Are you looking for a weekend break?
During August, there is freshness in the air and lush greenery all around. Monsoon trips are arguably the best ones to witness lush green scenes in India.
Monsoon is also an opportunity to explore some of the best places in India for its lovely weather. There is a freshness in the air and a feeling of calmness in the environment.
If you are a monsoon enthusiast or want to relish some greenery, I bring you some of the best places to visit in August- September in India to make the best of your monsoon breaks.
1. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Mahabaleshwar, a mystical hill station situated in the Sahyadri mountains, is perfect all year round, but the monsoon makes the city look extremely beautiful.
By August, temperatures would go low, around 26°C to 28°C. Days would be usually cloudy and overcast, but rainfall would be less intense. By September, rain starts to lessen, and by the end of the month, days are usually a bit sunny.
Often referred to as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra, this enchanting hill station will not disappoint you.
Top things to do
Visit Elephant’s head point, Arthur Seat Point and Lodwick Point. Click here for some of the best packages.
How to get there?
Distance from Mumbai – 232 km (6 hours) by road.
Maharashtra is magical in monsoon, bringing the lush green fields and rolling green hills alive. You can visit many places in Maharashtra during the monsoon, such Lonavala, Karjat, Malshej ghat, Nasik and likewise, but I have listed just a few in this blog. 😊
2.Bhandardhara, Maharashtra
Located on River Pravara, Bhandardara is a hill station in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra.
The place is blessed with gushing waterfalls, lush green hills and a tranquil environment.
Several treks originate from here that lead to the forests and monuments near the area.
Top places to see
Wilson dam – The most popular tourist spot. It is 750 meters above sea level.
Arthur hill lake – The lake is surrounded by forests and greenery.
Umbrella Waterfall – In the rainy season, the Wilson dam overflows, and it creates a waterfall in an umbrella shape.
Radha Falls – 10 km from Wilson dam, this is the third largest waterfall in India.
Mount Kalasubai – famous for trekking and beautiful views.
Ratangarh fort – a fort that is about 20 centuries old and provides gorgeous views of the Kalasu bai peak.
How to get there?
Distance from Mumbai –185 km (4.5 hours) and Pune 165 km is by road.
The nearest railway station is Igatpuri which is 35 km away.
3. Goa
The beauty of Goa gets better in monsoon.
If you aspire to get away from the mundane lifestyle, there is no better place than Goa.
Goa is one of the best places to visit in August if you are looking for dense greenery and off-season.
Top things to do
Witness the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Drive up the ghats
Take long walks on the quiet beaches
Explore the forts
Visit Chorao and Divar Island (Link)
Sign up for a luxurious river cruise at Mandovi River
Enjoy the local cuisine
4. Jaipur, Rajasthan
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, has always intrigued me with its tale of grand palaces, magnificent forts, colourful bazaars, exquisite temples and vibrant life.
Although August is considered the wettest month in the city, the monsoon is brief in Jaipur. You get to enjoy fewer tourists and services at discounted rates.
Moreover, a popular festival is celebrated by the locals during this month- Teej which occurs during August. You would see local bazaars lighted up, sweet shops selling traditional sweets like Ghevar in different varieties as well as dance and music performances by local artists.
Top Places to see
Visit the Amber Palace
Hawa Mahal
Nahargarh Fort
Jal Mahal
Albert Hall Museum
City Palace.
How to get there?
By Air: Jaipur International airport is the nearest.
By Road: Jaipur has good connectivity to major cities. Here’s a quick look:
New Delhi and Jaipur: 235 km
Agra and Jaipur: 220 km
Ajmer and Jaipur: 130 km
Bikaner and Jaipur: 327 km
Udaipur and Jaipur: 394 km.
5. Coorg, Karnataka
Adorned with green patches of tea gardens and aromatic plantations, Coorg is one of the best places to visit in August-September in India.
Coorg experiences monsoon from June to September, and let me tell you that the area receives heavy showers. Having said that, Coorg’s beauty rises manifolds during monsoon.
If you love rain, then Coorg will be a delight for you.
Top Places to See/Things to do
Irupa Falls
Madikeri Fort
Catch stunning views at Raja’s Seat
Go rafting in the Barapole River
Trek to the Chelavara falls
Visit Namdroling Nyingmpa Monastery
Visit the coffee plantation (Please wear long rubber boots if you’re willing to take a walk amidst the greenery)
How to get there?
By Air: The closest international airport is Mangalore International Airport. Coorg is 140 km away from the airport. For domestic airport, Mysore airport is 120 km from Coorg. If you are coming from Bangalore airport, the distance is 286 km.
By Road: If you are thinking of driving down, here’s a quick look at the distances between Coorg and some major nearby cities:
Mysore and Coorg: 107 kilometres
Ooty and Coorg: 236 kilometres
Mangalore and Coorg: 138 kilometres
Bangalore and Coorg: 265 kilometres.
6. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
Valley of flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places to visit in August-September. It is nestled at a height of around 3000 meters and opens to the public from June to October every year.
In August, you’ll see flowers bloom in the Valley, which is nothing short of a surreal experience.
The highest number of flowers start blooming around the second week of August.
The Valley of flowers is the ultimate destination to experience magic executed by Mother Nature.
This detailed guide will help you know more about Valley of Flowers.
Top things to do
Trekking in the Valley of Flowers.
Visit Hemkund Sahib. Many peaks bound the Hemkund lake, reflecting in the clear water, making it look even more beautiful. However, there are chances of roadblocks in August. So do a prior check before visiting Hemkund Sahib in August.
Visit Nanda Devi National Park
Soak into this paradise by strolling.
How to get there?
By Air – The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun. The airport is well connected by daily flights to Delhi.
By Train – Rishikesh is the nearest railway station. Taxis and buses are available from here to reach Govindghat.
By Road – Motorable roads is connected upto Pulna village (4 kms from Govindghat). Thereafter, you have to trek 13 kms to reach Valley of Flowers.
7. Ladakh
Ladakh has always been a trending destination amongst travellers. Words cannot do justice to the beauty of Ladakh.
From quenching motorcyclists’ thirst to offering spirituality to those seeking peace, Ladakh is perfect for all.
If you want to avoid excessive crowds, this is one of the best places to visit in August.
Top places to see
Pangong Tso Lake
Thiksey Monastery
Markha Valley
Nubra Valley
Tso Moriri lake
Magnetic hill
Zanskar valley
How to get there?
There are mainly two ways to reach the capital city, Leh.
By Air – The closest airport is Bakula Rimpochee, which is 4 km away from Leh. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is well connected with many international airports in India, like Delhi
By road – From Delhi, there are two best routes- either the Manali route or the Srinagar route. Go via Manali (Himachal Pradesh) 430 km or Srinagar (Kashmir) 411 km.
8. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Image credit – Himachal travel beats
If heaven were a place on earth, it would look exactly like Spiti.
Nestled in the northeastern part of Himachal, Spiti Valley in August boasts pleasant weather and views as the layers of snow have melted away.
So, if you have been looking for the best places to visit in August in Himachal Pradesh, you can add Spiti Valley to the list.
Top places to see / things to do
Baralacha pass
World’s highest post office
Buddhist Monasteries
Suraj Tal
Go river rafting for a thrilling experience
Go trekking.
How to get there?
By Air – The nearest airport is Bhuntar, near Kullu. Spiti valley is about 245 km away.
By Train – There are various options. The nearest railway station is Jogindernagar, which is 360 km away. To reach this station, you’ll have to reach Pathankot and board a toy train that will drop you at Jogindernagar.
By Road – You can drive to Spiti either from Manali (177 km) or Shimla (455 kms). Spiti valley is accessible throughout the year though from Shimla via Kinnaur (except for occasional disturbances due to landslides or heavy snowfall).
9. Kashmir
Depending upon what the travellers are looking for, whether snow or lush-green meadows, I bet Kashmir will not disappoint.
The place is encircled by majestic mountain ranges that give it a view of fairy tales.
There are serene lakes, spectacular rivers, and splendid meadows to make your trip worthwhile.
Top places to visit
Betaab valley
Gurez Valley (mid-August)
A trip to Mughal Gardens
Enjoy a breathtaking shikara ride
Try out the local cuisine.
How to get there?
By Air: Fly into Srinagar airport. Kashmir is 15 km away from the airport. One can hire a taxi.
By train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest railhead serving the beautiful Valley of Kashmir. New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, Jammu Mail and Jammu Tawi Express are some prominent trains from Delhi.
10. Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad is one of the most picturesque hill stations in Kerala!
Wayanad will leave you spell-bound whichever month you go, however, monsoon brings an extra beauty factor to the place!
The place is full of sheer greenery and will leave you mesmerised. If you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place for you! 😊
Top places to visit
Edakkal Caves – Adventure
Meenmutty waterfalls – be mesmerised by the beauty
Pookode Lake – soak into the views and grasp the greenery
Banasura Sagar Dam – take lots of pictures
Glass bridge – South India’s first glass bridge, 1000 feet above the ground.
How to get there?
By Air: The closest airport is Kozhikode airport, which is about 97 kilometres away.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kozhikode, about 110 kilometres away.
By Road: If you are thinking of driving down, here’s a quick look at the distances between Coorg and some major nearby cities:
Calicut and Wayanad: 85 kilometres
Kannur and Wayanad: 117 Kilometers
Mysore and Wayanad: 130 kilometres.
Mangalore and Wayanad: 259 kilometres
Kochi and Wayanad: 259 kilometres
Bangalore and Wayanad: 271 kilometres
11. Kodaikanal
Here’s an extra bonus!
Kodaikanal, a mesmerizing hill station in South India, captivates visitors with its lush green valleys, towering granite cliffs, picturesque grassy hills, enchanting lakes, and awe-inspiring waterfalls that leave you spellbound.
In August, Kodaikanal experiences good amount of rainfall, revitalizing the forest and water sources with new life.
Top places to visit
Kodaikanal Lake, Berijam Lake, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, Bryant Park, Green Valley View, Chettiar Park and more.
If you need more inspiration for what to do in Kodaikanal, be sure to bookmark my Kodaikanal itinerary. You’ll find everything that is needed for your Kodaikanal trip!
That’s a wrap! Which destination would you choose for your next long weekend? 😉
Are you looking for a customised itinerary? Let’s connect at alawyersvoyage@gmail.com Or on Instagram
You may also like to read “15 Offbeat Places in India that you would love to visit “
