<p><em><strong>Kavita Gnanamurthy finds out perfect getaways to savour the magic of monsoons in India</strong></em></p><p>While we all need a desperate holiday in every two months, we shy away from stepping out during the monsoon season. For most of us, the monsoon season in cities conjures up images of raincoats, umbrellas, slushy pot-holed filled roads and heavy traffic jams. Monsoon travel in India is largely underrated and is indeed the perfect time to explore and experience the picturesque landscape of our country. There are many destinations that come alive during the rainy season.</p><p>So come this monsoon, take a step back from your routine and escape to an offbeat destination to enjoy the cool gentle winds and unending stretch of greenery.</p><p><strong>Goa</strong><br>The party capital of India isn’t often associated with monsoon tourism while planning a trip. But you will be surprised with the other face of Goa that you see during the rainy months. As the region turns into a tropical paradise, Goa is a calm and affordable affair during the monsoon. It is the perfect time to enjoy Goa in the ‘Goan’ way, while giving the city crowd a miss. A number of travellers are ready to enjoy and experience the other side of Goa this monsoon season as Skyscanner has already recorded a 34 per cent surge in flight searches year-on-year from across the country.</p><p>During the monsoon season, there is much more to Goa than just the pristine beaches and nightlife.</p><p>Dudhsagar waterfall – sea of milk, situated in the southern part of Goa, is at its best and is much admired throughout the monsoon. The milky white waters are surrounded by dense green foliage and are one of Goa’s most stunning natural phenomena. You can also explore the history and heritage of Goa by visiting the beautiful churches, mosques, ports and forts. Along with enjoying the serene beauty of Goa, a drive to the spice farms and wild-life sanctuaries is also a must during monsoon.</p><p><strong>Leh, Ladakh</strong><br>Offering an array of sites and activities for travellers, Ladakh is one of the most searched destinations for the monsoon season – witnessing an increase of 128 per cent YoY in flight searches by Indian travellers.</p><p>Positioned at an altitude of 3505 meters above the sea level, Leh-Ladakh is amongst India’s most unspoiled destinations. This region does not experience rains like anywhere else in India, making it the perfect time to travel. During the monsoon, Leh offers scenic trails of clouds kissing the high mountain ranges, expansive lakes and magnificent valley views.</p><p>From visiting Buddhist monasteries and historical monuments to a long trek, Leh has a lot to offer to travellers ranging from adventure enthusiasts to nature lovers. During a light rain shower, you can also experience an enthralling view of the town from Leh palace and enjoy the hanging glaciers on the way along the Zanskar River. An evening at of the Pangong Lake or drive up the Magnetic Hill on a bike adds to it being another unforgettable trip.</p><p><strong>Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands</strong><br>Though Andaman and Nicobar islands are known for its clear turquoise water and sun-kissed beaches, you can explore offbeat excursions and succumb to the beauty of its nature during monsoon. With a combination of lush green forests, gorgeous corals and ancient tribes, Andaman & Nicobar’s beauty comes alive during the rainy season.</p><p>The soothing turquoise hue of the water, fine white sand, shimmering coral reefs that one can spot from the beach itself, gently swaying palm trees and rugged cliffs that surround the area are sights that you can enjoy during monsoon. To keep up with the adrenaline rush and thrill, you can also explore Limestone caves, mud volcanoes and Chidiya Tapu which will be an adventure seeker’s delight. A mangrove canopy walk, visit to Cellular Jail and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park will enhance the experience of the travellers.</p><p>The islands have also witnessed a 60% YoY increase of Indians searching for flights for the period of July-September, soon to become India’s favourite monsoon destination.</p><p><strong>Bagdogra, Darjeeling</strong><br>Known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Darjeeling could not get any perfect during the monsoon. With tourist visits being relatively lower during this time of the year, it has already recorded a 70 per cent surge YoY in flight searches from across the country. With the sight of Colonial houses, lively bazaars and tea plantations, one is left spellbound by the splendid aura of this picturesque hill station.</p><p>A ride in the toy train run will give you a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding hills as it chugs up through clouds enveloped in mist. An evening at Keventer’s overlooking the misty valley and sipping fresh Darjeeling tea can only be experienced during monsoon. A drive to Mirik, a little further from Ghoom, will allow you an uninterrupted view of the Himalayas and later you can stop at one of the tea estates. To watch the dawn light break over a spectacular 250km stretch of the Himalayan horizon, rise early and drive down to Tiger Hill. Stay at a tea garden, pay a visit to Peace Pagoda and take a long walk on Chowrasta to enjoy the destination to its fullest during monsoon.</p><p>The year on year growth in flight searches is based on searches for flights by travellers on www.skyscanner.co.in between the search period of January to May 2015 in comparison to the same period in 2014, for travel period of July to September 2015 in comparison to the same period in 2014.</p><p>(<em>The writer, Kavita Gnanamurthy, is senior marketing manager, Skyscanner India</em>)</p>
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