There’s nothing like monsoons to enhance the allure of a place; it’s as if raindrops bring alive their hidden charm with a mere touch. Trees drenched in showers, rain-kissed grass and flowers looking cleaner and fresher, cloudy skies augmenting the lush landscape, the gurgling sounds of small streams… monsoon is the season of beauty and bounty. While rains cover the entire India with a green carpet, South India looks staggeringly beautiful during monsoon. While Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana get South-West monsoon (June-September), Tamil Nadu gets maximum rainfall from the North-East monsoon (October-November). If you are planning a sojourn to the south of India during the rains, here are some must-visit places:
Munnar
State: Kerala
Nearest Airport: Cochin
Closest Railway Station: Aluva
Reasons to visit:
Located 1600 metres above sea level, this hill station in the Idukki district is synonymous with natural beauty, especially during the rain. Scenic valleys, rolling hills, gushing streams, giant waterfalls, lush forests and sprawling tea plantations make Munnar a tourist’s delight. The place is also known for Neelakurinji, a rare flower which blooms only once in twelve years.
Chikmagalur
State: Karnataka
Closest Railway Station: Kadur
Reasons to visit:
Want to lose yourself in endless acres of coffee plantations while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills during heavy rains? Head to Chikamaglur, home to the Baba Budangiri mountain range. Nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Peak (the tallest in the range), it is situated 1,090 metres above sea level. You can explore your adventurous side by rafting at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy a trek to Kudremukh and also go backpacking in Mullayanagiri.
Alleppey
State: Kerala
Nearest Airport: Cochin
Closest Railway Station: Alleppey
Reasons to visit:
Imagine relaxing in a houseboat in the beautiful backwaters of Kerala amidst incessant rainfall. This ethereal experience can be yours if you plan a trip to Alleppey during the monsoon. Rightly known as the ‘Venice of the East’, the place is known for its network of splendid green canals, looking mysterious and alluring under a canopy of coconut trees. You can also go kayaking, enjoy birdwatching and pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic massage in Alleppey.
Yercaud
State: Tamil Nadu
Nearest Airports: Trichirapalli & Coimbatore
Closest Railway Station: Salem Junction
Reasons to visit:
One of the lesser-known hill stations in South India, Yercaud, has got its name from two words in Tamil – ‘Yeri’ (lake) and Kadu (forest). True to its name, this stunning locale has a lake at its centre and lush green forests all around. Also known as the Realm of Seven Forests, the must-visit sites at Yercaud include Yercaud Lake, Shevaroy Temple, Lady’s Seat, Pagoda Point, Botanical Garden, and Killiyur Falls.
Kodaikanal
State: Tamil Nadu
Nearest Airport: Madurai
Closest Railway Station: Kodai
Reasons to visit:
Kodaikanal is among the most popular tourist destinations in South India. Known as the Princess of Hill Stations, it looks even more regal and splendid during the rainy season. Evergreen forests, crystal clear lakes and majestic waterfalls make this destination ideal for a monsoon getaway. There are umpteen options to keep you occupied in Kodaikanal, including night safari, boating, birdwatching, trekking, stargazing and visiting numerous tourist points offering stunning views.
Coonoor
State: Tamil Nadu
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore
Closest Railway Station: Mettupalayam
Reasons to visit:
Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Nilgiris during the rains and it will be an experience of a lifetime. The lush tea plantations here, sprawling thousands of hectares, will take your breath away. One of the main attractions of Coonoor is Sim’s Park, which houses more than 1,000 plant species. Some other places of interest are Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Lamb’s Rock, Lady Canning’s Seat, Droog Fort and Law’s Falls. Also, make it a point to visit one of the numerous tea factories in the area and enjoy the toy train ride between Ooty and Coonoor.
Wayanad
State: Kerala
Nearest Airport: Calicut (Kozhikode)
Closest Railway Station: Kozhikode
Reasons to visit:
Blessed with thick forests, beautiful lakes and picturesque landscapes, Wayanad is one of the most visited places in South India. It even hosts Splash, an eight-day monsoon carnival, every year. A holiday here can be made memorable by boating in Pookode Lake, visiting the Banasura Sagar Dam and Edakkal Caves, enjoying the beauty of Meenmutty Falls, spotting wildlife at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and trying your hand at bamboo rafting at Kuruva Dweep.
Lambisangi
State: Andhra Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Vishakhapatnam (Vizag)
Closest Railway Station: Anakapalle
Reasons to visit:
This off-beat hill station is known as the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh. Though Lambisangi is famous as the only place in South India that witnesses snowfall during winter, the place has a dreamy vibe to it during monsoon. Home to an isolated tribal community, this tiny village boasts many tea and coffee plantations and apple and strawberry farms. Surrounded by lush deciduous forests, the place is home to a variety of wildlife and birdlife, including the Gaur (Indian bison).
Araku Valley
State: Andhra Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Vishakhapatnam (Vizag)
Closest Railway Station: Araku Junction
Reasons to visit:
The most popular hill station in Andhra Pradesh, it is actually a valley situated in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Eastern Ghats. Home to several coffee plantations and museums, Araku is ideal for leisurely strolls. A must-visit site is the Borra Caves, which are home to eye-catching stalactites and stalagmites. Many tribal communities live here, and it is quite common to stumble upon their dance during a walk through the hill station.
Coorg
State: Karnataka
Nearest Airport: Mangalore
Closest Railway Station: Mysore, Mangalore or Hassan
Reasons to visit:
Known as the ‘Scotland of the South’, Coorg becomes a green paradise during the monsoon season. This hill station is home to many spice and coffee plantations and lush forests. One of the main attractions of Coorg is Talakaveri – the origin of the mighty river, Kaveri. Located on the Brahmagiri hill, Talakaveri is ideally visited during the rainy season, when the stream of water is strongest. Other places of interest are Abbey Falls, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Iruppu Falls, Tadiandamol Peak, and the Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery).
Agumbe
State: Karnataka
Nearest Airport: Mangalore
Closest Railway Stations: Mangalore & Shivamogga
Reasons to visit:
With an average rainfall of about 8000 mm, Agumbe is called the Cherrapunji of South India. Agumbe is located on a mountain pass that connects the coastal region of Karnataka with its plains. This captivating locale has numerous treks, waterfalls (Barkana, Jogi Gundi and Onake, to name a few), boating facilities, etc. Many scenes of the popular TV series, Malgudi Days, were shot here. Agumbe is also home to flora and fauna. Another major attraction is the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, established by renowned herpetologist Romulus Whitaker to study the King Cobra.
Gokarna
State: Karnataka
Nearest Airport: Dabolim
Closest Railway Station: Ankola
Reasons to visit:
Every year, this coastal paradise welcomes thousands of tourists worldwide to its pristine beaches and mesmerising landscape. Gokarna looks even more beautiful during the monsoon season when rain-washed coconut trees and palm trees sway in the breeze. It has some of the best beaches – Om, Kudle and Paradise- ideal for a quiet, relaxed getaway. You can enjoy water sports here and also pay a visit to the Mahabaleshwara Temple.
Sakleshpur
State: Karnataka
Nearest Airport: Mangalore
Closest Railway Station: Sakleshpur
Reasons to visit:
A breathtakingly beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur boasts many coffee, tea and spices plantations. One of the most famous attractions of this place is the Manjarabad Fort, which has been constructed in the shape of a star. Another must-visit is the Bisle View Point, which offers a panoramic view of the lush rainforests around and also faraway hills like Dodda Betta, Pushpagiri, and Kumara Parvatha. A visit to the 600-year-old Sakleshwara temple should also be planned. While on holiday here, you can also enjoy many treks and camping activities.
Revel In The Rains
Travelling during the monsoon season can be a fascinating experience. It’s a time when nature is at its splendid best. Pack your bags this rainy season and visit some mesmerising places in South India. It will not only rejuvenate your body but also nourish your soul.
