1. Leh and Ladakh
Ladakh region in general and Leh town in particular are two amazing place to visit especially at the end of summer and during the onset of monsoons. This mountainous region has enchanting beauty of the landscape and holidaying here is being in the lap of the nature fairly distant from your usual moorings and in the midst of an entire different civilization. Leh is the capital city of Ladakh, while Ladakh is the plateau with interspersing valleys lying close to the Greater Himalayas. There are several ways by how you can reach there depending on the route that would be open. Srinagar and Manali are two major gateways to Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakh is alluring with its altitude of at least 9,000 feet overlooking the Kargil and Tibet border. There are also many longertrekking trails to choose from, such as the ones from Likir to Temisgam, and Markha Valley from Spituk.
2. Rajasthan
Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of the country and is the largest state of the India in terms of area. The state is surrounded by Pakistan to the west, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Gujarat to the southwest, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to the north east, and Punjab to the north. The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City. The state is a tourist’s delight with its natural beauty, a great history, splendid forts & palaces, colorful festivals & fairs, lively culture, and varied landscape.
Aravalli Ranges
The Aravali Range, one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world, runs across the state from southwest Guru Peak (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height to Khetri in the northeast. The Chambal River, which is the only large and permanent river in the State, originates from its drainage to the east of this range and flows northeast. The monsoon brings relief to the sultry and sun-baked terrain of Rajasthan during the month of June and July. The state receives maximum rainfall during this period. The lakes get rejuvenated, massive forts and palaces have a freshly washed new life look, and flora and fauna find a new spring in their step. The temperature also drops to 30 degree Celsius. With cooler temperatures and soaring sprits, it is precisely the place to visit during monsoons.
3. Goa
Goa, the land blessed with splendid scenic beauty, golden beaches, beautiful rivers and lakes and architectural splendors is undoubtedly a “Tourist’s Paradise”. The perfect words to describe Goa are – “The land of Sun, Sand and Sea”. A leisurely day basking under the sun on the white sandy beaches of Goa is definition of a perfect holiday. The second smallest Indian state (area wise) is also known for its unity in diversity.
One of the best reasons to visit Goa during the monsoon is the vibrant festivals that are celebrated. The most popular festival, Sao-Joao (the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist), is celebrated in late June and involves the interesting feat of men jumping into overflowing village wells to retrieve bottles of local alcohol ‘feni’. The feast of Saints Peter and Paul, at the end of June, sees people sailing up river on rafts performing plays and songs. In late August, the carnival-like Bonderam flag festival is held on tiny Divar Island, off the coast from Panaji. Ganesh Chaturthi is also observed in Goa during the season.
Mandovi River
During the monsoons, Mother Nature is in her full element and brings a fresh aroma, romance and liveliness to this coastal state. Places like the Mollem National Park and Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary, the famous Dudh Sagar falls and the gorgeous spice plantations in Savoi are spectacular in the rains. Those in search of some hard core romance can take a boat ride up the Mandovi River and get a feel of the historic Goan architecture. If you’re looking for some quiet time, you could also just spend hours just watching the rough waters.
4. Coorg
Coorg or Kodagu, as it is officially known, is one of the tiniest districts in the southern part of Karnataka covering an area of 4,104 Sq Km. Coorg consists of three taluks or administrative units viz Madikeri or Mercara, the District Headquarters, Virajpet and Somvarpet. Coorg borders Mysore district to its east, Dakshina Kannada district on the west, Hassan district in the north and the state of Kerala to the south.
River Cauvery in full swing at coorg
The largest river here, River Cauvery, which the local people worship, rises on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. Its tributaries drain the greater part of Coorg. Coorg is the largest producer of Coffee in India. Monsoon in Coorg is the most romantic season of all, especially for the newlyweds. The Weather is cold that induces couples to cuddle-up almost all the time! A mild walk in the rain through the sleepy city sharing just one umbrella is an unique experience. There is an added charm in enjoying the mist and fog all around that adds mushiness to the air. The mountains and fields cover themselves with a verdant green carpet ready to welcome you to the land of eternal beauty with thunderstorms rolling in from all most everywhere.
5. Lahaul Spiti
Lahaul & Spiti is a big district in Himachal Pradesh having international boundary with Tibet. The valleys. mountains, glaciers, rivers, forests, pastures, gompas (monastries) and ancient forts of the former rulers are the principal objects of interest. The area located just south of Ladakh, is one of the most sparsely populated regions in India and is the perfect place to get away from the crowds. Miles and miles of high altitude desert stretch in the rain shadowed side of the Himalayas promises to be perfect get-away.
Adventures at lahaul
The rugged awe-inspiring snow clad mountains are standing invitation to the hikers, mountaineers and adventurers. The entire district is full of natural scenery exhorting the tourists and visitors to explore and imbibe its natural grandeur. The customs, myths, beliefs and conventions of the simple people are the unique features of this border highland. Every village or hamlet has a prayer flag fluttering over the Buddhist monastery. These shrines are the centers of the cultural life of the people that have influenced their religious beliefs for centuries and form the core of their social life.
