The Indian monsoon is finally on its last lap across the country and with 28 vibrant states and eight union territories, the country has so much to offer to travelers looking for a quick getaway.
Here’s a list of the best places to visit if you wish to venture out while enjoying the last bits of the rains and the near-onset of winter across popular tourist destinations.
Spiti Valley (Ladakh)
How To Reach
By Air: Flight from your destination to the Kullu Airport and remaining journey via road.
By Railways: Train from your destination to Shimla and remaining journey via road.
By Road: Car and bike trips from Manali, Shimla or Delhi are most popular. Public transport available.
Expected Weather
8 degrees to 18 degrees
What To See
Ancient monasteries including Tabo, Kee Gompa, Sakya Tangyud, Lhalung, Gandhola, Tayul
Lakes namely Chandratal, Suraj Taal, Dhankar, Nako
Pin Valley National Park
Langza Buddha Statue
Why We Picked It
Spiti Valley’s enchanting beauty and Buddhist monastery life is mesmerizing. This cold desert mountain located between India and the Tibetan plateau in the Himalayan region is perfect for adventure lovers and trekking enthusiasts. Opportunities to bike trek, camp, stargaze and indulge in sports such as river rafting and Yak Safari can get travelers hooked.
Udaipur (Rajasthan)
How To Reach
By Air: Flight from your destination to the Maharana Pratap International Airport/Udaipur Airport or Dabok Airport.
By Railways: Train from your destination to Udaipur City railway station and Rana Pratap Nagar railway station.
By Road: Car trips from Jaipur and Delhi are most popular. Public buses available.
Expected Weather
24 degrees to 30 degrees
What To See
Palaces including City Palace, Sajjan Garh Palace
Lakes including Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Rangsagar, Doodh Talai
Temples mainly Karni Mata Temple, Eklingji Temple, Ranakpur Temple, Kesariyaji Temple
Trekking and wildlife at Kumbhalgarh sanctuary, Sajjangarh sanctuary, Aravali Hills
Why We Picked It
Udaipur, a former royal kingdom’s capital, is known for its rich cultural heritage depicted in its Rajputana-style palaces built with marbles giving it the name “The White City of India” and its numerous lakes giving it the name “The City of Lakes”. Udaipur is touted as one of the most romantic cities in the country owing to its beauty, grandeur and quaintness.
Lonavala (Maharashtra)
How To Reach
By Air: Flight from your destination to Lohegaon Airport, Pune or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai and remaining journey via road.
By Railways: Train from Mumbai and Pune to Lonavala railway station.
By Road: Road travel via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is popular. Public transport available.
Expected Weather
21 degrees to 28 degrees
What To See
Caves including Karla, Bhaja
Forts including Lohagarh, Rajmachi, Manaranjan and Tikona
Lakes including Bhushi, Lonavala and Shirota
Reverse waterfall at Sandhan Valley, Kune Waterfall
Temples mainly Bhairavnath and Narayani Dham
Trekking at the Canyon Valley and wildlife at Kumbhalgarh sanctuary, Sajjangarh sanctuary, Aravali Hills
Why We Picked It
Lonavala, a popular hill station near India’s financial capital—Mumbai, is the perfect getaway for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. Its caves, forts, lakes and breathtaking waterfalls are a delight for those looking for a breather from the hustle and bustle. For travelers looking for an exotic stay, the famous Aamby Valley has multiple options.
Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh)
How To Reach
By Air: Flight to Visakhapatnam Airport and remaining journey via road
By Railways: Train from Visakhapatnam to Araku Station
By Road: Car and public buses available from any State
Expected Weather
21 degrees to 28 degrees
What To See
Coffee plantations especially the Coffee Museum
Waterfalls including Katiki, Chaparai, Ranajilleda, Sangda, Kothapalli, Ananthagiri, Dharagadda
Gardens including Padmapuram
Borra Caves
Why We Picked It
Araku Valley is a divine treat nestled in the Eastern Ghats. The coffee plantations surrounding enchanting waterfalls and lush green gardens make this hill station ideal for nature lovers. It’s a quick getaway to enjoy some nature and peace amid the Valley’s hospitable population that follows a rich tribal culture.
Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
How To Reach
By Air: Flight from your destination to the Coimbatore International Airport and remaining journey via road or train.
By Railways: Train to Mettupalayam from any nearby cities such as Coimbatore, Mysore and Chennai or Bangalore and remaining journey via road.
By Road: Car trips from all nearby cities are popular. Public transport available.
Expected Weather
10 degrees to 18 degrees
What To See
Picturesque landscape
Lakes including Avalanche, Ooty, Emerald
Waterfalls such as Kalhatty and Pykara
National parks namely Mudumalai and Mukurati
Places of worship such as Mariamman Temple, St Stephen’s Church
The Doddabetta Peak
Why We Picked It
Ooty’s tea plantations of multiple varieties and mesmerizing landscape has won it the title of the “Queen of Hills Stations”. Its ancient look of the former British Raj summer resort can take you back in time to 19th century architecture. The town is easily among the most popular places to spend a vacation.
Kausani (Uttarakhand)
How To Reach
By Air: Flight from your destination to the Pantnagar Airport and remaining journey via road.
By Railways: Train to Kathgodam from your city and remaining journey via road.
By Road: Car trips from all nearby cities are popular. Public transport available.
Expected Weather
15 degrees to 28 degrees
What To See
Tea estates
Temples such as Baijnath and Rudradhari, which is in a cave
Glacier treks including Pindari, Kafni, Milam, Kafari and Sunderdhunga
Kausani planetarium and Stargate observatory Kausani
Why We Picked It
Kausani is a quaint hill station with a hypnotic panorama, which makes this place a must-visit. One can see the grandeur of the magnificent Himalayas and its peaks including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. Also called “The Switzerland of India”, Kausani is perfect for trekkers with key glacier treks possible at reachable distance.
Lakshadweep
How To Reach
By Ship: Seven passenger ships – MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep islands.
By Air: Flight from your destination to the Cochin International Airport and a second flight to Lakshadweep’s Agatti Aerodrome Airport. From Agatti, boats are available to different islands
Expected Weather
24 degrees to 30 degrees
What To See
Islands including Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy
Ocean life while snorkeling and scuba diving
Coral reefs at the Laccadive Sea
Religious places including dozens of mosques
Why We Picked It
Lakshadweep is known for its pristine beaches, serenity and exotic landscape. Tourists can indulge in canoeing, sailing yachts and kayaking while admiring the sun-kissed beaches. Cruise options allow tourists to cover multiple islands. The union territory is a delight for photographers and couples looking for a romantic getaway and solitary.
Wayanad (Kerala)
How To Reach
By Air: Flight from your destination to the Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode and remaining journey via road.
By Railways: Train to Kozhikode from your city and remaining journey via road.
By Road: Car trips from all nearby cities are popular. Public transport available.
Expected Weather
24 degrees to 29 degrees
What To See
Tea plantations
Caves including Edakkal, Pakshipathalam
Waterfalls namely Soochipara, Kanthanpara, Meenmutty
Pookode Lake and Banasura Sagar Dam
Wildlife sanctuaries – Tholpetty, Muthunga and Wayanad
Why We Picked It
Wayanad is an overall package for all kinds of travelers— from couples to families—the district has something on offer for each. Rich biodiversity and wildlife has made Wayanad a go-to destination to visit sanctuaries, hike, camp and cycle on mesmerizing peaks. It’s ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. The scenic beauty is a treat to the eye.
