Far-out, faraway during rains
For your fix of monsoon travel around India, check out these offbeat places
Monsoon brings respite from the heat. But, well, the milieu isn’t as enviable and dreamy in every city as one would have wished for. If you want to get away from the rainy mess around you but don’t fancy going to the typical places, here are some destinations that are worth visiting. From mountains to an island to the backwaters, you will actually be spoilt for choice.
The hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is just about 100 km away from Nainital and far from any hustle-bustle. The hilltop will give you a breathtaking view of important peaks such as Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Kedarnath. You can also look over at the town of Almora. Here, not only will you enjoy greenery but also mist and clouds when it rains. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and tonnes of trekking trails are worth experiencing, as well.
(WanderOn)
It’s only befitting that you head to the ‘abode of clouds’, as the name translates and the wettest place on Earth during the season of showers. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji are the go-to destinations when it comes to the state but Mawlynnong will be just as gorgeous. It’s been voted as the cleanest village in Asia and the quaint houses are a sight to behold. There’s a living root bridge here and an observatory that will give you the view of the mountains and valleys.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is replete with pine trees, paddy fields and bamboos. The hill station in the eastern Himalayas of the state has lush landscapes everywhere you look, Kardo Forest and Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and a lot more to mesmerise you. But, Kile Pakho, the ridge in the Valley where on one side you can see the Ziro Plateau in all its green glory and contrasting the snow-clad Himalayas on the other, will fill you with wonder.
The river island in the Brahmaputra has a slow and serene life. Unfortunately, the growing river is making the piece of paradise shrink due to erosion. So, put the island on your list before it disappears. During monsoon, the greenery becomes livelier but care must be taken because the mighty Brahmaputra can be quite unkind. Heading there at the onset of the rainy season would be wise. You can check out the satras (monasteries), bicycle around, visit craftsmen and potters and guzzle down rice beer during your visit.
The lake in the Kollam district gets its name from the eight arms or channels. The entrance to the backwaters of God’s own country and the boathouses cannot figure on your agenda. The palm-shaped (or octopus) water-body has international importance when it comes to a wetland. Panoramic beauty, abundant flora and tiny islands in the lake must not be missed.