends, and one should definitely grab this opportunity to take some great vacays to the above destinations.

For beach aficionados, don’t miss out on these 37 beaches in South India.