Usually, when people plan their travels during monsoons, they choose predictable places that have numerous reviews and the same, typical itineraries attached to them. Hence, choices like Munnar, Lonavala, or Coorg are go-to for travellers when bookings are made.
There’s no doubt that these places are pretty but given their long-standing popularity and name, they are becoming increasingly crowded. So, with monsoons bringing green landscapes, foggy mornings, and peaceful retreats with them, why should the destinations be the ordinary ones? India, being such a vast country, has many hidden gems waiting to be explored. Sanjay Jadoun, CEO at noted bus service provider YoloBus, names a few.
As per Jadoun, there are countless hidden gems in the heartland of India that transform into “pure magic” during the rainy season. “Of late, there has been a marked shift in traveler demand from crowded tourist spots to lesser-known towns filled with culture, heritage, and nature,” he mentions, adding, “These Tier-2 and Tier-3 destinations give one such experience in quietude.”
He gives six such destinations:
Steeped in myth and nature’s beauty, Chitrakoot becomes a peaceful green paradise when it rains. From holy caves and ghats of the Mandakini River to forest-covered hills, the area is a tranquil retreat that’s both spiritual and scenic.
Renowned for its temple carvings, Khajuraho is a different wonder during the monsoon.
The rain cleanses the stone, bringing out every detail. The gardens and landscape around it bloom, giving way to an unreal contrast of nature and ancient art set amidst green countryside, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries which get alive during the monsoon months, presenting a peaceful contrast to the more popular tourist routes.
Situated in the Sahyadri Hills, Amboli is under the radar even though it is among the wettest destinations in Maharashtra. It’s heaven for monsoon trekking with seasonal waterfalls, foggy viewpoints, and abundant biodiversity without the customary tourist noise.
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A former princely state nestled on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha is abounding in cenotaphs, temples, and palaces that seem straight out of a fairytale particularly when they are shrouded in monsoon mist. The rains add to its romantic, ageless charm.
A peaceful mountain getaway within a wildlife sanctuary, Binsar is the perfect choice for someone looking for the mountains, but without the crowds. The forest becomes thick and vibrant in the monsoon, with mist-shrouded paths and the far-off aroma of pine creating an overwhelming nature experience.
Though most famous for its religious history, Ayodhya also provides a full-bodied cultural experience, particularly in the monsoon. The Sarayu River runs full and wide, the temple complexes shine with raindrops, and the overall atmosphere is contemplative, serene, and steeped in heritage.
“Indian monsoon travel needn’t be the same. Offbeat destinations can reveal new tales, serendipitous beauty, and true local interactions. As connectivity gets better and there is increased interest in slow, purposeful travel, 2025 might just be the year to reboot India’s offbeat monsoon secrets,” wraps up Sanjay Jadoun, CEO at noted bus service provider YoloBus.
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