By Megha Bajaj, Travel & Lifestyle Influencer
While some dread the monsoons and want to escape the city until the rainy days create havoc, for some monsoon holidays are a lifetime experience as the exotic locations and the romantic rains have the potential to leave you spellbound. If you’re a monsoon lover then there is literally no better place than India to taste the essence of monsoons. Lush greens, grey skies, swelling oceans, and the sweetly fragrant earth freshly soaked with the rainwater, ah what bliss. Here’s a list of destinations I reckon you visit and tick off your bucket list this Rainy season.
Rajasthan: Well let’s start at home first. My first pick from within India would be Rajasthan. This culturally rich desert state is an absolutely glorious place to tour during the monsoons. Although it doesn’t rain much here, enjoying the majestic, ancient and colourful cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur in a much more favourable climate are totally worth it. You can explore the mesmerising palaces, forts, monuments and other historical marvels. Perhaps even live in one that’s been converted into a hotel!
Calangute Beach, Calangute, Goa, India
Goa: My second recommendation is rather cliché but 100% worth being on the list. You guessed it- Goa! Rain or shine, Goa is a year-round destination where nothing’s ever dull. Book yourself a luxurious hotel with a private beach, preferably in North Goa, if you like your holidays to be exclusive- and on a budget too as most hotels and resorts offer great deals during this season. Then enjoy the romantic rains and indulge in some world-famous Goan delicacies, or go explore the beaches, waterfalls and churches. Oh! how this place transforms into the monsoons!
Maldives: If escaping the country is what you’d rather do, then there’s no place you’d rather be than the Maldives. During this month the temperature is still warm enough to enjoy this island and it doesn’t rain a lot either, so countless visitors come to the Maldives during July for the warm weather and because it is one of the cheapest months to come to the archipelago. Choose a resort on a private island, book a Water Pool Villa- the ones nestled in the turquoise lagoon. Wake up to unending views of the sparkling crystal clear waters, revel in the breath-taking sunrises, sunsets and frequent rainbows painting the skies in spellbinding displays of art, watch a movie by the ocean under the star-studded sky, swim in the ocean, go snorkelling to explore the outstandingly beautiful coral reefs and the underwater ecosystem or to simply get up close and personal with a friendly shark! Go dolphin spotting, or sip on cocktails and read books on the beach, or just luxuriate in an indulgent spa session, there are endless ways of living the best island life here. The Maldives is going to be nothing short of a visit to paradise. Added points for the free visa on arrival!
