Places to visit in the Western Ghats during monsoon

Monsoon is that time of the year when the weather is unpredictable, people prefer being indoors and is often referred as off season. Many destinations receive very few visitors and numerousresorts and hotels remain shut. However, there are certain places in India which are ideal to visit during the rains. Western Ghats that spreads itself from the southern end of Kerala to Gujarat cutting across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra is best explored during the months from June to September. This is the period when hills are wrapped in lush greenery, waterfalls gush through the forests, colourful flowers bloom and the whole ecosystem comes alive.

Below are a few of the places to visit in the Western Ghats during the rainy season. These are not located far from the big cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kochi, and there are frequent cheap flights to these cities from other parts of the country.

Malshej Ghat

Located in Maharashtra at height of more than 700 meters, Malshej ghat slowly turns into a land of lush valleys, mist covered peaks, fresh mountain air, beautiful flora and avian fauna during the monsoon. Known for its numerous waterfalls and trekking trails, this land turns into a picturesque frame with myriad shades of green. Apart from the numerous flamingoes that flock to the Pimpalgaon dam here, there are a few other attractions such as Shivneri fort, Malshej falls and Harishchandragad.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is one of the popular hill stations in the Western Ghats and is a short drive away from both Mumbai and Pune. Apart from its numerous vantage points, green hills and valleys, Mahabaleshwar is known for its strawberries. Kate’s view point, Needle point, Arthur’s seat, Elphinstone’s point, Wilson point and Venna lake are some of the attractions that offer scenic views.

Satara

The district of Satara in Maharashtra is home to the gorgeous Kaas plateau that comes alive as the monsoon comes to an end. The plateau is a UNESCO world heritage site and sees a bed of flowers blooming during this season. Kaas lake, Shivsagar lake, Thoseghar waterfalls, Sajjangad fort and Windmills of Chalkewadi are the other major attractions in Satara.

Sagara

In the hinterlands of Karnataka lies the nondescript town of Sagara, which is a short drive away from Jog falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the country. Monsoon is the time to see this falls at its glorious best. Covered in mist, this is the second highest plunge waterfalls in the country. Apart from Jog falls, Sagara is also known for Linganamakki dam, adventure camp at Honemardu and Sharavathi wildlife sanctuary.

Agumbe

Often referred as the Cherrapunji of the south, Agumbe is located in Shimoga district of Karnataka. Known for its numerous waterfalls such as Barkana falls, Onake Abbi falls, Jogigundi falls, Koodlu Theertha falls and Sirimane falls, Agumbe receives incessant rains during the monsoons. Agumbe also has a rainforest research station and a conservation centre for king cobras. The place is also home to numerous fauna and flora species.

Valparai

Located in the Annaimalai hills, Valparai remains a delight during the rains. The sprawling Aliyar dam, Monkey falls and the gorgeous vistas are the major pit stops as you snake your way up this hill station in Tamil Nadu. Undulating tea gardens and meandering roads greet you at Valparai. The vantage points offer magnificent views of mist wrapped hills and valleys here.

Vythiri

Engulfed by mist and intermittent rains, Vythiri turns into a surreal land during the monsoon. The hills and valleys turn lush green in this tiny town in Wayanad. The lakes such as Pookote and Karalad swell and Soochipara waterfalls look gorgeous.  Add to that the breathtakingly beautiful views of Thamarassery ghats and what Vythiri offers is sheer delight during the rainy season.

Nelliyampathy

Numerous small waterfalls greet you as you wind your way up to Nelliyampathy in Kerala. Tucked away deep in the Western Ghats, this is a fairly less explored hill station and its charm lies in the same. The vantage points such as Seetharkund and Keshavanpara offer magnificent views of the valleys, Pothundy dam and green hills.  The place is laced with both tea and coffee plantations.

Vagamon

A short drive away from Kochi, Vagamon is one of the pristine destinations in Idukki district. Vagamon doesn’t offer a list of things to see or do. Instead, the place is ideal to take in the fresh mountain air, walk through the mist, gaze at the hills and stroll through plantations.  Monsoon is the right time to enjoy this windy and misty hill station.


P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Cleartrip.