Hey, fellow travelers! As we step into July, as India is at the peak of monsoon season it’s surely a perfect time to explore all the hidden gems and popular destinations that India has to offer in this season. From mesmerizing cloud-covered mountains to scenic waterfalls, and with a lot of off-beat places every city has something unique to offer. Whether it’s for thrill-seeking adventurers or calm explorers, there’s surely a lot in store for everyone here during the monsoon season!
1. Matheran, Maharashtra
Matheran, an eco-friendly hill station, which also in Marathi means “forest on the forehead” (of the mountains) is an eco-sensitive region. It is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. With its narrow pathways, horse rides, panoramic views of the Western Ghats, and mind-blowing weather, Matheran offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle especially in July, during the peak of monsoon season. A toy train ride or just a trek with your friends can literally elevate your entire monsoon getaway experience near Mumbai and Pune.
2. Lonavala, Maharashtra
A popular hill station near Pune and Mumbai, a hub for local tourists as unofficially known, Lonavala is the place to be especially during monsoons. Beautifully surrounded by waterfalls, lakes, and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, from hikers and trekkers to peace and serenity seekers especially during monsoons. Known to be surrounded by magnificent mountains, scenic Ghats, little poodles of water, and gushing streams from waterfalls, this is an all-in-one place to visit near Mumbai and Pune during the monsoon.
3. Imagicaa, Maharashtra
Being located just a couple of hours from Mumbai and Pune, Imagicaa offers an amazing mix of the magical theme park with indoor AC rides, thrilling outdoor rides, 5 themed restaurants to choose from, retail stores to shop from and so much more! That’s not all, you also get to opt for water park fun or a chilling experience at Imagicaa Snow Park to add to the monsoon fun. Post a very exciting and tiring day, you can head for a luxurious stay at Novotel Imagicaa to rejuvenate and recharge yourselves!
The monsoon enhances the beauty of the surroundings making it a picturesque and instagrammable destination of the country. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the high thrill rides or have a monsoon getaway near Mumbai at Novotel Imagicaa, this spot guarantees a memorable experience during monsoon, and here’s how:
Rollercoasters and Rain – The Perfect Thrill Match:
Experience an adrenaline rush as you enjoy Imagicaa’s exceptional rollercoaster like nowhere else! The roller coasters, such as Nitro – the fastest rollercoaster in the country and Gold Rush, become even more thrilling with the added drizzles of rain during monsoon. The water rides, like Rajasaurus River Adventure, offer a perfect blend of excitement and splashy fun, hands down making them the best for the monsoon season!
Mesmerizing Greens! And no it’s not food: The monsoon transforms Imagicaa into a vibrant green wonderland soaking in the beauty of nature. Imagicaa theme park’s beautifully landscaped gardens and lush greenery become even more magical, providing a stunning backdrop of the Sahyadri for your adventure.
Imagicaa Water Park:
Imagicaa Water Park is an experience within itself during the monsoon. With 6 new thrilling slides like the Crazy Fall, Twin Twister, and the Crusader, you’re bound to have a monsoon experience like never before at Imagicaa Water Park. And with the calm, serene lazy river, there’s no better way to enjoy the rain than by splashing around in the water park. And with the cool monsoon breeze, it can’t get any better! Words just won’t be enough to do justice to this breath-taking experience!
Luxurious Stay at Novotel Imagicaa: A day full of escapades calls for a lot of relaxation to recharge! And look no further, head straight to Novotel Imagicaa to recharge and rejuvenate. A luxurious 5-star property just adjacent to Imagicaa Theme Park. This themed resort offers comfortable and luxurious rooms with stunning views of the surrounding hills and Imagicaa theme park with top-notch amenities like INBALANCE swimming pool and 24*7 Gym and Tattva Spa, and delectable dining options from their in-house restaurant ‘The Square’. Enjoy a relaxing spa session or take a dip in the pool while the rains with a wide range of unique cocktails or mocktails that add to the serene ambiance.
Delicious Monsoon Treats: Indulge in delicious monsoon treats at Imagicaa’s Khaugalli and also at various themed dining outlets. The khaugalli delicacies like the good ol’ dabeli, and chatpata samosa chaat, from crispy corn to piping hot momos, everything blends perfectly with the monsoon season. Take advantage of the special monsoon buffet menu at the Capital Restaurant that features local favorites and seasonal delicacies as well. Well, that’s definitely not the one to miss!
4. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Misty Landscapes and Pleasant Temperatures best describe Kodaikanal during the Monsoons. Kodai Lake known for its serenity is a must-visit. 2 Km from Kodai Lake is the Bear Shola Falls which is a seasonal waterfall that occurs only during monsoons and is definitely a sight to catch! Next to top the list is Silver Cascade Falls, which offers refreshing views of green forests and misty hills making it a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. No wonder why it’s called the Princess of Hill-stations!
5. Coorg, Karnataka
Also known as Kodagu, is a paradise during the monsoons. This place is well known for its coffee plantations, misty weather, and eye-pleasing sights everywhere! When here, do not forget to check out Abbey Falls and Dubare Elephant Camp which are just a treat to the eyes during the monsoons!
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Surrounded by hills on all sides, plenty of lakes, palaces on hire, and a salubrious climate, this is just about as perfect a location as one can get during monsoon. Add to this the allure of royals and local Rajput history, and you have the perfect exotic quotient that appeals too many. While Rajasthan is typically associated with dry and torrid landscapes, Udaipur breaks the boundaries with its stunning lakes and palaces making it one of the most beautiful places during monsoon.
7. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, with ample rainfall turns this place into a serene-soaked wonderland during monsoon. The Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, and Lady Hydari Park with a mini zoo, butterfly museum, and a range of different flowers make Shillong an exciting destination to explore in July as it’s the peak of monsoon season.
8. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand rightly known as the land of Gods provides their best sights in monsoon. July is the best time to visit this floral paradise, with a vibrant array of blooming flowers, a colorful landscape set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains is no short of a visual treat this monsoon!