South India, with miles of greenery, beautiful beaches and historical background, becomes a beautiful heaven during the monsoon season. The monsoon rains last from June to September and rejuvenate the region making it the best time to visit. Through this article I would like to showcase various interesting places in South India that can be visited especially during the monsoon season with an amalgamation of nature, thrill and solitude.
The monsoon in South India is one of the most picturesque times of the year when the area awakens with the much needed rain, the breeze carries the fragrance of the wet soil and the rivers and waterfalls are in full swing. The southern states including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are famous for their varying geography from the Western Ghats to the backwaters, from cities to villages. The charm of these places further gets enhanced in the monsoon season and it becomes an ideal time for those who love nature and adventure and those who want to explore the culture of the region.
Munnar, Kerala: The Land of Tea Gardens and Mist
Munnar is a famous hill station located in the Western Ghats and is famous for its tea gardens, scenic mountains and pleasant weather. In the monsoon season the entire region is covered with green carpet and the tea plantations look very beautiful with fresh tea leaves. The waterfalls of Munnar and its vicinity like Attukal and Lakkam are at their best during this season. The Eravikulam National Park inhabited by the endangered Nilgiri Tahr becomes thrice lively and is perfect for wildlife photography.
Alleppey, Kerala: The Venice of the East
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha is widely known for its beautiful backwaters, houseboats and lagoons. The monsoon adds to the charm of backwaters thus making the houseboat cruises look like a fairy tale. Paddies, fields that are washed by the rain and coconutPlantations also enhance the beauty of the environment. Sitting in a houseboat in the middle of the backwaters, in the middle of the rain, is indeed very Kerala.
Wayanad, Kerala: A Green Paradise
Wayanad is a beautiful district with hypnotizing views and is located in the Western Ghats, which is famous for wildlife sanctuaries and historical backdrops. The monsoon makes Wayanad look like a green paradise where the Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Pookode Lake look even more beautiful. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best places to visit in Kerala during the wildlife tour and trekking, is rich in flora and fauna.
Coorg, Karnataka: The Scotland of India
Coorg or Kodagu is one of the famous southern hill stations which is surrounded with beautiful hills, coffee estates and lush green environment. It looks more beautiful during the monsoon and during this time Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls are in full spate. It is quite beautiful and anyone who has ever been to the coffee estates will surely attest to this, taking a stroll in the rain is quite exciting. It also has a vibrant Kodava culture and some yummy food which can be enjoyed especially during the monsoon season.
Chikmagalur, Karnataka: The Coffee Land
Chikmagalur, situated at the base of Mullayanagiri hills is another beautiful and picturesque place famous for its coffee estates and pleasant environment. The monsoon is a good season, which enables one to trek to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak of Karnataka state. Some of the main places of interest include Hebbe falls which is a cascade and Baba Budangiri Hills which is quite peaceful. The cool and misty weather during the monsoon period also enhances the romantic feeling of the entire trip.
Agumbe, Karnataka: The Cherrapunji of South India
Agumbe which is a small village located in the districts of Udupi and Shimoga of Karnataka is one of the wettest places in India and is fondly known as the Cherrapunji of the South. The monsoon rain is quite heavy and gives a beautiful scenery with waterfalls like Barkana Falls and Onake Abbi Falls. It is also famous for its biodiversity, including the King Cobra which is nearly threatened. Owing to the rainforests which are often drenched with rain and the scenic views, this place is an attraction for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: The Princess of Hill Stations
Kodaikanal, situated in the Palani hills, is one of the most beautiful and famous hill stations in South India with beautiful lakes, rivers, waterfalls and dense forest. The monsoon gives a fairytale-like view to this town especially with the Kodai Lake and the Coaker’s Walk. The Silver Cascade Falls and the Berijam Lake are particularly beautiful during the monsoon and hence Kodaikanal is an ideal place for honeymooners and people who love nature.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu: The Queen of the Hills Stations
Ooty or Udhagamandalam is another famous hill station in Tamil Nadu positioned in the Nilgiri Hills. The monsoon season adds to the beauty of the place with the lake, gardens, and the mountain railway adding spots to the sightseeing list. The tea estates, the hills, and the mist give the place a peaceful and romantic feel, and that is why Ooty is a popular tourist destination.
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu: The Jewel of the South
Yercaud is another beautiful and relatively unexplored hill station located in the Shevaroy Hills, which is ideal for the tourists as it provides serene surroundings and lovely vistas of coffee plantations, orange orchards and the hills. The monsoon enhances the beauty of Kiliyur Falls and the Emerald Lake and makes them beautiful. The weather is cool and the landscape during the monsoon is quite beautiful making Yercaud a perfect place to visit during the monsoon season.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh: A Scenic Wonderland
Araku Valley is a beautiful valley situated in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, this valley is famous for its coffee gardens, waterfalls and tribal life. The monsoon is the perfect time to visit Araku as the Ananthagiri Hills and the Borra Caves become more beautiful. The thick forest and the cool climate are perfect for treks and discover the cultural values of the tribal population.
Horsley Hills: The Ooty of Andhra Pradesh
Horsley Hills in Andhra Pradesh is a beautiful hill station where one can find solace in the monsoon season. The rain washed hills, the green dense forests and the view from the top is very beautiful. The greenery and the serenity of the place makes Horsley Hills ideal for a quiet monsoon holiday.
Nagarjuna Sagar, Telangana: A Historic Marvel
Nagzarjuna Sagar is a town in Telangana which is famous for the huge dam as well as the ancient island of Nagarjunakonda. During the monsoon season, the reservoir is full to the capacity and the water coming out of the dam gate is an awestruck view. Nagarjunakonda is an interesting site to visit during the monsoon because of its greenery and the historical importance of the place with Buddhist ruins and archaeological sites.
Final Word
The monsoon season in South India is more than just rain; it is the beauty of the natural world, the history, and the serenity. From the hilly terrains of Munnar and Coorg to the backwaters of Alleppey and from the historical place of Nagarjuna Sagar each place has its own charm in the monsoon season. The problem with traveling during this time of the year is that it rains a lot and the paths are slippery, but the view is breathtaking. The rain makes the land fresh, waterfalls become active and the whole region turns into a green piece of land. So, pack your bags, absorb the beauty of the monsoons, and plan to go on a trip to discover the beauty of South India in the rains.
