Rainy day escapes: 6 must-visit coastal destinations in India for monsoon lovers

1.Goa (Palolem and Tarkarli)

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Monsoon transforms Goa into a lush, mist-kissed wonderland. Beaches like Palolem and Tarkarli take on a quieter, more romantic identity: fewer crowds, emerald-draped hills, and the rhythmic lull of raindrops on the Arabian Sea.

2.Varkala, Kerala

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Situated on a cliff, Varkala becomes breathtaking in monsoon with mist swirling over roaring seas. Picture yourself with a steaming mug of hot cocoa in a cliffside café. It’s solitude, with the ocean’s wild heart echoing beneath you.

3.Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Radhanagar and Havelock)

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In the wet season, Andaman becomes more beautiful: the forests become richer, beaches quieter, and sunsets surreal under big grey clouds. Imagine walking along mist-laced sands at Havelock or hearing the first drops in shifting greenery is pure tropical magic.

4.Gokarna, Karnataka

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Gokarna’s beaches-Om, Kudle, Paradise-turn into serene green opening during monsoon. Fewer travelers, more space to hear rains dancing across the sea, and trails winding through lush hills. Add in a camper vibe and gentle surf-this is monsoon travel for the soul.

5.Alibaug and Ganpatipule, Maharashtra

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6.Puducherry and Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu

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Feel a hint of the French Riviera in monsoon-era Pondicherry, with yellow colonial streets gleaming, cobble stones slick with drizzle, and waves crashing over Rock Beach. Meanwhile, at Dhanushkodi-where Bay of Bengal meets Gulf of Mannar-the place seems otherworldly, misty, and beautifully deserted.