There’s something magical about the monsoon in Tamil Nadu. The air is fresh and clean, and the landscape is a riot of green. Every day brings new adventures, as you never know what you’ll find around the next corner. Whether you’re exploring winding mountain trails or simply taking in the views from your hotel room, the monsoon in Tamil Nadu is an unforgettable experience. From thundering waterfalls to lush tea plantations, here are must-see destinations in Tamil Nadu during the monsoon season.
The diversity of monsoon in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the few states in India that experiences rainfall twice a year. The monsoon season brings heavy rains from June to September, while the winter monsoon lasts from November to January. This unique weather pattern is caused by the Tamil Nadu coast‘s proximity to the equator and the mountains in the Western Ghats. The mountains act as a barrier, trapping moisture in the air and causing it to rain heavily over Tamil Nadu.
The southwest monsoon in Tamil Nadu
The western part of Tamil Nadu is a land of lush green fields, winding rivers and majestic mountains. It is home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. This includes Coimbatore, Nilgiri, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, etc. This region is characterized by its hilly terrain and its lush vegetation. The Western Ghats run through this region.
The southwest monsoon in Tamil Nadu brings the seasonal wind from the Arabian Sea. This is a rain shadow region and as a result, Tamil Nadu receives a meager amount of rainfall from June to September. However, hilly districts in the west receive up to 100 cm of rainfall.
The northeast monsoon in Tamil Nadu
The eastern part of Tamil Nadu is a coastal plain that stretches from the Bay of Bengal to the western ghats. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and estuaries. This includes Chennai, Cuddalore, Rameswaram, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, etc.
The northeast monsoon in Tamil Nadu is a period of sustained tropical cyclone activity over the Bay of Bengal, which brings heavy rainfall to the region. The season lasts from October to December, with peak activity occurring in November. This is the main rainy season in the state that accounts for more than 50% of their annual rainfall.
Here are some more interesting facts about Tamil Nadu.
The best places to visit in Tamil Nadu during the monsoon
Here are some of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu during the monsoon. Many of them are not only hidden gems of Tamil Nadu but also nature lovers’ paradises.
1. Valparai – a hidden gem for nature and wildlife lovers
Valparai is a nature lover’s paradise located at an altitude of 1,500 meters in the Anamalai Hills of Tamil Nadu. The area is known for its lush green tea plantations and is an offbeat tourist destination during the monsoon season. There are several homestays in the area that offer visitors a chance to experience the local culture and cuisine. Valparai is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and tigers. In addition, the area is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 200 species of birds in the area. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Valparai has something for everyone. Valparai is best explored by staying with locals on their tea estate. You can choose from a wide variety of homestay accommodations in Valparai on Booking.com without breaking the bank.
Places to visit: Sholayar Dam, Monkey Falls, Aliyar Dam, and Nallamudi Viewpoint.
The Sholayar Dam is one of the largest dams in India. The Aliyar Dam is a great place for fishing and boating. The Nallamudi Viewpoint offers stunning views of the valley below.
2. Meghamalai
Meghamalai, also known as the “High Wavies”, is a mountainous region in Tamil Nadu at an altitude of 1,500 meters. The name Meghamalai means ‘Cloud Mountain’. The area is home to mist-covered hills, lush green plantations, and tranquil mountain lakes. There are also plenty of opportunities for trekking and birdwatching. The mist-covered hills make it a popular destination for trekking. It is also home to several animals, including the Nilgiri Tahr and the Asian Elephant. The mountain village of Kottaimalai is particularly worth a visit, as it is home to several centuries-old temples. If you’re looking for a truly magical experience during the monsoon, Meghamalai is the perfect place to include on your bucket list.
Places to visit: Grizzled Squirrel wildlife sanctuary, Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Meghamalai viewpoint and Suruli Falls
The Meghamalai range extends for 32 km from Kurangani in the north to Kurinjipadi in the south. Meghamalai is part of the Western Ghats, and its highest point is the Sarvadhikari Peak.
3. Kotagiri – a heaven on earth
When it comes to choosing a hill station in Tamil Nadu, most people immediately think of Ooty. However, Kotagiri at an elevation of 1,800 meters is an equally beautiful and convenient option. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, it is a serene and laidback hill station just 30 kilometers from Ooty. Its lush green landscapes and cool temperatures make it an ideal getaway for escaping the crowds of Ooty without sacrificing the stunning beauty of the Nilgiri range. What’s more, Kotagiri is home to some of the best tea plantations in South India, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cup of steaming chai. So if you’re looking for a serene monsoon getaway that’s close to all the amenities of a larger town, Kotagiri is a perfect choice.
Places to visit: Catherine Falls, Kodanad Estate, Rangaswamy Peak, and Lambs Rock.
Kotagiri was established as a hill station by the British in 1819. It was one of the first hill stations in the Nilgiris and served as a refuge from the heat of the plains.
4. Kolli Hills – dare to be beautiful
Kolli Hills is a range of mountains in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. At an elevation of 1,300 meters, it is one of the highest mountain ranges in the state. Despite its reputation as a “mountain of death” due to 70 dangerous hairpin bends, it is a monsoon lover’s paradise due to its salubrious climate and scenic views. The hills are also home to several temples and other historical sites. It has a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque. There are also several waterfalls in the area, making it a perfect place to enjoy the rain. If you’re looking for an offbeat monsoon destination that’s full of natural beauty, Kolli Hills should be on top of your bucket list.
Places to visit: Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Arappaleeswar Temple, Botanical Garden, View Points and Siddhar Caves.
In recent years, Kolli Hills has become a popular tourist destination. Many visitors come here to hike, camp, and enjoy the scenery. The hills are also popular with rock climbers and birdwatchers.
5. Hogenakkal Falls – experience coracle boat rides
Located on the Kaveri River in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, Hogenakkal Falls is a popular tourist destination. At a height of 176 feet, it is one of the largest waterfalls in India. The best time to visit is during the monsoon when the river is in full flow. During the monsoon season, the river is in full flow and visitors can take a coracle ride to get a close-up view of the falls. Coracles are small, circular boats that are made of bamboo and covered with tar. They are traditionally used for fishing in the river.
6. Courtallam – the “Spa of the South”
Courtallam is a small town located in the foothills of Agasthyamalai in the Western Ghats. It is known for its misty hills, ancient temples, and tribal villages. Courtallam is often referred to as the “Spa of the South” due to its therapeutic hot springs. The town is surrounded by hills and is home to several natural waterfalls, making it an attractive monsoon destination. Despite its small size, it is a beautiful place to visit and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich culture and history of the region.
Places of visit: Main Falls, Five Falls, Old Courtallam Falls and Tiger Falls
Courtallam also has several temples, including the Kutralaiamman Temple and the Papanasam Sivan Temple. The town is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and Jains.
7. Poombarai – the village with a green terrace
Located near the town of Kodaikanal in the Western Ghats, Poombarai is a small village that is known for its natural beauty. The village is surrounded by hills and is home to vast paddy fields and several waterfalls, including the Poombarai Falls. Poombarai is also known for its terraced fields, which were developed by the British in the 19th century. The fields are still in use today and are a popular tourist attraction. Poombarai is a beautiful place to visit during the monsoon and offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of rural Tamil Nadu and organic farming.
Places to visit: Poombarai Falls, Poombarai Viewpoint, and Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple.
The Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple is a 3,000-year-old temple located in Poombarai. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple is decorated with intricate carvings.
Pack your rain gear…
The monsoon season is fast approaching, and there are endless opportunities for an unforgettable adventure in Tamil Nadu. The rain brings with it an incredible atmosphere. When there are all these amazing places with so much fun during the rain, it will be hard to choose just one. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and take a trip to Tamil Nadu during the monsoon season. You won’t regret it!
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