Tourism during the Monsoon season in India has become a huge part of the tourism industry for India. Certain parts of India are hot all year round, leaving many Indians to believe that Monsoon season is the best time of the year to be in India because it brings some relief from the heat. The Monsoon season is experienced differently across the various states in India; during Monsoon season, the daytime and nighttime temperature drops significantly, giving the citizens a break from the extreme heat that they have been experiencing for months. Because of the favourable weather conditions available during the Monsoon season, many Indians enjoy taking vacations and going on excursions during this time.
The State of Karnataka has a very good reputation in this area. Karnataka is at its most beautiful during the Monsoon season; Karnataka’s lush green forests, stunning waterfalls, rolling hills and vast grasslands, and unique wildlife all combine to make this state during this period a true paradise. Trekking in the Western Ghats during the Monsoon season is an incredible experience; trekking during this time means being involved in rain-soaked adventures, enjoying the beautiful green fields and hills, seeing the gushing streams full of water, traversing the slippery rocks, experiencing the lush misty valleys, and enjoying the beautiful waterfalls, and being bitten by leeches!
Coorg is regularly mentioned in discussions about the most beautiful places in India. The name Coorg or Kodagu, as it is sometimes called, refers to a region in the Indian western ghats, which is exceptionally beautiful. The wide-open spaces, fresh air, and lush nature have made Coorg a favorite among visitors, and the term Scotland of India is very appropriate.
Though the small town is covered with greenery all around, thanks to the tea and spice plantations, rain is considered the best season for Coorg by many, as the town is rain-soaked, and the bright green estates giving peep-throughs are so beautiful.
The idyllic place is famous for its excellent coffee but there are still many more activities and sights in Coorg. Barapole river rafting, fishing in the rivers and lakes, camping under the stars, hill and jungle trekking, Tibetan…
It is in the Malnad area, surrounded by dense forests that extend for hundreds of kilometers. Agumbe, located in the Western Ghats mountain range, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you were a child in the 1990s, and you haven’t heard of Malgudi Days, then you probably missed something important. The fictional town of Malgudi from R.K. Narayan’s novel is actually Agumbe Village. Agumbe is one of the places with the most rainfall in India. The highest rainfall in South India and the second highest in the country take place here. Therefore, the village is often called ‘The Cherrapunji of the South’.
Apart from that, this village is where the only rainforest research station in India is situated. The place is also one of the most pristine spots left in South India you will ever see. Agumbe is famous for its many waterfalls, natural beauty, and great varieties of wildlife. Some of the waterfalls like Jogi Gundi, Onake Abbi, and Barkana are so different in appearance during the rainy season that they can be described as giants roaring.
The place is not only about scenery but also offers a variety of adventurous trekking opportunities. Among them, the Kavaledurga fort trek is one of the most sought after. It is said that Agumbe has the highest number of snakes in the country. Agumbe’s magical charm is a function of its isolation. One has to see Agumbe at that time to realize the full splendor of the Monsoon.
Ballalarayana Durga is characterized by thick rain forests, vast pastures, transparent streams, and cascades. The fort was built by the queen of Veera Ballala II, who reigned over the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century.
During the rainy season, the location turns into a hidden paradise. The Ballalarayana Durga hillside is part of the Bankal forest sector in Mudigere. From there, one can see the whole of Kudremukha hill, Charmadi ghat and other hills. The summit of the mountain is the highest of its kind, and the views are magnificent.
An additional major touristic site is Bandaje-Arbi falls, which are located in the Western Ghats’ Charmadi ghat region. You have to hike to get to the 200 ft high Bandaje waterfalls. If you want to see the stronghold of Ballalarayana Durga, the waters falls that are on your path, and the lush mountainous terrain, then you should go there during the strong rainy season.
Dandeli is a charming hamlet perched on the river Kali’s banks in Karwar. Dandeli is a place that has a lot of reasons to be visited. Dandeli is a place where one can enjoy bird watching, river rafting, and various water activities alongside the wildlife. The rain transforms Dandeli into a lush and green wonderland which is truly a treat for the senses.
The rain in Dandeli gives a romantic and dream-like impression to the tourists. Considered to be one of the richest wildlife habitats worldwide, Dandeli is also a bird watcher’s dream come true and boasts of being home to more than 450 species of birds. The Dandeli forest is the place where wild life lovers can get the best view of the exotic flora and fauna during the rainy season in Karnataka.
The period from June to September constitutes the monsoon in Dandeli. It also marks the time when one can visit Doodh Sagar falls with the least number of tourists. Adventurous Kali River rafting, watching the rare Black Panther in the wildlife sanctuary, hiking to Nagjhari Falls, watching the numerous beehives at Sinteri Rocks, hiking to Kavala caves, bird watching at Ganeshgudi and sunset from Ganeshgudi Hill are some of the activities that Dandeli offers.
The months October to January are considered to be the best time for visiting Dandeli. The forest gets to be a vibrant green and full of life after the monsoon. Waterfalls will roar, the weather will be nice and the wildlife will be very active making it a perfect time to go. The river rafting at Kali starts during this time.
Dandeli has a lot of different cultures living around it, as there are many tribes in the area. The Lamani tribe, who are the gypsies of Rajasthan, are one of the tribes. There is also the very well-known Siddi tribe, the descendants of Africans who were brought to India as slaves and who melted into the local populace. In addition to Gowli tribes who take care of the cattle, there are also Meda
Hampi is among the top tourist spots in Karnataka during monsoons. Hampi generally enjoys a wet-free season while other parts of Karnataka get drenched with rain. The UNESCO world heritage site rank Hampi among the worldwide famous spots which will surely be crowded with tourists in wintertime. Monsoons are the time when Hampi is relatively peaceful and less crowded.
During this time, the locals enjoy boating and coracle rides in the rivers that have increased in water levels. The innumerable temples make Hampi’s landscape picturesque and it looks better with rains. The temperature is so nice that one can easily conduct a marathon session of visiting and shooting the next best photo.
You are highly recommended not to miss these spots and see the architectural splendor of Hampi, when you step into ancient heritage province.
Tungabhadra Dam is the most popular place among the ruins and tourists around Hampi; it is a perfect getaway for relaxation. Tungabhadra Dam presents some great scenes for the camera on one side with beautiful flamingos and their playful antics around the nice garden.
Daroji Bear Sanctuary is a protected area where you can see the Indian Sloth bears – they can be just walking, or climbing the trees, or wrestling with one another.
Matanga Hill provides a viewpoint from where the historical ruins of Hampi and its vicinity can be seen. After a 30-minute trek up the hill, there you will find the Veerabhadra Temple perched on top of Matanga Hill. This is the best location for watching sunrise and sunset casting their glow on the stunning landscape of Hampi town.
Hemakuta Hill is a beautiful area dotted with a plethora of Hindu temples, ruins of fortifications, and broken trails.
Adding Chikmagalur to the list of places to see in Karnataka during the monsoon is a must. Chikmagalur is a paradise for nature lovers as the monsoon season could be one of the major reasons for the inflow of tourists from various places. The rainy season at Chikmagalur is quite a sight and not to be missed.
The Charmadi Ghat near Chikmagalur is the most enchanting of all the scenic drives through the Western Ghats during the monsoon as it is lively with several waterfalls and is very scenic with its lush greenery and high mountains. The heavy rains during the monsoon increase the attraction of the hill town with verdant growth and waterfalls.
Chikmagalur is a delightful monsoon destination located at the base of Mullayangiri range with the glorious nature like casting hills, lost valleys, roaming rivers, and coffee flowers of white snow. Besides this, the town with misty hills and valleys also offers the most vivid waterfalls that are rejuvenated by the monsoon. Chikmagalur is home to some of the most popular waterfalls, Manikyadhara Falls, Hebbe Falls, Jhari Falls, and Honaman Falls, which all are in full flow and life during the monsoon.
Sakleshpur- The Blissful Coffee County
Sakleshpur, being an unusual hill station, is one of the less frequented places among the ones mentioned in the list and also a great location for the pouring rains. Driving through the Sakleshpur countryside with its charming meadows, unspoiled lakes, and waterfalls is a delight to the senses.
Sakleshpur is a scenic hill station located in the district of Hassan which is roughly 240km away from Bangalore. It is a place of great natural beauty and is recognized for its coffee farms. During the rains season it turns into a perfect place to visit for photographers and trekkers alike. Also, it is included in the Bisle Forest Reserve and is dubbed a coffee county. Belur-Halebid, Shravanabelagola, Shettihali Church, Manjarabad Fort, etc. are some of the significant sites located closest to Sakleshpur. It is also a great place for observing birds. Nature trails in Sakleshpur are abundant. Several tracks such as Sunset hill trail, Jennukal Gudda Trail, and Pandavara Gudda trail are offered for your trekking satisfaction. The Pandavara Gudda trail commences at an 800-year-old temple known as the Bettada Bryaveshwara temple. The vistas offered by this trail are stunning and otherworldly.
