Monsoon is the biggest worry for a travel planner. After July except Leh-Ladakh and Lahaul Spiti and to some extent Kashmir, every other destination has a rain threat looming large. Let’s look at a few destinations that are good in monsoon and especially visited during monsoon:
Pachmarhi
Only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi, a colonial era Plateau, comes alive in monsoon when number of waterfalls abound the area and is a very relaxing and pleasing site to be here. 3-4 nights can be easily spent. Guests have even spent 6 nights, trekking, visiting temples, waterfalls and just walking around.
Coorg
It rains here but the rain is pleasurable. Driving around coffee plantations in Coorg in rains is an experience. There are homestays, there are resorts there are plantation stays. This is excellent option for ex-Bangalore getaway and also ex-Mumbai flight getaway (Via Mangalore).
Coastal Karnataka
Doesn’t it rain on the coastal side? It does but this is where Jog falls is at its best. This is an excellent ex-Goa circuit for visiting idyllic beaches, ancient temples and Jog falls.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra may be an unexciting place to visit as compared to other destinations all through the year but during monsoon small getaway destinations like Lonavala, Malshej, Amboli, Bhandardara, Saputara (Gujarat border), Koyna, all come alive. Those who want to experience persistent rainfall and 100% humidity experience, Matheran and Mahabaleshwar are the options to visit. Here nothing dries for months!
Uttarakhand
It never rains too much here and so lake districts of Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal become haven for a monsoon getaway. Corbett, even though main gates are closed for summer, Jhirna and Sitabani ranges are open and besides wildlife one can enjoy a wonderful riverside experience and even some seasonal rafting.
How does one minimize risk of cancellations on account of vagaries of weather? Let’s look at a few strategies:
Limited Planning
Monsoon brings in uncertainly. So for a destination like Pachmarhi it may make sense to just book train tickets in advance and book hotels closer to the dates. For other destination it may make sense to book flights only a few days before date of travel after checking out weather trends.
Shorter Trips
Longer trips in monsoon means that any part of the trip you may be stuck in a monsoon spell (Monsoon typically falls heavily in spells). So it’s best to plan a short break (5-6 nights).
Cancellations
Hotels are more reasonable (as compared to peak season) during Monsoon in terms of cancellation. Most hotels are ok with a postponement and utilization of credit in future. Some Govt. tourism hotels such as ones in Pachmarhi, one has to understand cancellation policy in advance and then do bookings and make payments.
Understand Seasonality
It’s a common misnomer that Monsoon is non-peak for all sectors and hotels are crying for business. It is true for a few sectors but for monsoon specific destinations, weekends become peak season when local getawayers arrive in big numbers and therefore it’s important to book these well in advance.
Long Weekends
Long weekends falling during monsoon (e.g. Independence Day weekend) have time and again proved bumper holiday seasons and hoteliers increase rates and it’s impossible to get rooms in a week in advance.
