South India is a dream travel destination during the monsoon. With the lush vegetation, cool temperatures, and misty atmosphere, it’s perfect for travelers looking to escape the summer heat. While most people flock to the popular tourist destinations in South India during the summer months, some hidden gems are worth visiting during the monsoon season. When you’re looking to escape the crowds during the monsoon, consider going off the beaten track in South India. From charming villages to lush mountains, there’s something for everyone in this diverse region. So if you’re looking to explore some new corners of India during the monsoon season, here are 7 places you don’t want to miss!
1. Somwarpet, Karnataka
Somwarpet is a sleepy town in the Coorg district of Karnataka. There is something special about the monsoon in Somwarpet. It comes alive during the monsoon season when the rainfall often turns the surrounding area into a verdant paradise. The air is cooler and the sky is a deep blue. The scent of rain hangs in the air, and the sound of raindrops pattering on leaves is like music to the ears. Lush paddy fields emerge from nowhere while you navigate a meandering road. Waterfalls cascade down green hillsides, and the mist rising from them is like a curtain of diamonds. Trekkers rejoice, for this is the perfect time to explore Somwarpet’s many trails. These are some of the reasons you must visit Coorg during monsoon.
When the rains come, the waterfalls of Somwarpet come alive, overflowing with water and creating a truly breathtaking scene. The Mallalli Falls is one of the many things to do in Coorg, and for good reason. Nestled in a picturesque valley, the falls offer visitors a chance to experience the power of nature up close. Another hidden gem for visitors during the monsoon is Suralabbi Falls. Finally, the Onti Falls offers travelers a unique experience. It is located in a dense forest of Coorg, and the sound of the water crashing down below is truly magical.
How to reach: There are several routes to reach Coorg from Bangalore. Somwarpet is just a 5-hour scenic drive from Bangalore via NH75.
Where to stay: There are several homestays and resorts in and around Somwarpet that are suitable for all budgets. For an authentic experience of Coorg’s hospitality, I recommend staying in a homestay.
Activities in Coorg
2. Arasinamakki, Karnataka
Arasinamakki is nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. There is a scintillating confluence of forests here, where you wake up to birds chirping and enjoy being in nature. The amazing biosphere of the Western Ghats provides a haven for a variety of birds, and the Kapila river is teeming with fish. You can also hop onto a bamboo raft and go down the calm river Kapila, admiring the scenic beauty around you. This small village in Karnataka brings gushing waterfalls in the monsoon season. It is also home to several ancient temples and as a result, it is an ideal destination for those interested in both nature and culture.
The village is also home to areca nut and cashew nut plantations. Being in the middle of areca nut and cashew nut plantations is a veritable feast for the senses. The bright green of the foliage, the sweet fragrance of the flowers, and the soft rustle of the leaves in the breeze combine to create an atmosphere of peace and serenity. It is easy to forget that an outside world exists when surrounded by such natural beauty.
Kukke Subramanya and Dharmasthala are famous temples surrounding the village. But a notable among them is a 700-year-old Shishila temple. Pilgrims come here to feed holy fish dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Visitors to the temple can buy puffed rice and feed them to thousands of fish and watch a school of fish (some of them are 3-4 feet long) swallow every morsel floating in the river within a few seconds.
How to reach: You can either opt to drive to Arasinamakki through mesmerizing Charmadi Ghat or take a train with Vistadome coach from Bangalore to Subramanya Road.
Where to stay: The best option is to stay in Stream of Joy homestay. Howeer, there are several hotels in Dharmasthala, 28 km away from this place.
3. Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Valparai is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Anamalai Hills of Tamil Nadu at 3,500 feet altitude. It is popular for its verdant landscapes and sprawling tea gardens. Mist and clouds cover the hills during the monsoon, creating an otherworldly sight. The region comes alive with lush greenery. Fog blankets the hills, and the waterfalls flow with renewed vigor. Visitors can spend their days hiking through the forests, picnicking by the lakes, or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
It is home to several small dams and spectacular waterfalls. There are several stunning viewpoints where you can enjoy the scenery, including Loam’s viewpoint and Nallamudi viewpoint. Each has its unique charms, but they offer breathtaking views of the Valparai region. In addition to its stunning views, Valparai is also home to a wealth of flora and fauna. Monkeys and elephants are commonly seen roaming through the town, and many rare birds can be spotted in the nearby forests.
How to reach: Coimbatore, which is 100 kilometers from Valparai, is the nearest airport and railway station.
Where to stay: There are plenty of accommodation options in Valparai including hotels and homestays.
4. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is home to many beautiful natural landmarks, and Gandikota is one of the most impressive. The canyon of Gandikota is formed by the Penna River and surrounded by sandstone cliffs. Monsoon in Gandikota is a truly captivating sight. The canyon walls are alive with color, and the Pennar river surges below, creating a natural amphitheater. Several viewpoints offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Camping in Gandikota during the rainy season is an unforgettable experience. As the sun goes down, the canyon walls turn crimson, and the stars come out to shine. Wake up to the sound of the river rushing below and spend your days exploring the hidden corners of this magical place. From secret waterfalls to hidden caves, there is so much to discover here.
It is also home to several historical monuments, including a fort built in the 13th century. Gandikota fort resembles the Vijayanagara Empire of Hampi in many ways. A natural deep valley, impassable hills, and boulders surround the fort, making it very secure. The entrance to the fort is through a huge arch and the path leads to a Maha Darwaza (a huge gate). There are three temples and two mosques inside the fort. The Madhavaraya Temple has some beautiful carvings on its walls.
How to reach: Gandikota is 280 km from Bangalore and 380 km from Hyderabad. The best way to reach there is by road.
Where to stay: Accommodation options in Gandikota are limited, with the exception of Haritha Resorts, which is an APTDC property. There are however hotels located about 20 kilometers from Gandikota in the surrounding towns.
5. Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh
The monsoon in south India is the perfect time to visit Ahobilam, a pilgrimage site nestled in the eastern ghats of Andhra Pradesh. The temple complex is situated in the Nallamala forest range and is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Bhavanshini river gushes through the region during this time of year, creating a lush green landscape that is a paradise for trekkers.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to Ahobilam temples to offer their prayers and take part in the various religious ceremonies that are conducted here. The monsoon season is one of the busiest times at Ahobilam, as pilgrims flock to the temple to trek to Jwala Narasimha Swamy Temple. The temple is accessible only by trekking through the knee-deep Bhavanshini river. The trek is considered to be very holy and is believed to bring blessings from the deity.
The Ahobilam waterfall is one of the most scenic spots en route to Jwala Narasimha Swamy temple, and it comes alive only during the monsoon season. For the rest of the year, the waterfall is dry, and it is only during the heavy rains that the water flows down the rocky cliff face. This makes it a popular spot for nature lovers, who come to enjoy the spectacle of the gushing water.
How to reach: Ahobilam is 330 km from Hyderabad, the nearest airport, and 60 km from Nandyal, the nearest railway station.
Where to stay: Accommodation options in Ahobilam are limited. However, there are nice hotels for every budget in Nandyal, the city closest to Ahobilam.
6. Mananthavady, Kerala
Mananthavady, a small town in the Wayanad district of Kerala, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the more popular tourist destinations in the region. However, Mananthavady, located in the middle of a lush green landscape and surrounded by hills and forests, is a hidden gem that is worth a visit. The Banasura Sagar Dam, which is just a short distance from the town, is one of the most picturesque spots in Wayanad.
If you’re looking for a serene and scenic place to unwind and relax during the monsoon, look no further than Mananthavady. This beautiful town is surrounded by lush greenery and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. During the monsoon in south India, the area is even more picturesque, with misty mountains and cascading waterfalls. There are plenty of homestays in the area that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. You may want to simply soak in nature and do nothing or go on some hikes and treks. The view of the mist-covered hills and valleys is breathtaking, and you can also enjoy the sound of raindrops on the leaves. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few animals like deer or elephants.
How to reach: Kozhikode, which is about 100 km from Mananthavady, is the nearest airport and railway station.
Where to stay: There are plenty of homestays and resorts in Mananthavady and other nearby places of Wayanad district in Kerala. Fortunately, they are not expensive.
7. Palakkad, Kerala
Palakkad, often known as the ‘Gateway to Kerala’, is a beautiful town in Kerala. It is situated at the foot of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by hills, forests, and plantations. The Palakkad Gap, a geographical feature that separates Kerala from Tamil Nadu and serves as a major communication route between these two states, runs through the town.
Palakkad is especially beautiful in the monsoon season when the rains bring new life to the land. The paddy fields turn a rich green, and the Bharathapuzha river overflows its banks, creating a picturesque landscape. The river flows through the town, crisscrossing it in several places.
How to reach: Palakkad is well-connected by road and railway. The nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport, which is about 82 km away.
Where to stay: Being one of Kerala’s most prominent cities, Palakkad has a wide range of accommodations to choose from. Due to the fact that it remains off the tourist radar, the prices are low.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, or if you are simply looking for an amazing Monsoon experience, consider visiting one of these hidden places in South India. Each location offers its unique charm and beauty that is sure to take your breath away. Have you been to any of these locations during Monsoon? What was your experience like?
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