Must Visit Western Ghats in India During Monsoon

Western Ghats in Monsoons

In India, the monsoon season is the much-awaited time of the year. The fresh bout of showers is the farmers’ lifeline and tourists’ delight. As the farmers get ready to sow their seeds, travel enthusiasts start making plans for their next trip. While there are many places in India that you can visit during the monsoon, none better than the western ghats, also known as the Sahyadri mountain ranges.

These mighty ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, come alive during the monsoon. Stretching from Gujarat, they run through many states parallel to the west coast of India till the southernmost tip. From enthralling trekking trails to long drives, replete with lush greenery, and the scenic views for company, there are many places to visit in Western Ghats in monsoon that would give you a memorable experience.

Munnar, Kerala 

Munnar is one of the best Western Ghats places to visit. Nestled comfortably amidst the Western Ghats in Kerala, the alluring beauty of this place is like no other you may have seen anywhere in India.  

During the monsoons, the rains fill up the nearby rivulets to the brim and decorate the hills with beautiful waterfalls, making your drive up to the hills thrilling and mesmerising in equal measures. You can spend as many days as you want admiring the natural beauty that surrounds you all around and yet you would never be bored.  

Things to do in Munnar in monsoon:

• Visit tea plantations
• Trek through misty hills
• Enjoy a relaxing spa session and Ayurvedic therapies

Where to Stay – Club Mahindra Munnar and Club Mahindra Mount Serene

Ponmudi Hills, Kerala 

Ponmudi Hills, which literally translates to ‘Golden Peak’ in the local language, is a quaint hill station near the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. Being part of the mighty Western Ghats, these mesmerising hills get covered in a thick coat of greenery during the monsoon, which is a treat to the eyes.  

People come here to quench their thirst for adventure as there are many thrilling activities to do. The narrow hairpin bends are sure to give you the thrill while driving your way up to the top, making it one of the best places to visit in the Western Ghats.  

Also, there are many trekking trails, which may be quite challenging for amateurs. But it is worth taking on the challenge as the pleasant climate and the stunning view from the top would be worth it.

Things to do in Ponmudi Hills in monsoon:

• Visit the picturesque Golden Valley
• Walk through the mist-covered tea plantations
• Explore Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Trek in the forests

Kakkabe, Karnataka 

Perched at the base of the Western Ghats in Coorg district in Karnataka, Kakkabe is one of the lesser-known hill stations, making it an excellent monsoon getaway where you can enjoy natural beauty sans the crowd. This region is known for being home to the dense rainforest that boasts some of the rarest plants, orchids, and avifauna that you may not find anywhere else in India.  

If you are an adventure lover, you will surely love visiting this place as there are many scenic trekking trails here. From the top, you get the most amazing view of the vast coastline and valley below. It is best advised to visit this place between September and October to enjoy the best monsoon travel experience. One of the best Western Ghats tourist places, a visit here during monsoon is a must!

Things to do in Kakkabe in monsoon:

• Visit Chelavara Falls and Mallalli Falls
• Take a guided tour of the coffee plantations
• Explore the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna
• Take the Tadiandamol Trek

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 

One of the most popular places to visit in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is a bustling hill station located in the Satara district. It is a popular monsoon getaway for people living in Mumbai and Pune as they come here to revel in its abundant natural beauty that seems photogenic from every angle.  

There are many spots here that are a must visit, including Arthur's seat, the Parsi Point, Elephant head point, the Mapro gardens where you can gorge on some delicious strawberry milkshakes, juices, ice creams and more. The place is every nature lover’s delight during the monsoon season.  

Things to do in Mahabaleshwar in monsoon:

• Boating at Venna Lake
• Explore Mapro Gardens
• Trek to Pratapgad Fort
• Visit Table Land

Where to Stay – Club Mahindra Sherwood and Club Mahindra Saj Mahabaleshwar

Lonavala, Maharashtra 

Every year, the monsoon paints the hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala green and adorns it with many cascading waterfalls. These twin towns in the Western Ghats are often engulfed in the dark cover of the clouds, which is a sight to behold. Many tourists from all over Maharashtra and nearby states come to enjoy the pleasant weather. Also, there are many things to do in monsoon, which keeps the tourists enthralled and busy all day. There are plenty of restaurants and eateries that serve delectable food. You can enjoy the rain while sipping some hot masala tea and gorging on fresh pakoras or vada pav. Visit the many popular tourist points to get a stunning view of the valley and the hills around, which also make for a perfect background to click some epic pictures.  

Things to do in Lonavala in monsoon:

• Visit Bhushi Dam
• Trek to popular spots like Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort, or Duke's Nose to enjoy breathtaking views
• Explore Karla and Bhaja Caves
• Head to popular viewpoints like Lion's Point and Shooting Point

Where to Stay – Club Mahindra Tungi ResortIn conclusion, the Western Ghats offer a plethora of enchanting destinations to explore during the monsoon season, creating a truly magical experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The top five places to visit in this region during the rainy season are truly wonders of the monsoon. Exploring these monsoon wonders not only provides a refreshing break from the city's hustle and bustle but also allows one to connect with nature's majesty. The Western Ghats truly come alive during the rainy season, revealing their hidden treasures and showcasing the region's natural splendour in all its glory.