Rain-Kissed Getaways

The rain doesn’t wait for approval, and neither should you. Chase waterfalls that last fleetingly, watch hills turn a lusher shade of green overnight, and breathe clean air in misty hill stations, inside forest retreats or quiet hideaways.

Monsoon travel may not be the refined, sun-soaked kind you plan for in advance. It is spontaneous, messy even, yet fun. So, grab a raincoat, skip the itinerary, and look for the version of India that only shows up when it’s pouring. This is your season, whether travelling with family or friends, or seeking solace in nature as a solo traveller.

SERENITY BY THE SEA

One of the last places in India where ‘Kristi’ – a distinct mix of Portuguese Creole and local Marathi – is still spoken, Korlai is a tranquil stretch of coastline that presents a refreshing escape from Maharashtra’s more bustling seaside destinations. With its clean sands, clear waters, and unhurried pace, the beach invites visitors to slow down and savour the simple pleasures of a monsoon break by the sea. Apart from the beach, there’s Korlai Fort, perched atop a windswept hill 300 feet above the Arabian Sea, on the Island of Morro de Chaul. Standing silent and sentinel over the Revdanda Creek – built by the Portuguese in 1521 to guard this strategic waterway – the fort is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and offers stunning views. Meanwhile, the picturesque Korlai fishing village below, all colourful houses and quaint street-corner chapels, is equally alluring, just waiting to be explored.

Getting there: Korlai lies between Alibaug and Kashid, approximately 120 kms from Mumbai. One can also hire a car to Korlai

RHAPSODY IN RAIN

A tiny village in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Agumbe is often called the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’. It’s a place that steals your heart quietly, set in a landscape shaped by water, one where dense rainforests, mist-covered hills, roaring waterfalls, and winding rivers, create a world that’s almost untouched by time. Agumbe is at its most magical when the monsoon clouds roll in, and the rainforest comes alive. No hurried sightseeing here, just the quietude of trekking through rainforest trails, camping under a canopy of trees, birdwatching, and hopping from one waterfall to the next.

Getting there: By road, it is well connected to Bengaluru and Mangaluru. From Mangaluru International Airport, Agumbe is roughly 150 kms

NATURE’S BOUNTY

With the monsoon’s arrival, Valparai, a charming hill station in the forested Annamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, turns into a verdant beauty. The rains breathe new life into its forests, tea estates and hills, and the temperature – hovering between 10°C and 20°C – only adds to its pleasant vibe. Valparai’s waterfalls, cascading down the hills, are a sight to behold, while the season also draws a variety of bird species, making a visit here a particular delight for birdwatchers.

Vacationers should make time for the dams – Sholayar, Nirar and Aliyar – and also Monkey Falls, Grass Hills, and Balaji Temple. And of course, the tiger reserve. Or, you could choose to do nothing at all, and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

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Getting there: Valparai is around 120 kms by road, from Coimbatore International Airport

IN SECLUDED SPLENDOUR

Hills shrouded in mist, valleys and tea plantations the colour of lush-green, waterfalls and cool mountain air – Vagamon in Kerala, sitting on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, straddles Kerala’s luxuriant landscape and Tamil Nadu’s rugged terrain. This hill station’s appeal lies in its rolling grasslands and hills of fragrant pine, alongside abundant – and scenic – vistas. It’s the ideal peaceful retreat from the urban chaos.

Getting there: Reachable by road from Cochin International Airport (100 kms, approx.)

PEACE AMONG THE PINES

For an uninterrupted and incomparable view of the Himalayan peaks, head to Khirsu this season – no need to tire yourself trekking, because the summits are visible from the village itself. Located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, this hamlet of pine forests and apple orchards has retained its simplicity and unspoiled beauty. While in Khirsu, go for nature walks, cycle around, or just chat with the locals. You’ll realise you won’t find anything more idyllic.

Getting there: About 150 kms by road from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport

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